The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting

by Rae Compton

Knitters of all skill levels will find this volume an excellent source of design inspiration as well as a guide to techniques and patterns from around the world. In addition to familiar traditions—those of Shetland, Fair Isle, Faroe, and Aran—it features the lesser-known styles of Norway, Greece, Turkey, and other countries.
Historic plates, photographs, diagrams, and pattern charts illustrate this guide. Each chapter offers tips on special techniques, stitch patterns, and examples of traditional work. Complete instructions for thirteen garments include patterns for an Austrian waistcoat, an Estonian stole, an Icelandic sweater, a Shetland shawl, and a Swedish cap.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1983

Reviews

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive overview of the history and traditional techniques of knitting in Shetland and Fairisle, Britain, Aran, Iceland and Faroe Islands, Sweden, Norway, Central Europe, East and West, and also includes a chapter entitled Northern Lace. There are a few colour plates, but primarily the photographs and illustrations are black and white. They are clear and illustrative. There is so much information I am amazed that Compton fit it all within 192 pages (including index). There are colourwork and lace stitch patterns and samples of traditional finished garments. Explanations of yarn choices in tradition are explained and techniques that fall directly within the tradition as well, for example, the Lapp technique to provide a contrast cuff on a mitten. However it is not a stuffy volume. There are some patterns included but they may befuddle the modern knitter who is used to a new standard in abbreviation and convention in layout. Most specifically YON, 'yarn over needle' may cause concern and the lace is not charted. I recommend this book for the knitter interested in the international history and traditions of knitting. The two page bibliography is delightful.