Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics

by Debbie Stoller

Knitters: It's time to take it to the next level. And who better than Debbie Stoller to show you how. The expert knitter and gifted, edgy author who introduced knitting to a new generation with her New York Times bestseller, Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, now shows her readers how to do more—lots more.

Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting is the only knitter's handbook to teach the full array of advanced knitting techniques and skills, such as double-knitting, knitting lace, complicated color work, beading, and more. Writing with the clarity that makes her such an effective teacher, and the attitude that got her dubbed "knitting superstar" (San Francisco Chronicle), Stoller explains how to "knit by the numbers;" get creative with stripes; embellish with crochet, beading, and I-cords; how to make cable patterns; and how to use color forms. There's also a whole section on DIY—which gives a tutorial on creating your own knitting patterns.

And then the brilliant icing on the cake—41 cool, funky, and fabulous patterns from Debbie and the Stitch 'n Bitch community: a fluttery Rococco Shawl, Cap Sleeve Lattice Sweater, Jackie-O sequined cardigan, Empire Strikes Back dress, the adorable Button It children's sweater with changeable animal patches. Plus sexy stockings, stylish handbags, blankets, scarves, and more, all photographed in full-color.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Ebooks, How To

842 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2008

About the author

Stoller is the co-founder, co-owner, and editor-in-chief of the third wave feminist, popular culture magazine Bust magazine.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book that explains German Twist cast-on (my favorite, and I've always wondered why it's not in books), and I've learned tubular cast-on (yay)! Other highlights: steeking (eek!), and lots of colorwork (which I'm itching to try). The ssk was finally explained so that I understand why it's done, even though I've been doing it for years. Debbie is just so good at explaining stuff so that I get it.

I've recently started knitting a lot more and reading a lot less (it's easier to watch the little one running around when I'm knitting, as opposed to engrossed in a story), and I've already referenced this book several times since my read-through.

[OssifrageRage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is probably the most useful of the books Stoller has put out. The instructional part is good for a wide range of people and skill levels. I like more of the patterns than I have from past books. (Plus 41 patterns, that is quite a few!)I would probably buy this book for myself and as a gift for a knitter transitioning to more advanced techniques.

[Ria F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for different knitting techniques. I taught my self to knit, in part using Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch, and use this book for more advanced help.

[Nellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For starters, I HATE the name of this series.
it does have good patterns though.

only reason I checked it out of library is that I found a started poncho in my daughter's closet with no pattern!
so I am on a quest to find the library book the pattern is in. Subject search resulted in 710 knitting books of which I have placed holds on 25.

[Heather Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve made a couple things from this and it’s a corker.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked all the advanced knitting tips—knitting with beads, steeks, etc. Lots of unique and interesting patterns.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bible for knitters, version 2. Great instruction, so funny and well written that I actually enjoy reading all the content in depth!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information, but the patterns are not for anyone XL.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the techniques are above my skill level but gives me something to strive towards.

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned to knit with the stitch 'n bitch series about a decade ago so I have a positive discrimination in general.
Always clearly written with step by step instructions, this is a book to go from beginner knitting into the more difficult color techniques with lots of sketches and photos.
There is a huge sweater making chapter to explain all the possible sleeves and sizing options. I'd wear pretty much every pattern in this collection. Tulip top (179) and The life aquatic sweater (202) is super cute!
356 pages and borrowed from the library.
3 stars

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

another one to buy, for sure. so much in-depth info that i can't make use of it all from the time a library check out gives. stoller's technical illustrations still leave me wanting more, but the text covers so much ground it's hardly a concern for me at this point. also, i love quite a few of the included patterns. hope i can get to them one day!

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent collection of techniques and patterns. Several techniques were shared for certain things, i.e. how to knit with beads. About a dozen patterns round out the book, including some cool skull patterned things. I like the snarky tone of the prose, but in general feel that it runs on too long. Still, a good addition to the world of knitting info.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great if you want to take your knitting up a knot, no pun intended. Options and suggestions for casting on and binding off, color knitting, beads and buttonholes, and other more fiddly bits for experienced knitters. Also advice for designing your own patterns, which is good, because I wasn't really inspired by the patterns included.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the patterns in the latter half of the book are really so-so, the first half - filled with really well written guides to all sorts of tricky knitting is what makes the book really useful. The hipster-y puns of the first stitch'n'bitch book continue in the pattern names and the patterns themselves, which is slightly offputting.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is better than the first book, though even together they do not add up to a complete compendium of knitting info. A lot of this is really intermediate, not advanced. The illustrations and explanations are clear, and the patterns in this book are much more attractive (to me) than the first one. I have not tried to make any of them, though.

[Lauren]

Well after a few false starts and beginner's errors, I have finished several projects from this book and am thrilled with the results. It took a little time to get used to, but perseverance is the key!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the patterns in this book! Some are still a bit advanced for me (I haven't worked up to knitting full wearable garments, like dresses and sweaters) but it has a lot of information on how to work with several different colors, intarsia knitting and lace.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Stoller's books are fantastic in learning new techniques, those alone were worth the cost of the book. The patterns are also fantastic, separated into sections based upon the techniques (beading, lace, etc.)

[Katey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you lack a local knitting sensei, get Debbie Stoller. She won't be there to hold your hand, but she does explain things better than any other writer that I've found. Her best book yet with scrumptious patterns, which are also clear and well written.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

the patterns are pretty and well written, but not for me. the only one i liked was the bunny chart for the blanket.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that Debbie Stoller explains the technical stuff clearly. But I'm disappointed that some of the patterns are available online for free.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just got this for Xmas... Time to take my knitting to the next level I guess. That's what I get for knitting socks for my sister for christmas!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie has done it again! Intarsia explained in a FINALLY understandable way - another witty book with AMAZING patterns - I can't wait to make the lotus bag and the bunny baby blanket.

[Nanci]

Lots of great patterns, about 15 that I would like to make. I would like to own a copy of this one. Many more advanced techniques for the intermediate knitter are clearly explained.

Recommended.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic follow on from the first book. Makes the techniques look so easy! Some fantastic project patterns too!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am so tempted to buy this one, the explanations of complicated techniques are great!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the patterns are ones I could see making. Especially the Dutch skirt. And the instructions at the front are great: always nice to see books that go beyond the basics.

[Hag of the Dribble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great patterns for the experienced knitter. I think I may have to purchase this one!