Making Mathematics with Needlework: Ten Papers and Ten Projects

by Sarah-Marie Belcastro (Editor)

Mathematical craftwork has become extremely popular, and mathematicians and crafters alike are fascinated by the relationship between their crafts. The focus of this book, written for mathematicians, needleworkers, and teachers of mathematics, is on the relationship between mathematics and the fiber arts (including knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, and quilting). Each chapter starts with an overview of the mathematics and the needlework at a level understandable to both mathematicians and needleworkers, followed by more technical sections discussing the mathematics, how to introduce the mathematics in the classroom through needlework, and how to make the needlework project, including patterns and instructions.

Genres: Knitting, Mathematics, Nonfiction, Crafts, Science, Crochet

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Wifey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is deadly serious. If you're interested in Mandelbrot sets, Möbius strips, Diophantine equations, or you've ever wondered how ssk k2tog k2 yo translates into a x/y axis, you've found your new favorite book. Making Mathematics with Needlework is set up like a textbook, each chapter starts with an overview and then throughly explores the mathematics involved (equations included) before incorporating a needlework project. (quilting, knitting, embroidery, ect.) If you're anything like me, obsessed with needle craft, you're already a nerd, and you might as well embrace this book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nerdy and cool. Ten projects are described, but each chapter also has a substantial math section (a lot of graph theory, symmetry, and topology, most of which I was not able to understand) and some suggestions for classroom applications. Quilting, blackwork, cross-stitch, crochet, and knitting are represented, with more knitting than anything else. Reading this book helped me think about the mathematics of knitting, which I never had before. The color photos and figures are beautiful, as is the design and layout of the chapters.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have zero needlework experience and didn't take math past calculus-- I love this book. I had no idea that playing with paper Mobius bands could be so much fun. Let your sweater be a system with variants.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's crafting. It's math. Need I mention that I'm a complete dork?

I would have preferred it all be knitting, as I don't quilt or do much counted cross-stitch. But all the math still fascinates me, and I can't wait to try knitting a torus.

[Dobarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have higher level math on my needles!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Topology is not my math strength, so some of the math sections were over my head. And most (all) of the needlework is beyond my negligable skill. But the explanation portions were a good middle ground. Well done, even if I am somewhat outside their target demographics.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conference proceedings with patterns. I did not so much read this one cover-to-cover but more went through. There is a whole lot in here for those interested in math and needlework.

[KristenR]

510.71 B426

[Scarlett Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a math-loving knitter, I absolutely had to get this book! After reading it, I'm not sure whether I'll make any of the projects, which run from quilting and knitting to blackwork embroidery and cross-stitch. However, I really enjoyed reading about the mathematics that goes into such work. The people who practice needle arts are constantly doing math and illustrating mathematical principles, whether or not they realize it. A note to the wary: the mathematics gets very technical. It is easy to skim over parts you don't understand, like I did, but for people who are afraid of math it might be a bit overwhelming. Each section also contains teaching ideas for classes of all ages. I'm also looking forward to perusing the notes section for more interesting books.

The audience for this book is incredibly specific, but if you fit into the category I would recommend Making Mathematics with Needlework.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome.

It's about the shape and size of a picture book- and it does have many pretty pictures!- but there was also enough math in there to keep me excited. I'm not going to be doing any of the patterns, but some of the chapters (especially the one about cellular automata!) are influencing some of my projects.

It's everything I was expecting from Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes, except not limited to crocheting or to geometry, with lots more patterns, and giving a taste of many different fields.

Bonus: I finally bothered to learn what a simplex is.

[Bonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I knit socks I'm fascinated by the mathematics of it - cast on 100%, knit the heel flap on 50%, pick up 25% for the gusset, decrease back to 100%, decrease down to 30% for the toe and kitchener. So much of knitting uses math (gauge!), and Carolyn Yackel explains the math with all types of needlework in a thorough, entertaining and educational way. I can do math and I can do needlework, but this book has really helped me see math with needlework.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just honestly the best way to put me in a nutshell.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought there would be more knitting. I am going to reread this tonight so I can make some Torus. Hmm. Knitting...Why don't have time to knit AND READ!!!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy of this arrived today, and it is filled with geeky goodness. Quilted mobius strips, fractal shawls, knitted tori, symmetries of all kinds..I can't wait to get started.

[Crysta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too mathy for me, sadly, and therefore far more than I could make use of with my middle schoolers (which was my hope heading into it). But a super resource for higher level math folks.

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These people are amazing! Very cool projects and interesting math--a bit advanced for me, but still fascinating. I love that fiber arts and the sciences are being combined this way.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read over a longer period of time, and finished on the listed date.)

[Darkpool]

Sigh, had to take it back to the library again. Have had it for weeks, but too many other distractions. Read the blackwork section because I have a strong interest in that area, but apart from that only really read the mobius chapter. Looked at the pictures a lot tho.