Double Knitting: Reversible Two-Color Designs

by M'Lou Baber

The fascinating technique of Double Knitting produces a two-faced, negative-image fabric. This style of knitting has been simplified by the author to enable you to work both sides in a single pass. M'Lou's stunning designs for coats, jackets, and shawls are all easily accessible through detailed charts as well as written instructions. An extensive technical section along with a chapter of assorted practice items will help you fall into the rhythm of this increasingly popular type of hand-knitting.

Genres: Knitting

Paperback

First published October 24, 2008

Reviews

[Minnesinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The jacket designs in this book are absolutely stunning, especially “Central Park Coat” and “The Far East”. Since they are doubleknit, expect them to be heavier than single-layer cardigans. These designs are also longer than the average cardigan, so they really are more like coats than jackets.

There are smaller, simpler projects as well for those who are new to double-knitting and just want to dip a toe in. Several of these smaller projects have animal motifs, like a squirrel potholder or a cat bag which would be cute for kids. Normally I’m not wild about animal-anything, but these are all tasteful.

There is a wide variety of designs and range of projects, from simple 2-color colorblock potholder to multicolor fairisle shawl.

This is a really gorgeous book, published by Schoolhouse Press—owned by Meg Swanson, daughter of legendary Elizabeth Zimmerman and knitting legend in her own right. Think QUALITY.

If you don’t own this book now but think you might like to, I would urge you to get it soon, because the pub date is 2008 and it will only become harder to find.

You can find more photos in the book’s record* on Ravelry.com, but you’ll have to create a free account first. (If you’re a serious knitter, you probably already have an account!)
NOTE: You can also find links on Ravelry to pattern corrections.

I recommend this for all public library collections.

(* https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sour...)

[Susan Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much fun. Beyond my skill set, but, perhaps on the purchase list.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite a beginner friendly book, and the instructions on getting started are quite sparse, but aren't those coats stunning.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally grasp what this whole double-knitting thing is about: thick, reversible fabric with inverted colors on the inside.

The author starts with a basic review and clear instructions on how to do double-knitting. The beginning has some useful practice patterns including coasters or pot holders (and a cat pattern).

Then there is a collection of more complex patterns. My favorite pattern is on the cover of the book (Crop Circles), because some of the other patterns look a tad old-fashioned to me, or a bit busy. The garments produced from this technique are only for winter--since are basically double-thickness. I don't know if I'd wind up wearing them much in my moderate climate, although you never know. The Mary, Mary Quite Contrary shawl is very pretty.

[notgettingenough]

I'm just SO tempted to make a couple of these...just not sure how much I can mess around with the yarn. I'd want them to be smaller, but how to change the stitch gauge without affecting the row gauge...hmmmm. I'm nervous already.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double knitting is a technique that I was interested to learn. I got this book based on favorable reviews. The instructions are easy to follow. Looking forward to creating new projects based on ideas and techniques provided in this book.

[Kristine]

Very distinctive patterns. Not exactly my style. The idea of double knitting is cool but I'm not sure what I'd make that I'd want double thickness. I do like the motifs used in the Central Park.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow...I gotta try this stuff!

[Nicole Cerklewich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little beyond my skill level at this point but when I'm ready for a new challenge I'll be all over this technique. There's some great patterns to look at and dream...someday...

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

still plan to make the Central Park Jacket!