The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches

by Eleanor Van Zandt (Editor), Reader's Digest Association

Detailed, step-by-step instructions are included in this guide, which is organized by stitch texture. 900+ vivid photos & illustrations.

Genres: Knitting, Crochet, Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction, Ebooks

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2003

Reviews

[Chris]

Borrowed from the library. I don’t crochet but if you do, I imagine this is the stitch bible to have. About 160 pages of knit stitches and 110 of crochet. The book features an extensive index and a medium-detailed table of contents.

There are usually 3 or 4 or 5 patterns per page so this book is very dense. Swatches are in a variety of colors so it’s interesting to look at, although photo print quality could be better on some pages. I really like that the resulting fabrics are broken out into medium and heavy weight patterns. There is a small section of edging as well which is a great feature.

Row instructions start anew on each line (I.e. not written in paragraph format). “Row x” is bolded each time so it’s easy to keep place. There are no charts which does not bother me but could be a deal breaker for some.

Published by the Readers Digest folks in 2003 so this is one of the older stitchionaries.

[Two Readers in Love]

An extremely useful resource with well-described stitches including information on degree of difficulty, stitch repeat numbers (e.g. staring chain: multiple of 12 stitches plus 3), drape. Knit and crochet patterns are divided by weight (medium, heavyweight, lace, panel, edgings, and motifs.) Each section also introduces you to the basics of knitting and crochet, making for a handy reference when you can't remember how to do a certain technique.

I'm researching two unique crochet projects at the moment, so I particularly liked:

- pp. 259-261 Letterform filet crochet
- p. 264 Floral Trellis stitch
- p. 285 Rows of Flowers
- p. 312 Egyptian Edging
- p. 315 Little Fans Edging

[Knitology]

An essential guide for all knitters and crocheters-the most extensive, varied, and authoritative collection of stitches ever brought together. Comprehensive and uniquely organized by stitch texture, this hands-on guide features detailed step-by-step instructions and vivid photographs of over 900 individual stitches.

[Susana789]

Presne ako hovorí názov: vzorkovnica. S foto dokumentáciou, ale prepis vzoriek je slovný, nie "tabuľkový" - teda do štvorčekov. Mám radšej štvorčeky, preto tri hviezdičky. Popis je v angličtine, treba si preto naštudovať skratky postupov a techník. Keďže nie je medzi jednotlivými časopismi a tradíciami jednota, začiatočníka to môže trochu zmiasť.

[Nicole Gauvin]

I use this book for knitting all the time, and although I do not crochet, I even look through the back quite often just for inspiration. This was my first knitting book and I find myself returning to it whenever I want to wing it or spice up a plain project.

[noisy penguin]

So many stitches. Holy crap.

[Vanessa Opal]

Clear and concise patterns; the Mirriam-Webster of Knitting and Crochet patterns.

[Bliss]

After more than 30 years of crocheting, I only knew a few stitches. I learned several new stitches while reading this book. I used one of them to make a cute purse for my daughter.

[Saleris]

The cover for this is the same as the Paperback version. I wish there was an option for reference books - how do you ever NOT come back to them?

[Frances]

Great tips...

[Emmalee]

An excellent reference guide.

[Carolyn McBride]

I have enjoyed this book time and time again when I want to learn a new stitch. Best, most exhaustive book yet.

[Donna Edwards]

knitting,patterns,Instruction