No Pattern Knits Simple Modular Techni

by Pat Ashforth

Here's a knitting book with a difference. It shows and tells how to leave patterns aside and make beautiful clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes. Following the modular—or no-pattern—method, knitters can forget about complicated increases and decreases, and they won't have to labor over an intricate pattern book. Instead, they learn how to create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves, and ponchos using just a few easy-to-learn stitches. Step-by-step color photos instruct on knitting geometric shapes, then on joining them together to create stylish garments. Each stage of the no-pattern process is explained and supplemented with advice on measuring and calculating yarn requirements, as well as on creative ways to mix and match colors and shapes. The authors present ten easy-to-follow projects for making items knitters will be proud to wear or give as gifts. Also featured are suggested variations on each project plus advice on how needlecrafters can create their own unique designs. “No-Pattern Knits” is a how-to volume that belongs on every knitter's bookshelf. Approximately 250 color photos.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modular knitting is an interesting idea and a good one to have in your back pocket, I just find the end products to be frequently unattractive, lol. There certain places and ways it looks really good, so I'm glad I borrowed the book from the library to get an idea of the techniques, and obviously other people will disagree and will like the way they look, so your milage may vary.
The book does a good job of explaining it all and showing how to do it.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good in theory—it's always good to know how to design your own pieces—but the projects included aren't very attractive. Even when you design and knit a garment out of basic geometric shapes, there's a lot of finessing that could be done to add interest while stitching to the modular theme and that just isn't addressed here. The only sweater presented is basically T-shaped and, if one knows garment construction, you'll know that there will be an uncomfortable wad of fabric under each armpit because of the shape of the piece. I've seen some beautiful things made with modular shapes, so it can be done, but there aren't any great examples of that here. The technical instructions are good, though.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy is not a hardcover version and it is simply called "Modular Knitting" - it is paperback type and is printed by Search Press. I however cannot really be bothered to put this on the database so am using this one which is by and large the same book. Certainly the cover is the same.

Its an okay book but I think I am better placed to following patterns rather than being left to my own devices. Its good however for learning about shaping without a pattern so all is not lost I guess. I have had this book for a long time so thought it should be shelved..

[Lee]

I normally get knitting books from the library now, and then just save the patterns in my notebook to use. But I'll actually probably buy this one. It seems like it'll be pretty handy, and it's definitely something I'll need to reference back to more than just pattern notes like with normal knitting books. Very interesting, hopefully I'll make cool stuff with these ideas.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Variety

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun book if you enjoy math and knitting. Endless possibilities!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept for this knitting book was interesting, and I thought they did a fairly good job of explaining their method. They spent a lot of pages on the different shapes you could knit. I would have liked more examples of things they had knitted without a pattern. The pictures of the items they did have were okay, but nothing that caught my eye. I might recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I will admit I didn't really read it cover-to-cover.
But it appears, after my reading of the firs few pages, reviewing the patterns, etc., to be an okay to good source for thinking about modular knits.

Unfortunately, I think I was turned off by amount of sewing (duh), finishing never being one of my strong points.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the knitting of geometric shapes fascinating, but I find the garments created from the shapes not very aesthetic. But I'd like to get this from the library again to practice making cool shapes. ;)

[Tilden · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting premise with very detailed instructions on how to make many many different shapes. The few patterns it did have weren't particularly good looking. This would appeal to my math friends.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expanded version of the ideas covered in Woolly Thoughts with full color picture how-tos for creating shapes to make designs. One of my absolute favorites amongst my knitting books.