The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

by Ann Budd

Offering charts and plans for making infant- through adult-sized projects, this unique book provides knitters with a complete resource of more than 350 patterns for caps, tams, scarves, vests, sweaters, mittens, gloves, and socks that are written for multiple gauges to accommodate all weights of yarn from bulky to fingering. Also included are the basics of pattern design and alteration to allow for the addition of different types of texture and color patterns or the modification of existing patterns to accommodate more gauges. Patterns are also accompanied by an assortment of ideas for edgings and finishes, further expanding design options.

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

112 pages, Spiral-bound

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Elizabeth Theiss Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at best an advanced beginning knitter who spends about an hour a day working away at patterns marked easy that are anything but for my paltry skill level. Finding easy, simple patterns is no easy task. So this book is perfect! These are simple projects that can be adapted for complexity if the knitter chooses (I don’t). The knitter can choose the project and then work out the correct number of stitches based on yarn and gauge. I especially appreciate the two-page, crystal clear instructions for determining the gauge. Once you know that, you can use Budd’s clever tables to create your own pattern for the size you want. Ingenious!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book often, love to be able to design my own stuff by using the charts and instructions.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super handy reference for basic knitwear design. It feels like cheating, so I choose gratitude to Ms. Budd for doing the math. Sure, the shaping alterations, and the color & texture choices are my own, but let's celebrate the shortcuts! This book is suitable for beginning knitters, although it's still important to understand the form and function—how the stitches are made, and the garment is constructed—to get the most out of this guide.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have for your knitting library

[Jeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with so many possibilities!

[Dara Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for knitting! Not a beginner's book though unless you can learn something as complex as knitting from written instructions and illustrations.

[Lynne Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I got this book. I can never find gloves that fit -- my palms are broad and my fingers are short (I say I've got square hands), and the fingers on mass-produced gloves are always too long for me. So the first thing I did was to make myself a pair of gloves. And they fit! And they weren't hard to make, either! That alone was worth the price of the book, to me.

Like Budd's other books in her Knitter's Handy Book series, this one provides you with directions for multiple basic knitted items in every gauge and size. She also provides some tips for making each item your own. It's a great book that every knitter should have in his or her library.

[Anne Hawn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for every knitter to have. You can start with any of the various patterns for sweaters, hats, mittens and socks in several weights of yarn and then use your own stitch patterns to personalize the project. There are guidelines for each type of pattern and suggestions for modifications. You can see some wonderful yarn and know that you can make something using this very handy book. There are plenty of fitting suggestions also, so you can always get a perfect fit.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great knitting book... gives you a basic pattern and lets you design everything else yourself. It makes it really easy to use up that wonderful yarn that you don't have a project for. Knit a swatch, check your gauge and you are ready to go. I've made three hats so far.. one Fibonacci sequence, one based off of an Ethiopian scroll, and one with a cute little top knot.

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The patterns are simple and this book is exactly what it says. It's a good book to start with, learning how to knit sweaters, mittens, gloves, hats. The layout is a bit confusing, too busy and captions/titles would have made the instructions more clear. Ann Budd is a good designer/drafter to start your knitting adventure with.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a basic pattern with measurements to help make the item and make it to fit. Love this book and would buy it in heart beat if my library wasn't so nice about their loan policy (can keep it for a long time as long as no one else wants it).

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interweave is known for quality needlework books and this is no exception. Easy to read patterns in a large variety of styles, sizes and gauges in most knitted garments. Awesome. Made the socks and plain sweater so far, both in worsted weight yarn.

[samcatbear · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the Handy Book of Sweaters, a great knitting resource. I feel the patterns in this are a touch dated, and the hats aren't to my taste, but still an excellent go-to for basic patterns to use as a springboard for projects.

[Anthony Diodato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent book for "designing" your own hand knitted items. Give generic measurements and possible design elements. As a knitter, I found her information invaluable when I could not find a pAttern I liked and made my own!

[Susana789 · Rating 3 out of 5]

V knihe sú základné tipy, niekoľko postupov pre začiatočníkov. žiadne sofistikované či modernejšie ladené výstupy, ale úplný základ. To je výhoda a zároveň nevýhoda. Pre kontemporárnejší dizajn sa treba pozerať niekde inde.

[Amberjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic reference for basic pattern shapes.

[Ann Johnson Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear instructions for basic shapes, in an endless (seemingly) array of gauges and sizes. I've used this over and over whenever I'm after basic a silhouette to get creative with.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Invaluable. I want to be on "every" page but Goodreads won't let me.

[Tsimplekelly]

I have seen this book and coveted it, but have yet to buy it. Would be a great resource

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recipe for about everything you'd ever want to knit. My copy is rather wounded from heavy use.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been useful in knitting a vest for my husband. A great overall reference.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do need to own a copy of this book. It is so helpful.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

an indispensible guide! I use it all the time.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am just learning and this seemed helpful and a little over my head all at the same time!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly practical. A great go-to book when you want a basic pattern for the yarn you have on hand. Just knit up a swatch, check your gauge and off you go!

[Kelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-have for every knitter's library.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great help when knitting for others.

[Amy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best pattern book for knitters of all levels. It is exactly what title suggests, patterns in basic styles and varying sizes. This book is a great value and will be a staple for all knitters.

[Laura]

Very helpful - easy to follow - a go to book for beginners to advanced knitters.

[Pam Novack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that most knitters would want to have in her/his collection. It looks like I'll be using it for my next scarf project, as I wasn't happy with offerings I found elsewhere.