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Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More
Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Inside you will
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Inside you will
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2010
21 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Epstein
58 books36 followersNicky Epstein is a knitting designer and author of numerous books on knitting. She is known for her creative combinations of knitting stitches, and for the colorful patterns often found in her sweaters, especially involving applique of separately knitted motifs.[1] In 2005, she was given a prestigious award by the National NeedleArts Association. In 2006, her work was featured in a retrospective fashion show at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Since the (winter) Holiday 2005 issue, Epstein has written a regular column in Vogue Knitting called simply "Nicky Epstein".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 18, 2015
Afghans, scarves, sweaters, vests and more all made one block at a time. There are instructions for a variety of basic blocks using different stitch patterns, but then it goes one step beyond the basics. There are also instructions for a variety of embellishments, such as frames, bobbles, designs using i-cord, and even embroidery. Also included are fair-isle, embossed and other special stitches to offer a variety of ideas. The projects in the book are beautifully classic. They are neither old fashioned nor too modern.
The instructions are clear and concise with both charts and written instructions. There very simple blocks for beginners, challenging blocks for advanced knitters, and more patterns for every skill level in-between.
I was a little disappointed with the single page on “joinings”. Since this was a book to make things out of blocks, I expected more information on how to put the blocks together.
The instructions are clear and concise with both charts and written instructions. There very simple blocks for beginners, challenging blocks for advanced knitters, and more patterns for every skill level in-between.
I was a little disappointed with the single page on “joinings”. Since this was a book to make things out of blocks, I expected more information on how to put the blocks together.
March 17, 2013
Why on earth would a person sew a zipper on the surface of a block (and how does that qualify as a knitting pattern)? Or imagine laying your head down on a pillow covered in garlic bulbs, or worse-- wearing garlic bulbs on a sweater constructed of square blocks. It just gets uglier from there. Even the layout, organisation, and pattern instructions are ugly.
January 22, 2011
A block stitch dictionary. Contains many original,imaginative blocks. Definatly for the experienced knitter. Great resource for designing anything that can be made out of blocks. The book does contain a few patterns as well.
November 7, 2021
After seeing Nicky Epstein give an online presentation about her work, I took this out of the library. A very interesting approach to garment construction, all built on blocks. Someday I'll try it. And someday I may even go on one of her tours.
March 16, 2021
NOT pattern project; CREATIVE WORKBOOK
ONE: If you are looking for a “regular” pattern book of projects to make that someone else has designed, this is not that book. There are 14 projects to INSPIRE and provide CONCEPTS of different ways one might use their blocks. As you read through, pay attention to the word DESIGN. As you master skills in each block, you will “design” your OWN projects with your blocks.
TWO: IF you skip past the INTRODUCTION, you may feel important information was left out of the book. It was not. The KEYS to this book are there.
THREE: Even if you are a newbie knitter, ready to move past scarves and dishcloths but not quite ready to jump into garments or other larger projects... consider this book.
... and this is why...
The Introduction provides basic but essential skills you will need when you go on to things that must fit or feel “big” at first.
From each block, you can learn new skills. Make the block as large or small, as simple as complex, as you like. Make enough to seam together and make a bag or a pillow... or one of the little toy projects. No pressure. If you do not like it... make another.
Whatever you do, do not fail to go through this book with yarn and needles in hand. Start with the first block. Then do the next one. Take your time. Do NOT judge yourself. Do not rush through each block. Give yourself PERMISSION to learn and not make things perfectly.
REREAD the Introduction and grasp the simplicity of those instructions and that information. It will serve you well, not just in this book but in future projects.
If you have already been knitting for awhile and mastered some of the early block projects, start with the first one you come to that approaches something new or different. And just DO it. Do not judge it or dismiss or arbitrarily decide it is “hard.” It is just NEW. Be brave!
You will be AMAZED the new skills you can master in a little block project! Use the same yarn, maybe different colors, and the same needle size - something you feel comfortable with, then put them together to learn more new skills.
Once you have challenged yourself a few times, you will discover your CONFIDENCE has grown. Maybe you will be ready to make a hat or a top or something else you told yourself you were not “ready” for. Make some blocks with one of the projects in the book in mind. THINK about other projects you could make, with bigger blocks maybe.
Think of this book as a KNITTING SKILLS WORKBOOK. Take little manageable trips into new skill territory... one block at a time. It will open all kinds of new creative adventures and accomplishments!
ONE: If you are looking for a “regular” pattern book of projects to make that someone else has designed, this is not that book. There are 14 projects to INSPIRE and provide CONCEPTS of different ways one might use their blocks. As you read through, pay attention to the word DESIGN. As you master skills in each block, you will “design” your OWN projects with your blocks.
TWO: IF you skip past the INTRODUCTION, you may feel important information was left out of the book. It was not. The KEYS to this book are there.
THREE: Even if you are a newbie knitter, ready to move past scarves and dishcloths but not quite ready to jump into garments or other larger projects... consider this book.
... and this is why...
The Introduction provides basic but essential skills you will need when you go on to things that must fit or feel “big” at first.
From each block, you can learn new skills. Make the block as large or small, as simple as complex, as you like. Make enough to seam together and make a bag or a pillow... or one of the little toy projects. No pressure. If you do not like it... make another.
Whatever you do, do not fail to go through this book with yarn and needles in hand. Start with the first block. Then do the next one. Take your time. Do NOT judge yourself. Do not rush through each block. Give yourself PERMISSION to learn and not make things perfectly.
REREAD the Introduction and grasp the simplicity of those instructions and that information. It will serve you well, not just in this book but in future projects.
If you have already been knitting for awhile and mastered some of the early block projects, start with the first one you come to that approaches something new or different. And just DO it. Do not judge it or dismiss or arbitrarily decide it is “hard.” It is just NEW. Be brave!
You will be AMAZED the new skills you can master in a little block project! Use the same yarn, maybe different colors, and the same needle size - something you feel comfortable with, then put them together to learn more new skills.
Once you have challenged yourself a few times, you will discover your CONFIDENCE has grown. Maybe you will be ready to make a hat or a top or something else you told yourself you were not “ready” for. Make some blocks with one of the projects in the book in mind. THINK about other projects you could make, with bigger blocks maybe.
Think of this book as a KNITTING SKILLS WORKBOOK. Take little manageable trips into new skill territory... one block at a time. It will open all kinds of new creative adventures and accomplishments!
February 15, 2015
This review is also available on my blog, Read TIll Dawn.
Yes, I really did request a knitting book for my next read-to-review. I clicked before I finished thinking it through, okay? My inner voice was going "you know, you've always wanted to learn how to knit" and I had requested the book before my brain remembered that this isn't actually a book that's made to teach people how to knit. It arrived two weeks ago, and it's been interesting. I really have learned how to knit! I've had a blast learning the ins and outs of knitting, purling, and even cabling (though I have a sinking feeling I'm doing it wrong), and after half a dozen bad starts I even got a project well under way. I decided to make the "Reversible Cables" block (in retrospect maybe I should have started with something toward the beginning, instead of the back, of the book), and I'm about halfway through. It's taken me a really long time, though, because my hand is still weak from the surgery I had in December (though on the whole it's doing much better), and so it gets sore if I knit for more than half an hour at a stretch. Also, I had an English assignment and two science tests in the last two weeks, and not a lot of down time. I decided I wouldn't wait until I finished the entire square to write the review, because I'm not exactly gathering any new knowledge about the book itself while I knit - I know how it works, what the projects are, and (bonus!) even how to knit now, so I've got everything I need to review the book - following the same instructions for another two weeks won't give me any deeper understanding into the books as a whole.
I'm not exactly a knitting patterns connoisseur, but I really love Knitting Block by Block. It has patterns ranging from simple beginners' blocks to the intricate ones I can't even begin to decipher at first glance (how the heck do you put a decorative zipper on a block of knitting?!), with detailed pictures of every project so you can see exactly what it should look like when you're done. The instructions are laid out neatly and concisely, listing exactly what you should do in simple enough terms that I caught on with only one Google search necessary - and that was just for the cable. There are also box chart thingies that show you what to do using dots and slashes and things, but I'm afraid I still can't make heads or tails of those. It's fun, it's detailed, and there are some really cute projects that I can't wait to try out. There's also a chapter with some ideas for ways to sew blocks together into bigger projects, like scarves and afghans and a (rather ugly) shrug/shawl thingy. I obviously am not far enough to attempt any of these, because I don't have the blocks to do them, but I'm excited to make some of the projects - I think I'll start with one of the one-block projects, which are these cute little stuffed animals, and then try either the tote (which is a two-block!) or the "cool ruffle pod bag," which is a weird name for a cute purse.
All in all, the only complaint I have is that there aren't more projects for using the blocks. There are tons and tons of awesome block designs, but only like ten ideas for putting them together in larger pieces. For someone who knits more than me, this might be a problem if they wind up with more blocks to try out than they have projects to put them in. As for me, though, I think this book will provide fodder for my knitting projects for a very, very long time. If you are at all interested in knitting blocks, then this is most definitely the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
Yes, I really did request a knitting book for my next read-to-review. I clicked before I finished thinking it through, okay? My inner voice was going "you know, you've always wanted to learn how to knit" and I had requested the book before my brain remembered that this isn't actually a book that's made to teach people how to knit. It arrived two weeks ago, and it's been interesting. I really have learned how to knit! I've had a blast learning the ins and outs of knitting, purling, and even cabling (though I have a sinking feeling I'm doing it wrong), and after half a dozen bad starts I even got a project well under way. I decided to make the "Reversible Cables" block (in retrospect maybe I should have started with something toward the beginning, instead of the back, of the book), and I'm about halfway through. It's taken me a really long time, though, because my hand is still weak from the surgery I had in December (though on the whole it's doing much better), and so it gets sore if I knit for more than half an hour at a stretch. Also, I had an English assignment and two science tests in the last two weeks, and not a lot of down time. I decided I wouldn't wait until I finished the entire square to write the review, because I'm not exactly gathering any new knowledge about the book itself while I knit - I know how it works, what the projects are, and (bonus!) even how to knit now, so I've got everything I need to review the book - following the same instructions for another two weeks won't give me any deeper understanding into the books as a whole.
I'm not exactly a knitting patterns connoisseur, but I really love Knitting Block by Block. It has patterns ranging from simple beginners' blocks to the intricate ones I can't even begin to decipher at first glance (how the heck do you put a decorative zipper on a block of knitting?!), with detailed pictures of every project so you can see exactly what it should look like when you're done. The instructions are laid out neatly and concisely, listing exactly what you should do in simple enough terms that I caught on with only one Google search necessary - and that was just for the cable. There are also box chart thingies that show you what to do using dots and slashes and things, but I'm afraid I still can't make heads or tails of those. It's fun, it's detailed, and there are some really cute projects that I can't wait to try out. There's also a chapter with some ideas for ways to sew blocks together into bigger projects, like scarves and afghans and a (rather ugly) shrug/shawl thingy. I obviously am not far enough to attempt any of these, because I don't have the blocks to do them, but I'm excited to make some of the projects - I think I'll start with one of the one-block projects, which are these cute little stuffed animals, and then try either the tote (which is a two-block!) or the "cool ruffle pod bag," which is a weird name for a cute purse.
All in all, the only complaint I have is that there aren't more projects for using the blocks. There are tons and tons of awesome block designs, but only like ten ideas for putting them together in larger pieces. For someone who knits more than me, this might be a problem if they wind up with more blocks to try out than they have projects to put them in. As for me, though, I think this book will provide fodder for my knitting projects for a very, very long time. If you are at all interested in knitting blocks, then this is most definitely the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2015
Nicky Epstein is a remarkably prolific designer with the ability to come up with truly original ideas again and again. I first discovered this when I can across her book Knitting on the Edge, which offers a compendium of edgings and cast-ons that a creative knitter can use to design her own pieces or to add a distinctive touch to a piece knitted from a commercial pattern. This book was followed by Knitting Over the Edge and Knitting Beyond the Edge, which offered more ideas for designing or customizing knits.
Knitting Block by Block is another Epstein book in this tradition. While it does offer a smattering of patterns for garments and accessories what Knitting Block by Block really offers is patterns for knit blocks. It’s up to the knitter to choose the blocks she likes and to make them for her own purposes. Blocks can, of course, become pillows. They can also become afghans and shawls. Turning blocks into finished garments is a more dicey matter—a sweater made exclusively of blocks with no shaping won’t do anything for most figures.
Although Knitting Block by Block contains some blocks that a beginning knitter could manage, this really isn’t a book for beginners. Many of the blocks require more advanced skills like stranded color work, different types of grafts, ruffles, and the making of 3-D embellishments.
The mix of blocks here ranges from the beautiful to the what-was-she-thinking-of? Beautiful blocks include some of the lace patterns and mutli-dimensional Celtic knots. The what-was-she-thinking-of? blocks include knit squares with random holes in them, a square appliqued with ribbons and zippers, and one decorated with ping-pong ball sized knit puffs that look like popcorn stitches gone bubonic.
If you’re a knitter who enjoys cooking up her own projects you’ll find inspiration here, though some of the blocks are really not much different from the stitch patterns one can find in any good stitch dictionary. Epstein will give you a lot to think about and play with. It’s up to you how wild you want to get.
Knitting Block by Block is another Epstein book in this tradition. While it does offer a smattering of patterns for garments and accessories what Knitting Block by Block really offers is patterns for knit blocks. It’s up to the knitter to choose the blocks she likes and to make them for her own purposes. Blocks can, of course, become pillows. They can also become afghans and shawls. Turning blocks into finished garments is a more dicey matter—a sweater made exclusively of blocks with no shaping won’t do anything for most figures.
Although Knitting Block by Block contains some blocks that a beginning knitter could manage, this really isn’t a book for beginners. Many of the blocks require more advanced skills like stranded color work, different types of grafts, ruffles, and the making of 3-D embellishments.
The mix of blocks here ranges from the beautiful to the what-was-she-thinking-of? Beautiful blocks include some of the lace patterns and mutli-dimensional Celtic knots. The what-was-she-thinking-of? blocks include knit squares with random holes in them, a square appliqued with ribbons and zippers, and one decorated with ping-pong ball sized knit puffs that look like popcorn stitches gone bubonic.
If you’re a knitter who enjoys cooking up her own projects you’ll find inspiration here, though some of the blocks are really not much different from the stitch patterns one can find in any good stitch dictionary. Epstein will give you a lot to think about and play with. It’s up to you how wild you want to get.
June 15, 2017
BOTTOM LINE: Fascinating look at some really interesting, and a few rather peculiar, knitted blocks, many with embellishments, not my sort of thing, but the ways shown to use color and texture in setting up your own afghans is rather well-done.
The color-work blocks are charted, but most of the others are explained stitch-by-stitch, my preferred method. Explanations of each stitch and the write-ups prior to and connecting the sections are very well-done, thoughtful and entertaining. Wouldn't mind having this one to keep in my own library, as the possibilities of mix-n-match are endless, and there's lots of really fun-looking patterns to try that I'd never seen before. Only real drawback is the size/weight of the book - it's a quite large hardcover and difficult to manage when open; possibly the paperback edition is easier?
The color-work blocks are charted, but most of the others are explained stitch-by-stitch, my preferred method. Explanations of each stitch and the write-ups prior to and connecting the sections are very well-done, thoughtful and entertaining. Wouldn't mind having this one to keep in my own library, as the possibilities of mix-n-match are endless, and there's lots of really fun-looking patterns to try that I'd never seen before. Only real drawback is the size/weight of the book - it's a quite large hardcover and difficult to manage when open; possibly the paperback edition is easier?
October 27, 2015
I received this book free from Blogging for Books in return for an honest review! The thoughts in this review are of my own!
I almost skip out on this book! I love knitting, but I was not sure if this book would be a good fit. Boy, was I blown away. I LOVE this book! This is a book that every knitter needs in their knitting literature.
The book is presented beautifully! Whoever Nicky Epstien hired to design the book, she should keep them; because, the whole book is just flawless! Very welcoming and engaging! The writing is crisp and clear! This book introduces new types of patterns used to knit different patterns in this book!
The patterns are very beautiful and easy to read! Good for any level!
I almost skip out on this book! I love knitting, but I was not sure if this book would be a good fit. Boy, was I blown away. I LOVE this book! This is a book that every knitter needs in their knitting literature.
The book is presented beautifully! Whoever Nicky Epstien hired to design the book, she should keep them; because, the whole book is just flawless! Very welcoming and engaging! The writing is crisp and clear! This book introduces new types of patterns used to knit different patterns in this book!
The patterns are very beautiful and easy to read! Good for any level!
February 5, 2015
Let me start out by saying I am not a novice knitter nor a super expert knitter. The patterns are not written with a novice in mind or even someone like myself who has done quit a bit of knitting. I would say you would need to be an expert knitter to follow a lot of the instructions. I had to look up several of the abbreviations as I didn't know what they meant. I didn't find the directions to always be clear. I am also challenged with any knitting project as I am left handed and have to reverse a lot of patterns.
That being said, the book is presented in a very pleasing fashion. Good color photos.
I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
That being said, the book is presented in a very pleasing fashion. Good color photos.
I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
December 29, 2014
Knitting Block by Block is a testament to the author's creativity and love of experimentation with knitting. The concept of knitting small blocks of different patterns and textures is a fun one, but as a knitter I'm looking for projects and patterns that give you a useful and wearable finished product. I didn't feel this book delivered that, and if you're on the same page I would not recommend this title.
However, Epstein's work is presented in a beautifully photographed coffee table format and if knitting adventurous textures and stitches is your thing, definitely give this title a try!
However, Epstein's work is presented in a beautifully photographed coffee table format and if knitting adventurous textures and stitches is your thing, definitely give this title a try!
January 19, 2015
Nicky Epstein has wonderful new ideas for knitters and KNITTING BLOCK BY BLOCK has many inventive and unusual patterns for her individual blocks. Some of the patterns are rather outlandish and I cannot imagine spending time to make them. I also think some of the garments she constructs with these blocks are rather unattractive. That being said, some of the pattern blocks are intriguing and can be used in your own projects and garments. Nicky Epstein is an "idea person" and her book presents food for thought for the creative knitter.
January 12, 2011
Modern and mostly unusual knitted blocks to be used for afghans, scarves, jackets - anything you can make with blocks, and you are encouraged to design your own projects.
Not for the novice in that sometimes the instructions tell you to do something and assumes you know how to do it but you could turn to other resources to fill in the gaps in your experience, and this book would have to be huge if it included detailed "how to" as well.
Not for the novice in that sometimes the instructions tell you to do something and assumes you know how to do it but you could turn to other resources to fill in the gaps in your experience, and this book would have to be huge if it included detailed "how to" as well.
April 23, 2012
It's another great book! I am having a lot of fun creating blocks and you can easily photo copy the pages and cut them up to use for planning your own afghan or what ever you want with blocks. There are ideas for garments as well. Personally, I've used the blocks for pillow tops. I hope to also make a matching afghan all done with Fishermans' wool.
July 27, 2012
While I wasn't crazy about some of the projects using the blocks (a sweater made from random blocks?) the number and variety of lovely squares to knit are wonderful. I'm currently using it to make some blocks for a friend who is making a blanket for her daughter with cancer, and it has lots of ideas for me to use.
April 17, 2013
As always, Nicky Epstein presents a collection of knitting ideas in a beautiful fashion. At first sight, I was stunned but as I looked closer, many squares were repeats of ideas (I cord designs, for example) or classic blocks. Still, a nice collection of patterns to play with.
June 14, 2011
Block knitting requires sewing the blocks together. This is not for me, but there are some interesting blocks.
November 18, 2011
The block designs are great, and the project ideas are great, but there could have been more. Also, I personally prefer less of a reliance on the time-consuming and cumbersome i-cord.
March 20, 2012
I have not gotten a chance to test the patterns, but I love the ideas and blocks. Maybe my review will be 5 stars once I get to try some blocks.
July 16, 2012
This is one cool book. I love the sample patterns and all the neat things you can do with knitted squares.
March 20, 2014
Really cool and interesting blocks. Way beyond what I'm ready to do, but very pretty book to flip through.
April 3, 2018
Really cool projects a bit different from typical knitting patterns. Starts off showing stitch patterns for blocks. Ends with a few actual projects.
February 20, 2015
Great! I use this book all the time, and I credit it with teaching me lots of new skills like cabling and lacework.
March 4, 2015
I like this idea of breaking down large knitting projects into more manageable smaller blocks.
September 10, 2015
Plain blocks, patterned blocks, embellished, 3D -- as exhaustive but not as intriguing to me as her circles book.
June 30, 2016
Everything from Simple to Sublime!
February 22, 2012
All the different ways you can decorate a block and things you can then use those blocks for.
March 30, 2017
Another creatively ingenious book by Nicky Epstein. Love the idea of creating wearable items block by awesome block. All though there are many advanced styles such as intarsia and fair isle that I'm in no way ready for, there are many at the beginning of the book done with knit stitches and or icord that are doable for novices taking their projects to the next level. This is an inspirational guide to return to as your skill develops. I look forward to checking out her circles book. I've loved Nicky's style & innovation from the first book of hers I read, Knitting in Tuscany & my appreciation for her continues to blossom.
April 12, 2017
50% "Cool! How did they do that??"
50% "What kind of god could allow this creation to exist?"
50% "What kind of god could allow this creation to exist?"
April 21, 2017
This is a great book full of interesting knitting patterns and instructions. These are not ordinary patterns, rather the directions to various stitches and designs which are knit into blocks. These blocks are then stitched together into garments and other items. The designs range from simple to complex, with dimension and texture, sculpture and beads. All of them are very interesting and beautiful, and the idea of setting a variety together, similar to quilting, is beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews