Product Description

Circular knitting is easier than you think! There's a huge variety of quick-to-knit bulky yarns available today, both plain and novelty, but seams can be awkward and lumpy. Learn how to avoid seams by knitting tubes instead of flat pieces. Circular knitting is a fascinating twist on conventional "knitting in rows", great for accessories, casual sweaters, and baby garments too. Step-by-step colour photographs and clear diagrams show you what to do at every stage. Start by learning how to knit tubular shapes of all sizes, using both circular and double-pointed needles. Then, progress to circles, shaping, textured and coloured stitch patterns and joining by grafting. As you learn each technique, you can knit the accompanying project, starting with a simple purse or scarf. Use your new skills to make a cuddly shoulder bag, cushions, mitts, socks, gloves, toys, and finally a seamless sweater from the multi-size pattern. Master a few key skills and you'll have no more worries about complicated shaping and piecing - simply watch your knitting grow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #228186 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Review
At last, a book which describes the whole process of knitting in the round! Most people who knit will have some knowledge of this wonderfully versatile method of knitting but it is a subject rarely described in detail. However, with the recent revival of sock knitting and the wider availability of American knitting books - where knitting in the round is a way of life - this book will explain everything you need to know. The photography is superb and shows each step with exceptional clarity. There are some excellent, very practical processes described which are useful for all knitting methods. It also addresses some of the problems that could easily have discouraged further knitting such as reducing the 'step' or holes when changing colours or rows, and how to shape your knitting without resorting to two needles from sheer frustration! And to follow, there are some exciting knitting projects, which carefully bring methods learnt and further expertise together, again all clearly shown and described. I particularly liked the sock and glove making sections, which actually show how to measure your foot or hand and make a sock or glove that fits. This is an excellent book, which should be included in any knitter's library. --Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, March 2008

About the Author
Betty Barnden is a freelance needlecraft designer who studied furniture design at the Royal College of Art (where she made her first tubular knitted chairs). Betty has designed knitting patterns for companies such as Sirdar, Patons, Jaeger, and King Cole. Her knitwear, embroidery, and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines over the years. She has also designed embroidery projects and kits for Coats Craft UK and The Craft Collection, and is a regular contributor to Sewing World magazine. Translation rights not available

Customer Reviews

The perfect way to learn
This instructional guide is a wonderful way to learn how to knit using double-point & circular needles, and is suitable for complete beginners or people looking to expand their range of skills. The photography is excellent and provides a clear visual guide which helps you to get the technique right straight away. There's lots of information on yarn weights, fibres, needles, accessories & extras, different styles of knitting, and various cast on & off styles. The instructions cover everything you will need to know from getting started, to shaping, assembly, blocking and tension. There are step-by-step guides for things such as picking up stitches, cables, short rows and colour work. At the end of the book there are finishing techniques and a very useful stitch library. This is a highly useful reference book and the only bad thing about it is that very few of the patterns are to my taste. I like the cabled gloves, but I will be looking for other patterns to practice knitting in the round.