Big Book of Knitting [Paperback]

Katharina Buss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2001

“A lavishly illustrated knitting reference particularly strong in its coverage of both basic techniques and more advanced techniques. Garments illustrating techniques covered in the book and a section of stitch patterns round out the content of this excellent knitting reference that should find a place on the shelves of all public library knitting collections.”—Library Journal. “This is a great book!”—Knitters’ Forum.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Originally published in Germany in 1996, this is a lavishly illustrated knitting reference particularly strong in its coverage of both basic techniques like increasing and decreasing and more advanced techniques like knitting cables without a cable needle, working with charts, and placing sleeve increases in openwork patterns. Garments illustrating techniques covered in the book and a section of stitch patterns round out the content of this excellent knitting reference that should find a place on the shelves of all public library knitting collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (June 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806963174
• ISBN-13: 978-0806963174
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

106 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Buy This, May 17, 2001

By 

Jennifer DeWitt (Bay Area, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Book of Knitting (Hardcover)

I know you're thinking that, since you already own Vogue Knitting, you don't need this. I thought so, too, until I picked it up. Just like Vogue Knitting, this is a comprehensive encyclopedia of knitting techniques. It will also give you a lot of good ideas for your own designs, or to adapt existing patterns (even making sizes that aren't in the pattern).

While both books are equally good, The Big Book is probably a little more user-friendly (i.e., less like a textbook), especially for those who don't like/need color coding or cross references. Buss groups topics logically, and the book is *full* of color illustrations as well as photographs. She also shows techniques (such as kitchener ribbing) that are not included in Vogue Knitting.

One of the best features of this book is Buss' detailed discussion of making gloves and mittens. If you have never made them before, read this before starting your pattern. Buss gives you a breakdown of measurements, techniques and tips that will help you decipher a pattern or design your own. She goes into similar detail for finishing techniques and designer touches (more ways to make a bobble than you can shake a stick at), which will help you make your projects look truly professional - or better.

I also liked Buss' explanation of the Entrelac technique. I think her descriptions and illustrations were easier to understand than in Debbie Bliss' "How to Knit." Buss uses photographs to show you how to create the woven look, which provided a clearer explanation than Bliss' diagrams.

97 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for knitters, from beginners to professionals!, December 29, 1999

By 

amrdmr "amrdmr" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Big Book of Knitting (Hardcover)

If you own this book, you'll probably never have to seek counsel at a yarn shop again. Clear, pictorial, step-by-step directions for all the shaping, finishing, fixing, patterning, edging, facing, hemming, embellishing, casting on/off, increasing, decreasing techniques one could ever want are presented impeccably. The simple, secret tips that would have made your last piece look professional, that would have turned your last project into a finished garment instead of a bundle of front-back-plus-a-sleeve-and-a-half are all here. How I wish I had had this book before now. An amazingly compendious collection of intricate stitch patterns is included, but don't expect a gallery of sweaters to copy, that's not the purpose of this book.

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I'd had this book YEARS ago., May 26, 2000

By 

Lisa (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Book of Knitting (Hardcover)

This is definitely a more advanced book. If you are looking to expand your repertoire of knitting skills, then this book is for you. I wish I'd had this book years ago. Until I purchased this book, I had never tried pockets or different collar styles. I had always wanted to try these things but didn't have a reference book that really explained these techniques well. Thanks to this book, I'm now on my way to some more professional designs and techniques. It's opened up endless design possiblities for me!