Customer Reviews

Big Book of Knitting

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

The list of basic reference books for knitters is pretty short. I've owned and used Vogue Knitting for years. Montese Stanley's book never quite worked for me. And, sure, I'd love a copy of Hiatt's Principles of Knitting (but not at the three figure prices asked on e-bay). So it's good that Katharina Buss has added a solid alternative in this category. It's even better that it's now out in trade paperback for those on a budget (or trying to justify buying another basic reference book).

First, let me join the other reviewers in saying that this is NOT a book for novices or beginners. There are some pages that are applicable but most of the information is complicated enough to create a risk of scaring a new knitter away from knitting forever. This is a very good book for knitters who are ready to add polish to their knitting or want to alter existing patterns. Even this thirty year knitter found some new tricks in this book.

Thumbing through the book, here are some highlights (and things I don't recall being in my copy of Vogue Knitting): 1. A list of cleaning symbols and other good tips on caring for finished garments. 2. A detailed section on edges and hems - now that styles allow for looks other than plain ribbing. 3. Several alternatives for facing - definately for the experts but facings create a great look. 4. Fifteen pages on necklines - great for the knitter with a pattern with an ugly neckline. 5. A section on putting in zippers. 6. Sections on shaker stitch, intarsia, and entrelac. 7. A big section on short rows. 8. A section on embossed ribs (think Coogi sweaters).

Bottom-line: I'll certainly get my money's worth out of this book over time. Vogue Knitting will probably stay my primary reference just because it's such an old friend. This book was originally written in German and the main complaint I've heard about it is that some of the written instructions suffer in the translation.

This book would be great for someone who already knits well enough to not need it. As a beginner to intermediate knitter, ( one sweater, hats, mittens and doll clothing), I bought this book because it was recommended for beginners, and I still don't know much beyond the basics. I found the written instructions difficult or impossible to follow, and the illustrations seem to jump from step one to step four, leaving you to wonder how they got there. I spent 2 hours, with yarn and kneedles, trying to guess how to do the various forms of selvedge, with no luck. I really tried to like this book, but it was extremely frustrating. If you already knit well and would like to learn more advanced techniques, and improve your finishing and design skills, this is a good book. If you are a beginner, save this book until you gain more skills.

This book is in full color, with extensive illustrations (all photos) of techniques, so anyone can follow along when trying something new. The author adds a section of pattern stitches, some of which I have not seen in other knitting books, and a section at the back of the book with patterns for the models shown in the book (except for the sweater I liked, which was missing). Demonstrations include short-rows and working with color. The photos have been very helpful in explaining techniques that I am attempting as I design my own sweaters, so someone who is a designer might benefit by having this book as well as any beginner or intermediate knitter.

Strike up the band and join the chorus! In case this is the first review you've read, get ready for the refrain: "This is not a book for beginners." It's not the perfect book for experienced knitters either, but it's close. She takes a bit for granted when it comes to what she thinks knitters know, but I'll forgive her for that.

I'd been knitting professionally (is it professional if you knit for money, finish for money, teach and design for money?) for ten years when I bought this book, and I love it. The only other book I have that I refer to more is June Hemmons Hiatt,'s "Principles of Knitting" which is out of print. Her details are just delicious and truly inspiring.

Best of all, she covers many ways to do the same thing with different results, so you begin to have options when you design with increases and decreases, for instance.

like one of the other reviewers, i agree that this book is not for the beginner. it assumes you already have a working knowledge of knitting, knowledge beyond how to 'knit' & how to 'purl'. the author talks about using 'stockinette' stitching, and i had to search the internet to figure out what stockinette was! (a glossary would be useful - hint hint) the book which i have found to be the most helpful, and compact (and good to travel with) is a spiral bound little book called 'the knitter's companion'. my advice is this:use the knitter's companion to get you going, and improve your skills with the 'big book'.

I just want to say that I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book. I have alot of knitting books and they always give requisite beginner instructions, and then go on to specific patterns using specific yarns - i.e., yarns available at the time of printing, not necessarily available when the book is purchased. What a wonderful surprise to find in this book clear instructions on many techniques I don't find in any other books. The pictures are clear and the language is understandable. I would recommend this for anyone looking to hone technique and push their skills to the next level. This book may not be for those who are mostly interested in fluffy fashion yarns for scarves and purses.

I am a knitter who learned from a pro--my German mother--who creates her knitted works without patterns. Since this is how I learned to knit, this is how I create my pieces. While this book has some patterns (not necessarily ones I would make), it is more of an inspirational book for designing and creating your own unique work. This book is essential for the knitter who is ready to venture beyond someone else's patterns and begin creating her (his) own patterns. It covers such important finishing details such as how to create "seamless" seams, various collars and sleeve patterns in addition to beginning details such as how to cast on using the "kitchener's rib" which creates a very VERY professional (and store-bought) effect. This book is my go-to resource when I find myself attempting to decipher a confusing pattern written by another author. Also, INVALUABLE to any knitter, is the chart on page 51 which tells the reader how many stitches to cast on based upon gauge--this allows the reader/designer to make pieces that fit perfectly! Happy Knitting!