Celtic Knotwork Designs [Paperback]

Sheila Sturrock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1997

“Sturrock shows the step-by-step process....Color renderings and good contrast in layout make this easier to use than other books on knotwork....A separate chapter shows examples of Celtic knot designs used in crafts such as needlework or ceramics.”—Library Journal. “An ingeniously simple technique that breaks down the steps into a series of curves and lines; you can make the most intricate and mysterious designs.”—Irish American News.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Craftspersons who have copied Celtic knotwork designs for their own work know that the construction process is not obvious in the finished design. The secret to understanding the designs lies in the sequence of superimposed drawings that make up the finished knot. Sturrock shows the step-by-step process, starting with simple shapes plotted on a dot grid and gradually interconnecting these with a succession of interlacing lines and curves. She includes instructions for straight borders, corner designs, and zoomorphics, the familiar convoluted animals of old Celtic manuscripts. Color renderings and good contrast in layout make this easier to use than other books on knotwork. A separate chapter shows examples of Celtic knot designs used in crafts such as needlework or ceramics.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman (December 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861080409
• ISBN-13: 978-1861080400
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An different construction concept, beautifully illustrated., January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Celtic Knotwork Designs (Paperback)

Bain is great for inspiration once the basic construction methods are mastered. Meehan is excellent for one familiar with geometric pattern construction. But Sturrock is outstanding for freehand scribblers and those interested in visualizing the development of a Celtic knot. If you are in the market for a first book - try Sturrock. Next is Meehan, then Bain. The reverse order might well scare away a potential Celtic illustrator before getting started.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Celtic knotwork I've read., June 24, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Bristol, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celtic Knotwork Designs (Paperback)

Sturrock's process for building celtic knots centers on common patterns inside the knot, like hearts and loops. Using the process she outlines here, it becomes very easy to visualize and construct original knots to fit areas of any size.

Besides offering a simpler method of knot visualization, Sturrock also discusses methods of translating knotwork to other forms of craft.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good explanation of how to do complex designs, March 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Celtic Knotwork Designs (Paperback)

If you're looking for a good book that explains how to do a variety of celtic knots, from the simple to the complex, this is it. It makes everything clear, even for a beginner. It provides a wide variety of design suggestions, with short, but effective, explanations on how to execute them.

I've never done this type of artwork, but was looking for creative design ideas to embellish a dress collar-- this book was all I needed.