Customer Reviews

Interweave Knits

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I subscribed to this magazine one year ago. Out of the four issues I've received this year, I've knitted at least one project idea from each issue, and three so far from the fall issue alone (!) and each has turned out beautifully.

I haven't read any other knitting magazines that appeal to me as consistently as this one. I've noticed that each issue has a careful balance of projects, appealing to both genders and to all levels of knitting expertise.

Each issue contains a few "gee-whiz!" type articles in the front with interesting, exotic and sometimes downright weird news about the knitting world (like, who knew that knitting could be considered performance art?).

There's usually an exotic "catch-the-eye" or cutting-edge fashion project, followed by other apparel projects that are always beautiful, visually appealing and frequently wearable, too! Although the magazine does occasionally include items that make me shake my head in disbelief, Interweave Knits generally seems to select projects that real humans can wear without looking like freaks.

You'll also find a couple of ideas for non-apparel and/or "quick gift"-type projects in each issue, ranging from felted backpacks and novelty purses to baby hats.

Now, if all this sounds good, just wait: it gets better. The real clincher for me is that the patterns seem to have been tested and carefully proof-read BEFORE going to press. I've worked 7 projects from IWK this year, and have yet to catch a single mistake in pattern directions! Maybe I've just been lucky so far, but I noticed on the IWK website that the list of errata is amazingly short...so either they don't update errata onto their website, or they really don't allow a lot of mistakes to slip through.

In short, I think "Interweave Knits" provides a lot of bang for your subscription bucks. Two thumbs up from me!

This magazine possesses very aesthetically pleasing design and patterns. I have only been knitting for less than a year, yet I made my first sweater from a pattern from this magazine. The directions are accurate and straightforward.

The only frusterating thing about this magazine is most of the patterns showcase an advanced skill level...

I think this is becoming my favorite knitting magazine. Though not as thick as "Knitters", the articles in Interweave Knits are interesting and useful. The editors often take one project, sometimes a small one like hats or mittens, and knit it in many variations. This was also the first magazine in the US to publish patterns by Vivian Hoxbro (Domino Knits) and got everyone going on this addictive form of modular knitting.

Nowadays a magazine can easily rival a book in cost. So how come they are still in business? In the case of "Interweave Knits" published four times a year by Interweave Press, it is not hard to figure out. Innovative artists, useful articles, intriguing ads.

The magazine is more of a trade magazine for the Knitting culture. Yes there are some really weird designs in this magazine. Yet there are also some traditional, in style and color. You can not help but find your project in every issue. The projects come with complete instructions and diagrams.

I personally like the ads for different tools as ball winders, and yarns. It is interesting what you can learn from them alone.

Still the magazine goes deeper with excerpts from the latest books and other sources.

Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions

Many patterns covering all types of fashion. I love to knit but the more interesting patterns and textured yarns are pricey. This magazine uses a wide variety of yarns, mostly high end. Some projects from the winter 2002 issue run $$$/ball. They also have a very comprehensive list of vendors. Over all love the magazine and my only complaint stems from my own pocketbook because the end result are worth the expense.

I originally subscribed to Interweave Knits as a beginning knitter, and found the projects too advanced for me (not to mention the yarn too expensive, and I didn't have the confidence to make substitutions). Three years later, I'm back for more now that I have more experience under my belt! It's a beautifully photographed magazine, the layouts are excellent, the articles insightful and the instructions first-rate.

I don't recommend this magazine for beginning knitters who want to find patterns to knit right away (unless they're knitting prodigies). There may be some basic patterns, but they're few and far between in my experience. Also, what they consider "easy" isn't what I would have considered "easy" as a beginner, but perhaps I was a slow learner!

I loved the most recent fall '07 issue, and found two patterns right away that I'm dying to knit. I agree with the other reviewers about the ads--this is a magazine where the ads actually add to the magazine, not detract from it.

I think it's a good idea to take a look inside the magazine prior to subscribing, at the newsstand or library, to be sure it's a good match, style-wise. Another good idea is to check out their website, Knitting Daily. You can get a bunch of free patterns, most of which have been featured in their magazine over the last few years. You can get a good feel for the magazine's offerings and if they appeal to you. You have to sign up to be a member of Knitting Daily, but it's free and I think it's definitely worth it (you don't have to be a subscriber to join).

I have been knitting for 20+ years, and I am still able to pick up new techniques from the articles in Interweave Knits, which says a lot about the quality of instruction. Many of the patterns are a bit too trendy for my taste (knitting takes too long to make sweaters that will be out of style in a year), but each issue generally has at least one project that appeals to me. Unlike some magazines, they haven't started making all the patterns easy & trendy to cater to the surge of new knitters, though I think they have a few easy patterns in each issue. My biggest complaint about the magazine is that they don't use the yarn standardization system that came out 4-5 years ago, so like in the "old" days of knitting, you have to track down information on the obscure yarn they used for the pattern, figure out what weight it is, and replace accordingly. To be fair, they do list the wraps per inch in an index at the back, but the standard measuring system is there for a reason, and it is surprising that a knitting magazine would ignore an industry-wide standard.

This magazine is the best there is. There is page after page of beautiful designs and excellent instructions. I have bought some books that don't have as many beautiful knitting projects in them as one issue of this magazine.

There's a lot I could say about IK, but I don't want to write one of those long winded reviews. Here's the short list of why IK is worth every single penny.

1. Interweave Knits doesn't insult your intelligence as a knitter. They don't publish a magazine that's the equivelant of gilding the swine.

2. The patterns are by and large wearable, not to mention flattering. Real people, in a range of sizes, can wear most of the patterns. They also include patterns that go up to plus sizes, though not all do.

3. It's a great value. In any given issue I can find at least 3 patterns I'd love to make, 2 articles that are genuinely informative and interesting, technique explanations that are concise and useful, and those great essays on the last page.

4. They include patterns in a variety of styles, including socks, lace shawls, felted, and your standard clothing in just about every single issue.

5. Bonus patterns are included on the website for subscribers.

6. The magazine doesn't make you curl your mouth up in disgust and wonder what in heaven the editors were thinking while muttering under your breath, wondering if they dropped acid in their younger days.

Great magazine, informative articles, but just be aware it is heavily slanted toward sweaters and tops, less so on accessories or smaller projects. It's also a lot cheaper to subscribe directly from Interweave's website.