The bright idea behind this guide is to build an entire collection around one simple stitch that creates many intriguing effects. Shown in knitting instructions as "k1b" (knit 1 below), the technique involves knitting into the stitch one row below the stitch on the needle with either a knit or a purl stitch. The result is an easy-to-knit fabric with wonderful drape and flexibility that looks equally good on both sides. The color effects possible are also impressive: by alternating two or more colors, weights, or fibers, flattering vertical columns appear on one side of the fabric and a mottled pattern shows on the other. Making the most of this double-sided characteristic, the projects include afghans, scarves, bags, jackets with turned-back lapels, and hats with turned-up brims, all constructed from simple shapes and requiring minimal finishing. Several designs go beyond the basic stitch by adding cables, felting, and intarsia designs.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Elise Duvekot is a translator and a knitwear designer. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, and the Netherlands.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
195 of 195 people found the following review helpful
By Cat Bordhi
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Fortunately for knitters, Elise Duvekot is a curious and persistent investigator. The unique "knit 1 below (K1B)" technique which emerged during her patient explorations inspired her to find ways to use the resulting cushy, non-curling fabric in a wide range of garments and accessories.
The technique is not, as one Amazon reviewer wrote on November 28, the same as slipping a stitch. A slipped stitch leaves a float and the K1B technique leaves no floats. In fact K1B fabric is reversible, with both sides resembling stockinette, although they are easy to distinguish (and both look great). I hope this reviewer will take a longer look at the book so as not to miss the surprising result of the actual method.
Elise presents her K1B technique with clear illustrations, tempting photos, and detailed instructions for using the simple method in many circumstances, including cables, intarsia, edgings, bands, borders, seams, shaping, and working flat or in the round.
But what is most inspiring of all are the hand-painted colorway combinations. K1B fabric tames hand-paint's tendency toward color chaos, leaving it harmonious and calm, as if its tangles have been combed into columns of beautiful drifting colors.
The designs include vests, jackets, sweaters, skirts, tops, a necklace, scarves and shawls, a set of pillows, baby blankets and outfits, hats, wrist-warmers, and particularly fascinating to me, socks. My one complaint about the book is that the sock information is more of a tease than a full set of instructions and designs. Once you see the delicious photos you will know what I mean. There is enough instruction for adventurous sock knitters to use happily, but I suspect that the publisher is going to begin receiving lots of emails from less adventurous sock knitters begging for a whole book on K1B socks. I think they should say yes.
I highly recommend this book.
The technique is not, as one Amazon reviewer wrote on November 28, the same as slipping a stitch. A slipped stitch leaves a float and the K1B technique leaves no floats. In fact K1B fabric is reversible, with both sides resembling stockinette, although they are easy to distinguish (and both look great). I hope this reviewer will take a longer look at the book so as not to miss the surprising result of the actual method.
Elise presents her K1B technique with clear illustrations, tempting photos, and detailed instructions for using the simple method in many circumstances, including cables, intarsia, edgings, bands, borders, seams, shaping, and working flat or in the round.
But what is most inspiring of all are the hand-painted colorway combinations. K1B fabric tames hand-paint's tendency toward color chaos, leaving it harmonious and calm, as if its tangles have been combed into columns of beautiful drifting colors.
The designs include vests, jackets, sweaters, skirts, tops, a necklace, scarves and shawls, a set of pillows, baby blankets and outfits, hats, wrist-warmers, and particularly fascinating to me, socks. My one complaint about the book is that the sock information is more of a tease than a full set of instructions and designs. Once you see the delicious photos you will know what I mean. There is enough instruction for adventurous sock knitters to use happily, but I suspect that the publisher is going to begin receiving lots of emails from less adventurous sock knitters begging for a whole book on K1B socks. I think they should say yes.
I highly recommend this book.
91 of 93 people found the following review helpful
By S. West
Format:Paperback
I am a knitting teacher/knit shop owner, and I am always looking for something new. This book caught my eye right away. This technique may have been around before, but it is new to me!
I had to try one of the patterns the same day and started with the reversible vest. I don't normally wear vests, but this is turning out great!
It is a very simple technique, but definitely NOT just a slip stitch. The resulting fabric is very soft and flexible. It also lies flat and doesn't curl. I tend to work in the round because I am not a fan of purling, and I was pleased and surprised to find that although worked flat on straight needles, every row is knit (it doesn't resemble garter stitch in any way). You can get a rythm going with the Knit one, knit one below, and it becomes almost meditative.
(Almost) mindless knitting, and lots of fun. The only problem I can see is that it is more time consuming than many techniques, but it is enjoyable knitting, and I am not in a rush for the work to be over.
Please folks, if you are going to give a negative review, be accurate about your information!
I had to try one of the patterns the same day and started with the reversible vest. I don't normally wear vests, but this is turning out great!
It is a very simple technique, but definitely NOT just a slip stitch. The resulting fabric is very soft and flexible. It also lies flat and doesn't curl. I tend to work in the round because I am not a fan of purling, and I was pleased and surprised to find that although worked flat on straight needles, every row is knit (it doesn't resemble garter stitch in any way). You can get a rythm going with the Knit one, knit one below, and it becomes almost meditative.
(Almost) mindless knitting, and lots of fun. The only problem I can see is that it is more time consuming than many techniques, but it is enjoyable knitting, and I am not in a rush for the work to be over.
Please folks, if you are going to give a negative review, be accurate about your information!
71 of 74 people found the following review helpful
By K. Anderson
Format:Paperback
This is a great book that introduces a new technique (or re-introduces a "lost" technique). On the up side, this isn't a blah knitting book that's full of the same old sweaters, baby blankets and socks you've seen a bazillion times and could get for free on [...] or Ravelry. If you're sick of entrelac, intarsia, and Fair Isle, this book opens up a brave new world of color work.
On the downside, the technique is easy but it's tricky and fiddly to fix errors. I'm an intermediate knitter who has knitted enterlac, Fair Isle, and intarsia. My first time out with K1B, I tried knitting the basic scarf once, twice, three times and then rip-rip-ripping it out. I exhausted my patience and my yarn. I tried again a few days later and, so far, am happily halfway through the scarf. [As of 8/2009, I finished the scarf and liked the technique enough to start the reversible vest.]
So, if you're a casual knitter who likes finished work over learning new techniques, this book may not be for you. If you have time, patience and problem-solving skills, this technique may be a great new challenge for you.
On the downside, the technique is easy but it's tricky and fiddly to fix errors. I'm an intermediate knitter who has knitted enterlac, Fair Isle, and intarsia. My first time out with K1B, I tried knitting the basic scarf once, twice, three times and then rip-rip-ripping it out. I exhausted my patience and my yarn. I tried again a few days later and, so far, am happily halfway through the scarf. [As of 8/2009, I finished the scarf and liked the technique enough to start the reversible vest.]
So, if you're a casual knitter who likes finished work over learning new techniques, this book may not be for you. If you have time, patience and problem-solving skills, this technique may be a great new challenge for you.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspired knitting techniques
I'm still at the wishful thinking stage but this book has many beautiful and unusual things to make. Lovely knitted fabrics.
Published 4 months ago by Honor Hoover
2.0 out of 5 stars
All vertical stripes
Since I couldn't see the inside pages, I didn't realize that this technique creates only vertical stripes or columns. I don't do straight lines much, so I will be returning this. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Creative Lady
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely effects
As others have said, very nice book and very good introductory chapter. Also as others have said, it's tricky. Read more
Published on April 28, 2011 by Weatherman
5.0 out of 5 stars
great fun and well done
This is the first knitting book I've bought for some time that not only taught me a new skill, but opened up a ton of new ideas about future design projects. Read more
Published on February 25, 2011 by J. Wolgast
3.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful patterns, but tricky to figure out
I bought this book because my husband liked one of the scarfs in it, and had been wanting me to make him one for a while. Read more
Published on January 21, 2011 by J. Ray
1.0 out of 5 stars
I regret I bought this book
If you want to knit only socks, scarfs, blankets, maybe you can enjoy this book.
The pattern is very rigid and so are all the items. Read more
The pattern is very rigid and so are all the items. Read more
Published on November 7, 2010 by Dr. Eva Jager
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun to knit
I have made two items from this book, a vest, and fingerless gloves. I used a turquoise yarn with a turquoise/brown/beige blend, and got a fabric with a bit of a plaid feel to it. Read more
Published on September 6, 2010 by Geek Mom
4.0 out of 5 stars
question on Knit 1 below
I have not purchased this book yet, but am wondering if the videos on you tube on knit one below use the same technique? Read more
Published on May 28, 2010 by David A. Nesje
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring book but not the easiest technique to master
I reckon I am an intermediate knitter. I bought this book at a bricks and mortar bookshop because I had never seen so many knitwear designs that I liked in one place! Read more
Published on May 21, 2010 by Amis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add this to your stitch repitoire
Elise Duvekot's enthusiasm for the "Knit One Below" stitch she builds this book around, is palpable and contagious :) Her directions for execution for every sweater I have started... Read more
Published on April 28, 2010 by Edith Maverick Folger
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