Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More [Hardcover]

Nicky Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 9, 2010

Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
 
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
 
Inside you will find:

• 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
• More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
• Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
• Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

 
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.  

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In previous tutorials, the popular designer Epstein has covered edgings, flowers, and felting, among many other topics. Here she discusses a very practical skill and provides some fine patterns for a very simple shape—squares. Knitters most often use squares, or blocks, as Epstein calls them, for gauge swatches. But, actually, they are the most versatile of constructions and can be used for sweaters, toys, and, of course, afghans. Although she begins by showing simple squares done in seed and garter stitches, Epstein quickly moves on to embossed, cabled, colored, and appliquéd squares, all of which will get knitters’ hands twitchy. Then come instructions, in words and charts, for the patterns, some involved, like an afghan, and others, like a hat and scarf, fairly quick to make. A bag looks particularly enticing. Back matter includes information about edgings, a detailed glossary, and a list of charities on which to bestow finished projects. More than 180 color illustrations add to the pleasure of this appealing book. --Ilene Cooper

Review

"We bet you've never seen blocks quite like these. Use the 150 patterns to fashion your own custom projects, or follow designer Nicky Epstein's simple steps to create intricate, sophisticated accessories." --Good Housekeeping

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (November 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307586529
• ISBN-13: 978-0307586520
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.9 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nicky Epstein is one of today's most prolific and versatile knitwear designers, authors and teachers. She has gained worldwide recognition for her artistic, distinctive and innovative work, whimsical sense of style and informative workshops. Her designs continue to be featured in many knitting magazines and publications, on television, and in museums.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 108 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a Matter of Taste November 9, 2010

By Phyllis Staff TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Living in Texas, I've found that I can knit afghans during only a few winter months. Why? It's often too hot to be working on a large, warm afghan. So when I saw that this book was focused on small blocks that could be joined (in a cold month) to make a large piece, I jumped at it.

Now that I've received the book, I've changed my mind.

Here's my take on "Knitting Block by Block."

PROS:

1. Nicky Epstein's books are always high quality, and this book is no exception. Excellent binding allows the book to remain open where you're working without damaging the spine. Paper is heavy and pleasing to the touch. Color is, as expected, lavish. In fact, color is one of the best parts of an Epstein volume.

2. Patterns and examples are clear, even for a novice knitter. You can see many different types of blocks and follow one of her examples or create your own unique design.

CONS:

1. It's a matter of personal taste, but, after reading through the book several times, I realized that I like knitting as a continuous piece of fabric without seams (where they can be avoided). I do not care for unnecessary seams like those shown in her scarves.

2. Again, it's a matter of taste, but, although I'm usually like a child with her nose pressed against a candy store window, screaming "I want one of those," I did not find many patterns that compelled me to whip out my needles.

3. Although I like the look of cord on knit fabric, I have a personal dislike of sewing my knitting together. I do the assembly grudgingly and have no wish to do more. With many of the designs, I'd be sitting for hours doing something I don't care to do....

OVERALL:

This is a beautiful book that did not please me as much as Epstein's books usually do. If you enjoy hand sewing, if you enjoy stitching knit pieces together, this will be your book. For me, I'll go back to her classic afghan book.

Four stars Read more ›

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome back Nicky Epstein November 10, 2010

By j

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am so delighted with this book..Once again Ms. Epstein shows the imagination and inventiveness that makes her my personal favorite knitwear designer. Her last 2 books had REALLY disappointed me because they really were a rehash of her old ideas. Knitting on Top of the World and Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch just didn't make it for me. I want Ms. Epstein's imagination...not a travel guide to Tuscany...
There are many many blocks in this book...my favorites happen to be the ones with i-cord and ideas of how one might use them...directions call for knitting with Cascade 220 ..a lovely yarn that is not only beautiful, comes in many colors, but is quite affordable.
There are directions for all the blocks as well as for the patterns of garments made using the blocks...
WELCOME BACK, Ms. Epstein....and thank you...

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Errata- Knitters Beware March 16, 2011

By Carole M. Warner

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Working from library copy until mine arrives -- I am making the 35-square afgan (pg 216). NOTE: Color numbers actually refer to Cascade 220, NOT Cascade 220 "Superwash." Superwash color numbers are entirely different. First instruction is to make 17 stockinette stitch blocks in A." Color A is actually an accent color and has insufficient yardage. Instruction should say "Main Color" and should be noted as such in "Materials" paragraph. Beginning knitters might be stymied by these errata before even starting. Even though I like the patterns and overall presentation of this book, I am giving it only three stars due to inadequate editing.Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful , but........ July 10, 2011

By pat Fish

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Beautiful book, beautiful designs, and horrible editing. There are many errors in this book. I am knitting the afghan on page 216.

The yarn suggested is Cascade 220, not superwash. The colors listed do not match Cascades color list at all. The colors given are NOT for the sample afghan shown; I loved the colors in the sample knitted afghan and I am not getting it. Blocks knitted as directed created different sized blocks. After a lot of reworking and reediting, I am able to create same sized blocks.

They are many great ideas, but beware of the patterns.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Good and The Confusing February 16, 2011

By M. Foster

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

There is so much good stuff in this book that I don't know where to start. Her blocks are so original and delightful. There are very few projects in the volume though but it is easy to come up with stunning projects.

The instructions are clear and well written.

When I say however, that it is confusing I refer to the fact that so many of the blocks have different cast on numbers, so when I finished my first three blocks for the afghan project in the book, they came out in different sizes using the same needles and yarn. I ended up adding garter stitch borders to some to make them come out even. I am left feeling that I am not executing my blocks in some way, though since they specify different numbers it makes sense for them to end up different sizes.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worthy Addition to your Knitting Library November 21, 2010

By Jazzy Jasmine

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just received my copy of this wonderful book. I love the ideas of knitting in blocks. It is perfect for the beginner through experienced knitter. It's a chance to practice and learn some new stitches. Be careful of other peoples reviews. If I would have listened to one of the reviewers, I would've never brought it. Ms. Epstein did excellent research. The book has lots of wonderful ideas to expand on. Her books always inspire me to knit. Great to take on an airplane for extended travel.