(Full disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Wiley to review on my blog.)
I'm a big fan of Knitting VISUAL Quick Tips by Sharon Turner, and I have come to expect that Wiley's VISUAL imprint will have great step-by-step photos. As with the
Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer), Knitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia instead assumes the reader has the basics down, so don't expect to see those photos or illustrations.
The book is organized into ten chapters: Knit and Purl Patterns; Rib Patterns; Bobbles and Textured Stitches; Slipstitch Patterns; Twist-Stitch Patterns; Cable Patterns; Drop-stitch, Yarn Overs, Eyelet, and Lace; Borders and Edgings; Creative Stitches and Combinations; and Color Knitting (which is further subdivided into Stranded Color Patterns, Intarsia Patterns and Motifs, and Color-Slip Patterns). The Appendix includes a key to pattern abbreviations and stitch symbols. The stitch symbols key also includes a description of how to formulate the stitch (e.g., "K3tog on RS: Knit 3 stitches together as 1.").
What I like about this book
The book is well organized, making it easy to find a stitch you liked later.
Each stitch is photographed in a vibrant swatch and includes both pattern abbreviations and a stitch symbol chart.
While the stitch guide includes some of the "old faithful" stitch patterns you would expect to find in a knitting stitch guide, there are also some new (to me) combinations.
Most of my other knitting stitch guides primarily use aran or off-white yarns, so this book is definitely more attractive to look at as there is a broader color palette for the swatches.
The Introduction. That's right, I said it. You shouldn't skip through this 3 page section, which outlines each chapter and explains the techniques used. It also describes (briefly) how different yarn choices will impact the look of the stitch and provides some tips about calculating your yarn needs for a project. In particular, if you don't know your Intarsia from your elbow, read the explanation of the different color knitting techniques.
I worked up a swatch using a few random stitch patterns that caught my eye. I didn't have any problems following the patterns so I would imagine they are all clearly written.
I especially liked the stitches in the Stranded Color Patterns and Color-Slip Patterns subsections of the Color Knitting chapter, the Bobbles and Textured Stitches chapter, and the Drop-stitch and Yarn Over patterns.
The hardcover binding will make sure this book lasts through all of the abuse a good stitch guide will get.
What I don't like (or what's missing)
I am a bit disappointed when a stitch guide lacks illustrations or photos explaining some of the techniques for a newbie. This deficit was, in my opinion, mostly redeemed by the explanations given in the Introduction.
Although the book is hardcover, it doesn't easily lay flat while knitting and reading.
Maybe I'm just not that excited by Intarsia in general, but I didn't see myself making anything in that section (a teapot with a flower? a robot?). If you are really into cutesy Intarsia, though, you will probably love these 17 stitch patterns.
If you are unfamiliar with stitch symbol charts, you may find it annoying to flip back to the glossary instead of having a key on each page.
Summary:
This book is definitely a solid stitch guide to add to (or start) your stitch guide collection. It is well organized, visually attractive, and includes stitch symbols and abbreviations for each stitch. The book explores a range of stitch types and is built to last as a hardcover. Beginners or inexperienced pattern readers might find it challenging since there are no illustrations or pictures to walk you through the basics. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that a beginner will need to be adventurous or have another resource book in her/his library to use this book effectively.
