Customer Reviews

No Pattern Knits: Simple Modular Techniques for Making Wonderful Garments and Accessories

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I've been scoping out modular technique knitting books for awhile and finally decided on one to try: No-Pattern Knits by Pat Ashforth & Steve Plummer. As a beginning knitter, I am EXTREMELY pleased with the detailed instructions on the different ways to create large knitted items from smaller knitted shapes. The book has many great varied projects to try, but it's especially the step-by-step instructions on how to choose, measure, knit and assemble the modular shapes that make this book a worthwhile investment and genuine inspiration, especially for a beginner. The only minor complaint I have is that all the instructions are given for garter stitch only -- but I think, with practice, the principles can be applied to other simple stitches to accomplish the same effects, which I am very much looking forward to trying.

This book is great for someone interested in learning the modular technique of knitting. Basicly, it is making geometric shapes and putting them together artfully to make fashion etc... This book teaches you the technique, and has great ideas and illustrations. You can make anything from a sleeve for a garment to a unique and adorable baby hat. You can be an experienced knitter, or a newbie. Sometimes traditional knitting patterns can be strict and limiting. This modular style, lets you take simple skills and go forth and design on your own. Great from cover to cover!!
I highly recomend this book as an introduction to modular knitting. I have looked at others, and this is the one I would reccomend to buy first.

NO-PATTERN KNITS: SIMPLE MODULAR TECHNIQUES FOR MAKING WONDERFUL GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES may offer a simple formula for success, but its polished results look quite advanced and professional. As the knitter moves away from using patterns and turns to geometric shapes instead, the no-pattern method evolves some lovely complex pieces produced using surprisingly few easy stitches. Add full color step-by-step photos and you have a winner.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is the review that I wrote for Woolly Thoughts, the other title by the same authors. I thought it would be good to put it here as well so others would know that the books contain the same information, and wouldn't end up buying both.

Review on Woolly Thoughts

This book contains the same information found in the book No Pattern Knits by the same authors. This book appears to be an earlier version, and I think a more complete one. I was able to check No Pattern Knits out from the library. When I saw this book I had to wonder if it was about the same as the other. Well, it is, and it isn't. The information is the same, but there is a lot more of it in this book. I felt that this book gives more inspriration than the other title. It contains no actual patterns. All the pictures are line drawings except for a few color plates. They stated that they did this so you would not be distracted by the colors, but concentrate on the shapes. The other title is more recent and is full of color pictures. It also contain a few patterns to get you going. But, I don't think it is contains as much written info. and wasn't as inspiring to me. So, either is fine, but I don't really think you need both. Depending on what your preference is, either is good to learn modular knitting from.

UPDATE: I checked the No Pattern Knits out again to make sure my memory was correct. Now that I've seen it again, I really think both books would be good to have. While the majority of the information is the same, they both also contain info that the other book doesn't have. And the pictures in the more recent book are outstanding. The patterns are cute too. I still think Woolly Thoughts has more technical info. Both would be great additions to your knitting library.

I borrowed this book from the library, and I loved it so much I had to go buy it. It doesn't really have projects; it's just a good reference for modular knitting and color design. The instructions are clear and well written, and they show how the same modules can be placed in different configurations to make very different designs. A great reference tool!

Not many patterns for finished objects but a good book to get down some basic shapes and encouragement to explore knitting geometry. Very clear!

I love free form knitting and crocheting. This is a good book for those who need structure or like geometric shapes and a lot of flexibility at the same time. I already have the authors other book, Woolly Thoughts and this one is more detailed. The illustrations here are more useful than the drawings in the other book. The first half of the book is particularly helpful for technique and for learning design methods. Good book for people wanting to explore free form but not feeling confident enough to be very adventurous. If I had purchased this one first I probably would not have gotten the other one.

If you are familiar with modular knitting, this book offers nothing new. The patterns didn't appeal to me at all; there was no snap to the designs. If you aren't familiar with modular knitting, there are better books from which to learn.

Wonderful book. Can't wait to try all the things to do in it. Great pictures to go with the directions. Detailed instructions also.