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

~ (Author), Steve Plummer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Here’s a knitting book with a difference. It shows and tells how to leave patterns aside and make beautiful clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes. Following the modular—or no-pattern—method, knitters can forget about complicated increases and decreases, and they won’t have to labor over an intricate pattern book. Instead, they learn how to create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves, and ponchos using just a few easy-to-learn stitches. Step-by-step color photos instruct on knitting geometric shapes, then on joining them together to create stylish garments. Each stage of the no-pattern process is explained and supplemented with advice on measuring and calculating yarn requirements, as well as on creative ways to mix and match colors and shapes. The authors present ten easy-to-follow projects for making items knitters will be proud to wear or give as gifts. Also featured are suggested variations on each project plus advice on how needlecrafters can create their own unique designs. “No-Pattern Knits” is a how-to volume that belongs on every knitter’s bookshelf. Approximately 250 color photos.

From the Back Cover

(back cover)
NO PATTERN knits

Put the fun back in knitting and create beautiful and original clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes. Forget about complicated increases and decreases or pouring over a difficult pattern book. Learn just a few basic stitches and discover how you can effortlessly create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves, and ponchos.

Step-by-step color photos demonstrate the foolproof way to knit two-dimensional shapes, and then show you how to combine those shapes into fabulous three-dimensional garments.

Clear instructions and diagrams explain each stage of the process, from measuring and calculating yarn requirements to combining colors, shapes, patterns, and textures.

You’ll find ten inspiring projects with suggested variations and advice on how to create your own unique designs.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764158929
• ISBN-13: 978-0764158926
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #382,120 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for beginners wanting to try Modular!, June 30, 2006

By	Melissa Seaman "skypod" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

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.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Pattern Knits, January 18, 2007

By	Rose C "knitter" (Tempe, AZ) - See all my reviews

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.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars May offer a simple formula for success, but its polished results look quite advanced and professional., October 14, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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