Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments: 350 Appliques, Borders, Cords, and More! (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Characterized by a wealth of whimsical decorative details and an imaginative use of color, Epstein's designs are well known to readers of such major knitting magazines as Interweave Knits and Knitters. Now Epstein has put together an encyclopedic collection of knitted motifs, borders and edgings, cords, fringes, tassels, and surface embroidery stitches. Entries for the 350 embellishments featured include color photographs plus written and charted patterns and hints for incorporating embellishments into handmade or store-bought knits. Not a "project book," this work, like Barbara Walker's stitch treasuries, is an essential reference for knitters in search of ways to enhance knitted garments. Highly recommended, especially for large public libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Quirky, attractive knitted flowers, fringes, lattice edgings, and other embellishments can add style and flair to handmade knitted garments, store bought sweaters, household items, and more. This book contains hundreds of ideas and instructions for using knitted appliqus, borders, cords, embroidery, and enhancements such as fringes, tassels, pompoms, and ties.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; illustrated edition edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188301039X
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010393
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #180,766 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun and very practical, August 12, 2001

By	Gwen Kramer "gwenhwyvar" (Tehachapi, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This is pretty much the ultimate do-it-yorself knitters book. The whole idea is to give ideas that will spice up a ho-hum project and turn it into something amazing. I am a fairly new knitter and am progressing well but some projects are beyond my present skills and it is encouraging to have a book with easy, attractive details.

I agree that the I-cord section alone warrants the purchase of this book but I am also partial to the embroidery section. These two chapters are interesting in that you can use them to beautify existing knitted pieces and possible be able to cover damage that would otherwise ruin a garment.

There were some complaints that the book includes knit 1 purl 1 ribbing. I see nothing wrong with this as some newer knitters may not know this and since you have to start somewhere.

This book is invaluable especially if you are starting to design your own knits. I am knitting a purse using techniques described in this book and I am already getting complements on it! New knitters: this book provides a fast, easy way for you to create advanced looking knits. Advanced knitters: it's a good deal of fun in the bargain. You simply can't go wrong!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the price, April 11, 2007

By	Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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I have Ms Epstein's other books,Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders which I enjoyed and Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes about which I was somewhat less enthused. I decided to get this book, because I was looking for ideas for embelishments, and there it was: "Embellishments," just what I was looking for, so I got it.

I think some of the appliqués are quite imaginative, particularly some of the leaves and pieced flower designs as well as many of the knitted cord appliqué designs, like the Celtic knots and most of the closures in the last few pages of the book. (I do love "frogs.") I will certainly try the technique myself.

The appliqué cord technique was also used effectively for faux cables, and although I enjoy tackling a complex cable from time to time as an exercise, I could see the appliqué system for cables as a very effective way of getting a project completed. It would also allow one to experiment with a design to decide what type of cable looks best on a completed sweater, and just where on the sweater it will most enhance the wearer--and all this without having to rip apart the sweater and do it over again!

The integration of beading into some of the edgings was also interesting and not something I would have thought of myself, because I'm not (yet) a beader. I could imagine the technique making something very special from something quite simple. However some of the designs for heavily beaded tassels seem just way too over the top.

I also like the way cross stitch and embroidery in flosses or yarns could be added to a finished sweater to give the piece the look of fairisle, intarsia, entrelac, and tapestry without the bulk and carryovers that occur with the first two.

I am not, however, a great fan of "bobbles" or raised edgings. I enjoy the technique of the former for its cleverness, and have added bobbles to things like purses, but they tend to make knitted and crocheted products look bulky and awkward in places that should probably not be emphasized on some individuals. (My figure, for instance, is bulky and awkward enough thank you.) Maybe on a very slim person, but definitely not a decorative technique I'd use for the more "mature" shape.


The designs are well illustrated and enlarged enough for the reader to see the techniques displayed. The author uses the method of charted instructions, which I usually find somewhat difficult to follow but which I can see as very useful for visualizing the finished product and its construction.

Most of my objections, though valid from my own perspective, might not be true of others. Maybe one likes heavily beaded tassles, maybe someone else enjoys bobbles. As one of the other reviewers notes; there's something for everyone in this book.

All in all a book well worth the price to add to ones craft library.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nicky Epstein kicks knitting up a couple of notches!, February 14, 2004

By A Customer

My initial impression of Nicky Epstein was a good knitting designer who mired herself in lace, and bows and teddy bears--kind of technical genius in a world of knitting that is not my own.

Well, was I wrong! This book has inspired me more than any current knitting publication--and has me designing and knitting my own work with confidence in her tips and ideas (the I-cord is an epiphany!! from flowers to Irish knots, to buttons!) developing truly original things that have my friends and relatives looking twice! I have been almost evangelical amongst my friends and the poor lady at the knitting shop about this book--carrying it with me, and giving it as gifts. Granted, it is for a fairly advanced level of skill and ability to design--but an inspiration for every level of knitter and a great gift for any Knit Wit in your life.

Her explanations, illustrations and photographs describe her trims and treatments in a straightforward, easy to follow manner. The book is chock full of ideas that one can find in older knitting publications (such as Barbara Walker's books)-- but compiled in the manner and spirit that she has makes them special and new to today's knitters.

Buy this book and knit yourself a flower, some leaves, a celtic cross. You better have plenty of scrap yarn on hand to try these marvellous ideas out--or Nicky Epstein will have you running to your closest yarn store to start a project to try these ideas out.