The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Spiral-bound)

~ (Author) "I learned to knit in 1968..." (more)
Key Phrases: omit these rows, crewneck version, edging patt, Finishing Block, Cardigan Right Front, Pullover Front (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this choose-your-own-adventure book... provides a healthy compromise between knitting others’ patterns and styling your own from scratch." -- Vogue Knitting

"...this choose-your-own-adventure book... provides a healthy compromise between knitting others' patterns and styling your own from scratch." -- Vogue Knitting

"Easy-to-read instructions…great for anyone who wants to design their own garment…a very valuable resource." -- Knitting News

"The possibilities are endless!" -- Better Homes and Gardens Knit It!

"This is a fine version of the master pattern genre... will give you many years of good knitting." -- Windy City Knitting Guild

"This, my friends, is the Better Homes and Gardens of sweater pattern books . . . It’s a book worth reading and absorbing." -- Knitter’s Review

Review

"Ann Budd frees a knitter to pick up any yarn and create a custom garment.... Sounds handy to me." —Knitters Magazine

"This, my friends, is the Better Home and Gardens of sweater pattern books...It's a book worth reading and absorbing." —Knitter's Review

"Easy-to-read instructions...Great for anyone who wants to design their own garment...a very valuable resource." —Knitting News

"The bible for those who are beginning to design their own sweaters." —Knitting.AllInfoAbout.com

"You will love this book...This could easily be the last sweater pattern book you will buy."  —Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot

"With this book, if you can dream it you can knit it."  —Planet Purl

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 224 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499438
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499439
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 123 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chockful of really useful information, August 2, 2004

By	sfknitter (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

I know many (I for one) are happy this highly anticipated book came out earlier than the stated release date and it is even more packed with so much good information than Ann Budd's first book of ...Handy Book of Knitting Patterns. Some initial good points about the book: many sweater "palettes" are presented, there's many side points within each section - like how to convert a yarn gauge of yours that isn't included in the book to one that is compatible to a gauge, there's eighteen sweaters knitted up in different yarns that are shown in clear photos, different styles of necks, sleeves, bodies are set out and explained, and! so much more! And for those familiar with the first book - there is an even nicer (deeper) inside pocket provided. The same spiral format is kept which will help in your designing/decision making of your sweater(s). Don't let the higher price point scare you away - the information in this great book more than makes up for the cost.

110 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Handy Sweater Book: The Sequel! You need it.., August 26, 2004

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

I love Ann Budd's first book "The Handy Book of Knitting Patterns" which are small patterns such as gloves, hats, mittens, scarves and vests. Most people asked for a sweater book to follow, with basic patterns in all sizes, from kids to big adults. Here it is.

You can take a raglan, a cardigan, a drop sleeve pullover or many other traditional styles like yoke-sweaters and knit either the basic pattern shown, or embellish it with your own texture, color or lace stitches. Ideas are given how to do the modifications.

The book is spiral bound with hard board covers, and an elastic band to mark your place. This is the kind of book that never leaves the knitting bag, and in particular if you go shopping to add yarn to your "stash", this book could assist you in visualizing projects and more importantly, buying the right amount of yarn. That way, when you pull the yarn from storage on a cold winter day when you want to start something new, you will have pattern, yarn and ideas all handy, thanks to this book. A real winner, and absolutely a great gift if you know any new knitters.

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable!, March 18, 2005

By	K. Hansen (Columbia, MO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are tired of knitting from patterns and want to branch out into your own designs, this is the book you need to help you get started! It picks up where _The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns_ left off, including several different types of sweater construction, finishing ideas, necklines and collar types. Ann Budd explains the concept of ease, how to design shaping, and how to get a custom fit. The sample patterns provide a good source of inspiration for how you can use these "recipes" to make a unique garment. Highly recommended!