A creative guide to the 300 knitting stitches you really need to know, including brand new stitches and timeless classics.

An invaluable resource of original stitch patterns, this collection is for newcomers, designers, and knitters of all abilities. Instead of being merely a round-up of familiar stitches this is a visual feast of new material put together by two author-designers with a wide experience of hand knitting. It is a must-have addition to existing reference books on the subject.

Organised for easy access, stitches are divided into knit and purl textures and ribs, twist stitches, cables, lace, bobbles and bells, colour and intarsia designs, and unusual techniques – including rarities like entrelac, double-sided fabric, and mosaic effects. Each chapter has a number of simple designs for beginners, including both row-by-row written instructions and easy to read charts – allowing the reader to get used to using the standard charts given for more complex, or larger-repeat patterns. All stitch abbreviations and chart symbols are included on a fold out flap – unusual and unique stitches are explained alongside the relevant patterns

208-page paperback, pub Jan 2010