The Knowledgeable Knitter

Knitting is a combination of skill, determination, and adaptability. Whether you're looking for a suitable substitute yarn, trying to modify a pattern, or fixing a mistake, Margaret Radcliffe offers proven advice that will help you solve all of your knitting quandaries. With this definitive guide, you'll not only learn how to adjust armholes and shape collars, but why certain techniques work best in different situations. Radcliffe gives you the confidence and inspiration that will help you become a better, happier, and more confident knitter. Margaret Radcliffe is the author of The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques, The Knowledgeable Knitter, and the bestsellers The Knitting Answer Book and Circular Knitting Workshop. She regularly teaches throughout the country about everything from beginner's basics to knitting design. She is particularly interested in promoting creativity and independence in all knitters and maintains the website www.maggiesrags.com. Introduction   Knowledge is Power

 

Chapter One

First Choices: Pattern, Yarn, and Needles

What Makes a Well-Written Pattern?

Understanding and Evaluating Schematics

Choosing the Right Size

How to Take Body Measurements

Finding a Yarn to Suit Your Pattern/Finding a Pattern to Suit Your Yarn

Choosing Needles

Matching Gauge

There's More to Swatching Than Matching the Gauge

 

Chapter Two

Second Thoughts: Planning the Project

Order of Construction

Cast Ons

Centering Pattern Stitches

Planning Ahead for Perfect Finishing

 

Chapter Three

Third Time Lucky: Modifying Your Pattern

Changing Color or Stitch Pattern

Adding Embellishments

Changing the Borders

Changing Direction: Top Down versus Bottom Up

Converting Flat to Circular

The Whys and Hows of Steeks

Converting Circular Garment Instructions to Flat

 

Chapter Four

Forethought: Shaping and Fitting

Shaping Your Knitting

Fitting Your Garment

 

Chapter Five

Work in Progress

Understanding Knitting Instructions

Reality Checks

Disguising the Job

Binding Off and Casting On in the Middle

Bottom Borders on a Top-Down Sweater

Binding Off at the End

What Comes Next?

 

Chapter Six

Evaluation and Adjustments

Honest Assessments, Practical Solutions

Fixing Mistakes

Variations in Dye Lot, Color, and Yarn Quality

Size and Fit Adjustments

Cutting Your Knitting

 

Chapter Seven

Putting It All Together

Best Finishing Practices

Blocked Knitted Pieces

Dealing with Ends

Joining the Pieces

 

Chapter Eight

Borders, Bindings, and Embellishments

Neck, Armhole, and Front Borders

Bindings and Facings to Enclose Edges

The Zipper Controversy

Collars for a Dressier Look

Practical and Decorative Pockets

Knitted Embellishments

Blocking the Finished Garment

Caring for Your Finished Handknits

Storing Handknit Garments

The Elusive Pursuit of Perfection

 

Appendix

Glossary of Techniques & Terms

Abbreviations

Symbols

Further Reading

Online References

 

Acknowledgments

Index