The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary: 150 New Stitch Patterns To Knit Top Down, Bottom Up, Back and Forth & In the Round

In her second stitch dictionary, Bernard (Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary) further explores knit/purl patterns, ribs, cables, lace, twisted and slipped stitches, and mosaic designs. While most standard stitch dictionaries for knitting present directions only for flat knitting from the bottom up, Bernard provides directions for knitting each pattern in the round, as well as top-down knitting as needed. Each stitch pattern includes a color photograph of a nicely knitted swatch that clearly demonstrates the repeat or motif and written instructions, with charted directions included where necessary. Individual sections conclude with a simple knitted project. Knitters who enjoy customizing their garments and accessories will appreciate the basic patterns provided in the appendix, which include top-down and toe-up socks and hats, and formulas for bottom-up and top-down double-triangle shawls. Designers will also prize the stitch multiple index, which lists all of the stitches in the collection by the number of stitches in each repeat, allowing for finding the pattern that works best for one's needs. Barbara Walker's four-volume Treasury of Knitting Patterns remains the gold standard of knitting stitch dictionaries, but Bernard's latest has its advantages.