Knitting Patterns for Dummies

Kristi Porter0470045566, 9780470045565

Have you always wanted to knit? Know the basics, but you’re looking to stretch your knitting skills? Knitting Patterns For Dummies is chock-full of simple instructions and easy-to-follow patterns to help you create a wide range of classic, beautiful knits for the whole family, from clothing to household items to gift ideas. This fun, friendly guide gives you scores of new ways to have fun with needles and yarn, with great projects such as basic ponchos and pullovers, felted bags and slippers, cabled sweaters, and home and baby accessories, to name a few. You get step-by-step instructions for all the patterns in the book, along with line drawings and 8 pages of full-color photos to guide you. And, with the variations added at the end of many of the patterns, you’ll have almost 100 projects to choose from! You’ll discover how to: * Select the right yarn and needles * Decipher knitting lingo * Measure your gauge, read a pattern, and understand garment sizing * Work with common stitches, such as the stockinette, garter seed, box, and half linen * Handle ribbing, cabling, and knitting lace * Work with patterns with rectangles, circles, and triangles * Use colorful stitches such as the Stripes, Fair Isle, and Mosaic * Join shapes together in your design * Create different textures and add color throughout a piece or just as accents You’ll also find ten things you can knit with that aren’t yarn or needles, as well as plenty of tips for caring for your knits once they’re complete. From beanies to bags to blankets, Knitting Patterns For Dummies has it all—everything you need to pick up your sticks and get creative right away!

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Table of contents :
Knitting Patterns For Dummies……Page 3
About the Author……Page 5
Author’s Acknowledgments……Page 7
Contents at a Glance……Page 9
Table of Contents……Page 11
About This Book……Page 19
Foolish Assumptions……Page 20
How This Book Is Organized……Page 21
Where to Go from Here……Page 23
Part I: The Nuts and Bolts (or Sticks and String) of Knitting……Page 25
Unraveling the Basics of Yarn……Page 27
Getting to the Point of Needles……Page 33
Filling Your Knitting Bag with Other Gadgets……Page 35
Calculating Gauge for Any Project……Page 39
How Tense Are You? Tips for Knitting to the Right Gauge……Page 40
Swatching Before You Begin a New Project……Page 42
Checking Your Gauge throughout a Project……Page 46
Examining the Drapes of Different Gauges……Page 47
Deciphering a Pattern’s Size Information……Page 49
Measuring Yourself……Page 51
Knowing What Size You Should Knit……Page 52
Deciphering Knitroglyphics……Page 55
Try Before You Buy! Spot-Checking Patterns……Page 62
Part II: A Primer on Stitches and Color……Page 65
Starting with Garter Stitch……Page 67
Knitting and Purling Stockinette Stitch……Page 68
Mixing It Up with Reverse Stockinette Stitch……Page 69
Staying Simple with Seed Stitch……Page 70
Working Half Linen Stitch……Page 71
Lining Up with Ribs……Page 73
Twisting Away with Cables……Page 78
Seeing Through Your Knitting with Lace……Page 85
Combining Colors with a Careful Eye……Page 93
Get in Line: Stripes……Page 94
Classic Color: Fair Isle Patterns……Page 97
Slip in Some Color: Mosaics……Page 101
Color for Cheaters: Adding Details after You Finish Knitting……Page 109
Part III: Patterns with Rectangles and Related Shapes……Page 113
Garter Stitch Scarf……Page 115
Ribbed Scarf……Page 119
Box Stitch Scarf……Page 121
Flat Hat……Page 124
Retro Slippers for Baby……Page 126
Longways Multiyarn Stole……Page 129
Loose Rib Wrap……Page 132
Box Top……Page 134
Felted Potholders……Page 139
Throw Pillows……Page 143
Journal Cover……Page 147
Nested Squares Baby Blanket……Page 149
Felted Messenger Bag……Page 153
One-Piece Baby Sweater……Page 159
Deceptively Simple Shell……Page 163
Shawl-Collared Coat……Page 165
Hooded Coat……Page 174
Part IV: Patterns with Circles, Triangles, and More……Page 179
Ruffled Cowl……Page 181
Wrist Warmers……Page 186
Ruffled Muffatees……Page 189
Basic Beanies……Page 190
Storybook Hats……Page 193
Mosaic Bags……Page 195
The Most Basic Kerchief Ever……Page 201
The Most Basic Shawl Ever……Page 203
Fully Fashioned Kerchief……Page 205
Lacy Shawl……Page 208
Stretchy Halter Top……Page 210
Short Row Scarf……Page 213
Harlequin Blanket……Page 217
V-Neck T-Shirt……Page 219
Kid’s Top……Page 225
Men’s Rollneck Pullover……Page 233
Manly Sweater……Page 240
Bulky Zipped Cardigan……Page 247
Half-Ribbed Raglan Cardigan……Page 252
Women’s Scoop-Neck Pullover……Page 260
Lacy V-Neck Top……Page 265
Part V: The Part of Tens……Page 273
Plastic Bags……Page 275
Tinkertoys……Page 276
Whip Up Washcloths and Soap Sacks……Page 277
Store Swatches as Emergency Yarn……Page 278
Using Makeshift Cable Needles……Page 279
Putting Your Stitches on Hold……Page 280
Cutting Yarn without Scissors……Page 281
Read the Label……Page 283
Wash Wisely……Page 284
Avoid Hot Water and Agitation……Page 285
Clean Your Knits Regularly……Page 286
Give Care Instructions with a Gift……Page 287
Remember that Not Everything You Knit Is an Heirloom……Page 288
Blocking……Page 289
Casting On……Page 292
Crocheted Edging……Page 293
Crocheting a Chain……Page 294
Knit Stitch……Page 295
Knitting into the Back of a Stitch……Page 296
Mattress Stitch……Page 297
Purl Stitch……Page 301
Ripping Back Stitches……Page 302
Slipping Stitches……Page 303
Weaving in Ends……Page 304
Index……Page 305