If you're tired of making sweaters with sleeves that are the wrong length, necklines that droop, armholes that are too tight, and an overall look that's not quite right, then let Seater Design in Plain English come to your rescue. In clear, straightforward terms, Maggie Righettie shares her knitting know-how and good fashion sense so that, no matter what your knitting level, you can overcome the fear of failure, avoid costly mistakes, adapt already-existing patterns, and plan and create sweaters that really fit and look terrific-sweaters that will be worn for many years to come. Topics and techniques include: -Understanding the nature of yarn and pattern stitches -Choosing the most flattering color and design for the wearer -Taking accurate body measurements -Estimating the amount of yarn you'll need -How to tell whether or not a sweater will look good on you-before you start to knit -How to alter printed patterns so they really fit -How to understand the mathematics of gauge and pattern design -Plus start-to-finish instructions for thirteen classic sweaters Each technique is illustrated with clear diagrams, sketches, or photographs. Complete with conversion charts and a personal-measurements record-keeping section, Sweater Design in Plain English takes the guesswork out of every creative knitting effort.

The definitive classic on crocheting for years, the first edition of Crocheting in Plain English equipped readers with easy-to-follow, friendly advice on creating their dream crochets. A lifelong crocheting teacher and designer, Maggie Righetti offered both basic principles and step-by-step instructions to get crocheters started and to perfect their techniques. In this latest edition, completely updated and revised for today's crocheter, Righetti dispenses more of her invaluable wisdom, covering virtually everything you need to know about crochet, including: * Selecting threads and yarns * Determining gauge * Working with the right tools * How to interpret patterns and instructions * Increasing and decreasing stitches * How to fix mistakes * Basic stitches (chain, double, treble, slip) * Sixteen different fabric pattern stitches * Assembling the finished product * How to block, clean, and care for crocheted articles * And much, much more! Each technique is illustrated with clear drawings, charts, or photos. Complete with a new introduction and a detailed glossary of crochet terms, Crocheting in Plain English is one sourcebook no crocheter should do without.

A start-to-finish guide to crocheting that covers materials, hooks, gauge, stitches, patterns, joining, finishing touches, correcting mistakes, and washing crocheted items.

In this revised edition, Righetti gives readers expert advice on making different types of garments as well as working with new patterns and different kinds of yarn. Her easy-to-understand instructions offer basic principles that make any project rewarding.

This handy guide unravels the mysteries of terms, symbols, and abbreviations to make pattern reading easy for knitters of all levels. Knitting can be a challenging craft, but even more challenging than knitting itself is the cryptic language—a mix of abbreviations, numbers, jargon, punctuation marks, and other symbols—in which patterns are usually written. It’s no wonder so many beginners (and even some whose skills are quite advanced) are intimidated by the bewildering code—or that so many yarn-shop owners grow frustrated by the amount of time they must spend deciphering patterns for the uninitiated. Enter Knitspeak, a knitter’s dictionary that disentangles the mysteries of pattern language and translates it into plain English, helping knitters to easily transition from confused to confident. Andrea Berman Price’s essential guide—written in a friendly, reassuring tone and formatted for quick reference—begins with an overview of how knitting patterns are organized. It then offers a comprehensive alphabetical listing of all the abbreviations, words, phrases, and symbols typically encountered in patterns. Knitspeak’s many easy-to-understand drawings clarify basic and not-so-basic needle techniques, and a series of sidebars deals with issues ranging from keeping track of simultaneous shaping to substituting yarns and reading a yarn label. The book’s appendix is filled with valuable tips, charts, and worksheets.

A guide to making Shetland lace projects, including traditional Shetland motifs, patterns, and insertions such as cat's paw, candlelight, horse shoe and many more.

Classic "how-to" book covers everything from winding yarn and fundamental stitches to making patterns and garments, blocking, and more with over 250 technique diagrams illustrating every basic step and pattern.

Create versatile wardrobe essentials with these chic new Japanese knitting patterns for apparel and accessories from cult favorite author michiyo. A whole new world of fashionable Tokyo-style knitwear designs opens to experienced needle crafters in Japanese Knitting: Patterns for Sweaters, Scarves and More. It is the first Japanese needlework book to be translated into English. Knitting and crochet websites across the globe often feature the work of renowned Japanese designer michiyo. Her minimalist aesthetic and textural elements make her knitwear styles polished and flattering, whether worn layered or as stand-alone pieces. With this Japanese knitting pattern book, experienced knitters and needleworkers can create a diverse collection of effortless-looking items ranging from a pair of soft slippers to a structured jacket. An introduction by needlework instructor Gayle Roehm explains the Japanese techniques to readers who are trying them for the first time. Inside, find 23 stylish patterns and instructions for: A Nordic-style sweater A classic raglan cardigan A diagonally striped tunic A "sleeve" scarf And much more Your wardrobe will benefit from the chic and comfortable touch of michiyo's knitwear designs in this newly-translated Japanese stitch dictionary and pattern book.

Bring Your Vision to Life with Pattern-Drafting Essentials What’s the number one mistake that knitters make? They follow a pattern exactly! In this comprehensive guide to sweater construction, acclaimed knitting instructor Sally Melville reveals the secrets to creating or modifying a pattern so the finished project looks and fits exactly how you want it to. Pattern drafting has never been easier to understand as Sally breaks down each skill, including how to • calculate your personal measurements, ease, and stitch patterns • create a pattern for an existing garment that you love • shape a variety of necklines, shoulders, sides, sleeves, and hemlines • combine garment elements for an endless array of design possibilities • rescue a project when it doesn’t turn out as expected • finish your projects with a professional look • knit 10 original projects that showcase the elements covered in the book With Sally’s knitting expertise at your fingertips, you have all the tools you need to adjust patterns to fit you better than ever and create patterns that finally make your dream designs a reality.

Whether you’re just picking up knitting needles for the first time or you’ve been knitting for years, Knitting For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will be your pattern for knitting success. Have you always wanted to knit, but are just not sure how or where to start? Have you been knitting for years and want to perfect your stitches? As a beginner you will learn... the tools of the trade the basics how to read a pattern the fundamentals basic stitches techniques no knitter should be without what to do when you make a common mistake tips for knitting in the round how to knit some easy projects More advanced? Try your needles at stripes, cables, twists, lace, Fair Isle, intarsia, and full garments. Knitting For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will not only enhance the skills you already have, it’ll teach you new ones, from expert knitters who will guide you every step of the way. You’ll be on your way to knitting a new wardrobe in no time!