Introduction It’s all in the details! The use of what designers call fully fashioned shaping marks the difference between an ordinary ho-hum sweater and an undeniably spectacular fashion garment. Using mirrored increases and decreases—slanting certain stitches toward the left or the right to create design details can easily give a garment a couture touch. It is the construction difference between an $80 J.Crew cashmere V-neck sweater and the one that sells for $200 in the same catalog. Though both are knitted out of the same soft yarn, the less expensive sweater is usually made by assembling front, back, or sleeve pieces cut from huge bolts of machine-knit fabric and then sewn with a serger, while the more expensive sweater is created with hand-manipulated, machine-made knitting stitches. Many handknitters already use shaping details in their garments: decreases for armholes, necklines, or sleeve caps and increases for sleeves. We don’t cut our pieces into shape, we knit them into shape! But most knitters do not understand how shaping works or how to use simple increases and decreases to add visual interest to their garments. I’ve taught these techniques to hundreds of knitters, and during my workshop they begin to look at their knitting in a whole new way. I still remember that exciting aha! moment when a student in one of my classes worked her first fully fashioned V neckline a few years ago. “It’s so neat and perfect,” she proudly proclaimed. In these pages we will explore simple fully fashioned techniques and how to apply them to create interesting designer elements and flattering shaping details in garments for any body shape. You will learn that just adding a few extra details can take any project to an entirely new level of sophistication. Chapter 1 of this book is a refresher course on all the basics any knitter will need to master, from different increase and decrease methods, to Knitting Charts 101, and the dos and don’ts of figure flattery. Chapter 2 illustrates simple ways to incorporate fully fashioned shaping in stockinette garments. Included are four wearable—and knittable!—projects to get your needles clicking as you practice these basic shaping techniques. Chapter 3 provides ways of using fully fashioned shaping for designer details such as decorative raglan seams and figure-flattering vertical lines. Many of the projects include incorporated neckbands and armbands to make the finishing of the garment faster and easier. Chapter 4 delves into exciting ways to use strategically placed increases and decreases to create figure-flattering sweaters. Some of the projects in this section even use fully fashioned details to fool the eye and create the illusion of shape: You don’t have to have a perfect hourglass shape to look great! Throughout the book, you’ll discover little body shape icons that will direct you to garments that are specifically designed for your individual figure type. Diagonal lines will draw attention to certain sections of the garment—and of your body. If you’re going to take the time—and spend the money—to make custom garments, you might as well knit flattering ones! You’ll have fun experimenting with fully fashioned designer details—and using your knitting prowess to create knockout pieces that fit and flatter. Let’s get started.…

This is the first book that delves deeply into easily mastered techniques that can be used to adapt and customise any project. Knitting the Perfect Fit is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in learning and perfecting shaping details in their knitting. Acclaimed designer and teacher Melissa Leapman distills one of her most in-demand workshops into an authoritative guide that will help knitters understand how designer details and shaping actually work. From a variety of necklines and arm details to different trompe l'oeil shaping techniques that offer a more slimming and flattering look to any garment no matter your body type. Each technique is thoroughly explained with tips and exercised and then showcased in 21 appealing projects that allow knitters to practise their new skills.

Discover knitting techniques that allow you to adapt vintage patterns into the perfect fit for modern-day style! Vintage Design Workshop is the guide that retro-loving knitters have been waiting for-a welcome relief for those who have been frustrated by vintage patterns that come in one size only. Divided into two sections, this essential book first teaches you how to update any vintage pattern to accommodate modern sizes and gives advice on choosing substitutes for yarns that are out of production. The second section demonstrates how to adapt modern patterns to create a vintage silhouette, teaching how to mix and match sleeves, necklines, or collars to the pattern of your choice to achieve a vintage look. The author uses one vintage pattern throughout as the basis for separate tutorials on yarn substitution, sizing and gauge, deciding on alterations, adjusting shaping and length, and adding or altering details. Vintage Design Workshop is a key resource for any knitter who is keen on learning how very simple it is to update or customize patterns yourself.

Sheets of patterns are in an envelope inside the front cover, each sheet is doubled sided.

Looking for classic and romantic knits with current style? Inspired by traditional knits, up-and-coming designers Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn put their own contemporary spin on knitting in Vintage Modern Knits, offering designs that you will simply want to wear! From classic designs with fashion-forward color combinations to funky cable sweaters for weekend living, each pattern takes its inspiration from classic silhouettes and adds a a modern spin for an irresistible combination. Vintage Modern Knits features several different traditional techniques--cables, Fair Isle, lace, colorwork, and more--all showcased in modern, luxurious projects that are fun to knit and lovely to wear. Divided into three sections (Vintage Feminine, Rustic Weekend, and Winter Harbor), Vintage Modern Knits features pieces with tailored lines, close fit, and easy-to-wear, stylish classics. Projects range from quick accessories to garments in a variety of knitting techniques. Packed with perfect weekend wear, Vintage Modern Knits puts a contemporary twist on classic knits you-ll love wearing!

Express your personal style and make clothes that are comfortable for you and your body! Maybe you learned to sew in school and have a sewing machine, but it hasn't seen the outside of the closet since your last move. Or maybe you are completely new to the craft, with a lot of enthusiasm, but no idea how to thread your machine. No matter where you're coming from in terms of experience, this sewing workbook offers four basic patterns--two tops, a skirt, and a pair of pants--that empower you to express your personal style and make clothes that are comfortable for your body type. After explaining the basic concepts of sewing and construction, 100 Acts of Sewing designer Sonya Philip then provides suggestions for mixing the basic patterns together to create new garment iterations as you gain confidence--structural adjustments such as full bust, no bust, long torso, big, small, etc., as well as a range of possible alterations and embellishments including sleeves, pockets, hems, and more! Going beyond simple pattern instructions, this book will make sewing garments accessible for every body type--each pattern comes in sizes ranging from XS to 5X. With inspiring essays on Sonya's sewing philosophy that speak to the slow and ethical fashion movement, this will be the go-to guide for all aspirational and seasoned sewists.

Presents instructions for the top-down technique of knitting, along with patterns for such projects as dresses, skirts, jackets, and hats and a description of finishing methods.

Beloved knitwear designer Melissa Leapman offers a comprehensive stitch dictionary and guide with more than 300 original knitting patterns, including slip stitches, cables, and lace. Knitters love their stitch dictionaries. Melissa Leapman, known for her knitting references, shares 300 of her favorite stitch patterns developed over her long career. With basic step-by-step knitting instruction, information on how to most effectively use a stitch dictionary, and a wealth of original stitch patterns, this book will appeal to all levels of knitters looking for a comprehensive, yet portable volume. The book includes stitch patterns in five categories from imaginative novelty stitch patterns to traditional knit designs. Each stitch pattern includes a gorgeous photograph as well as written and charted instructions.

Knit a masterpiece! Discover the how yarn and needles become artistic tools when you work on the beautiful canvas of a circular yoke. The timeless technique of knitting sweaters with nearly invisible shaping allows for painterly colorwork, illustrative lace, beautifully chiseled cables, and so much more. Open the pages of The Art of Circular Yokes to find: • Detailed information on the math behind circular yokes and how to achieve a more customized fit from designer Holli Yeoh. Plus insights into designing your own original patterns. • Curated collection of 15 stunning circular yoke pullovers and cardigans from some of your favorite designers--including Jenn Steingass, Kate Gagnon Osborn, Jennifer Wood, Andrea Cull, and others. • Projects that once knit become treasured keepsakes for years to come. No handknit wardrobe is completely with one of these iconic sweaters. With The Art of Circular Yokes you have everything you need to make an heirloom for your collection.

Design + knit sweaters that fit + flatter! Knitting Plus is the must-have manual for plus-sized sweater construction and knitwear design. With this helpful guide, you'll learn how to design wearable, tailor-made sweaters. With Knitting Plus, you'll explore basic pullover and cardigan sweater construction styles from raglans and set-in sleeves to drop shoulders, seamless yokes, and dolmans. Knitting Plus explains each specific sweater element and then offers key tips for plus-sized knitting. Included throughout are simple versions of each construction type as easy-to-reference templates so you can quickly adapt and alter each sweater for a custom fit. An invaluable reference about fit and shape, Knitting Plus includes 18 irresistible designs by a variety of designers including Mandy Moore, Lisa R. Myers, Lou Schiela, Katya Wilsher, and Kathy Zimmerman, as well as Lisa's designs. Each pattern offers a broad range of sizes and instructions for bust sizes from about 44 to 56 inches. Packed with design information and ready-to-knit patterns, Knitting Plus is your go-to technique and design reference for customizing patterns to fit all sizes.