desertcart.com: Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida: 9784805314531: Shida, Hitomi, Roehm, Gayle: Books Review: Experienced knitters, finally the challenge you've been looking for! - As a knitter and also as a fan of Japanese culture and Japan in general, I knew I had to have this book. I had been trying for some time to find more on the web about Japanese stitches, and I did find bits and pieces but nothing with a good, solid foundation from which to start. So, even though I have been quite disappointed with the majority of new knitting books I've recently purchased, I was cautiously optimistic that this volume would in fact be just what I was hoping -- and when it arrived, my hopes were met and well exceeded! Enclosed in this softcover, oversized book are quite a few new and unusual stitches, as well as a multitude of stitch patterns that are far more complex than most any Western knitter is accustomed to seeing. Some patterns even include crochet mixed into the knitting! Stitch patterns and even single stitch "groups" can be complex: some, such as the "double decrease right over purl", are complicated enough that instead of explaining the symbol inline, Shida-sensei provides step-by-step, illustrated instructions later in the volume. After explaining the symbols, the remainder of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns, primarily large repeats (50 sts x 48 rows, for example) of interspersed lace and cables which look absolutely stunning. No enthusiastic knitter can possibly browse through them without wanting to immediately try them all. I would recommend this book only for knitters with more than a little experience knitting both cables and lace, and only those very comfortable working from charts. In general, Japanese knitting patterns do not include written instructions, only charts. This volume is no exception. Many, perhaps most, of the stitch symbols included on the charts here do not have equivalent US/Western chart symbols because the stitches simply do not exist in traditional Western knitting. Some of them are easy to conceive of, like adding increases and decreases to a cable stitch to create a lacy cable. Such stitches are not entirely foreign to you if you've read Barbara Walker's Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns or something similar. Others, however, such as Shida-sensei's lift-over and wrapped knot stitches may be entirely new to most knitters confronted with them for the first time. Shida-sensei also provides a selection of "basic" and "arrangement" stitch patterns which show options for modifying the patterns in various ways to create something entirely original to your project. Finally, a sampling of round yokes and a small selection of patterns for complete projects are included at the end (remember: charts and basic steps only, no row-by-row instructions), but the majority of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns without doubt. In summary, experienced and advanced intermediate knitters will find plenty -- tons! -- of new stitch patterns in Shida-sensei's most excellent collection of Japanese stitch patterns. There are enough patterns here to keep you knitting for at least a year or two without knitting the same pattern twice. But I would again caution any knitter who doesn't feel confident in lace and cable knitting to instead gain more experience in those first, and then come back to this treasure afterward. One final caution: Because many of these stitch patterns include such large repeats, they will likely look best in sport weight or lighter yarn. If you are a knitter who prefers to work in DK and heavier yarn, you will probably be dissatisfied with these patterns. It would not be possible to make most types of projects using these patterns with heavier yarn and still get the sizing right. A scarf with a 50-st repeat in even DK weight yarn would be rather wide, don't you think? :) Review: Exquisite Designs and in English - This book was an eye opener in knitting for me and the possibilities. The chart symbols are explained in English and easy to understand. I had never heard of chart knitting before. My only complaint about this book is that the pattern on the front cover is not in the book; however, there are tons of exquisite patterns in the book. I would love to find that pattern somewhere though. Highly recommend if you're tired of finding the same old patterns online or in other books, but are not yet to a point where you feel you can create your own (or just don't want to).
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,707 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #17 in Fashion Craft #18 in Knitting (Books) #25 in Fiber Arts & Textiles |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (2,765) |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 0.5 x 11.5 inches |
| ISBN-10 | 4805314532 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-4805314531 |
| Item Weight | 1.85 pounds |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 160 pages |
| Publication date | October 10, 2017 |
| Publisher | Tuttle Publishing |
A**I
Experienced knitters, finally the challenge you've been looking for!
As a knitter and also as a fan of Japanese culture and Japan in general, I knew I had to have this book. I had been trying for some time to find more on the web about Japanese stitches, and I did find bits and pieces but nothing with a good, solid foundation from which to start. So, even though I have been quite disappointed with the majority of new knitting books I've recently purchased, I was cautiously optimistic that this volume would in fact be just what I was hoping -- and when it arrived, my hopes were met and well exceeded! Enclosed in this softcover, oversized book are quite a few new and unusual stitches, as well as a multitude of stitch patterns that are far more complex than most any Western knitter is accustomed to seeing. Some patterns even include crochet mixed into the knitting! Stitch patterns and even single stitch "groups" can be complex: some, such as the "double decrease right over purl", are complicated enough that instead of explaining the symbol inline, Shida-sensei provides step-by-step, illustrated instructions later in the volume. After explaining the symbols, the remainder of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns, primarily large repeats (50 sts x 48 rows, for example) of interspersed lace and cables which look absolutely stunning. No enthusiastic knitter can possibly browse through them without wanting to immediately try them all. I would recommend this book only for knitters with more than a little experience knitting both cables and lace, and only those very comfortable working from charts. In general, Japanese knitting patterns do not include written instructions, only charts. This volume is no exception. Many, perhaps most, of the stitch symbols included on the charts here do not have equivalent US/Western chart symbols because the stitches simply do not exist in traditional Western knitting. Some of them are easy to conceive of, like adding increases and decreases to a cable stitch to create a lacy cable. Such stitches are not entirely foreign to you if you've read Barbara Walker's Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns or something similar. Others, however, such as Shida-sensei's lift-over and wrapped knot stitches may be entirely new to most knitters confronted with them for the first time. Shida-sensei also provides a selection of "basic" and "arrangement" stitch patterns which show options for modifying the patterns in various ways to create something entirely original to your project. Finally, a sampling of round yokes and a small selection of patterns for complete projects are included at the end (remember: charts and basic steps only, no row-by-row instructions), but the majority of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns without doubt. In summary, experienced and advanced intermediate knitters will find plenty -- tons! -- of new stitch patterns in Shida-sensei's most excellent collection of Japanese stitch patterns. There are enough patterns here to keep you knitting for at least a year or two without knitting the same pattern twice. But I would again caution any knitter who doesn't feel confident in lace and cable knitting to instead gain more experience in those first, and then come back to this treasure afterward. One final caution: Because many of these stitch patterns include such large repeats, they will likely look best in sport weight or lighter yarn. If you are a knitter who prefers to work in DK and heavier yarn, you will probably be dissatisfied with these patterns. It would not be possible to make most types of projects using these patterns with heavier yarn and still get the sizing right. A scarf with a 50-st repeat in even DK weight yarn would be rather wide, don't you think? :)
L**E
Exquisite Designs and in English
This book was an eye opener in knitting for me and the possibilities. The chart symbols are explained in English and easy to understand. I had never heard of chart knitting before. My only complaint about this book is that the pattern on the front cover is not in the book; however, there are tons of exquisite patterns in the book. I would love to find that pattern somewhere though. Highly recommend if you're tired of finding the same old patterns online or in other books, but are not yet to a point where you feel you can create your own (or just don't want to).
J**.
Beautiful Knit Stitches and Lace!
I confess, I have not yet tried any of these patterns. The author uses a visual type of instructions that look complicated and I think it will be something to study next winter, which is when I tend to knit. The description for the book indicates this, so I knew it when I made the purchase. (I don't fault the product if it matches the description.) I never knew you could make such intricate details with knitting, and I think the designs will be worth the effort. My thanks to the authors for sharing Ms. Shida's patterns. I think this book will push my knitting to new levels.
W**R
A Feast for Knitters
This is a fabulous book of knit stitches and patterns for many different applications: collars, frills, cables, lace, scallops, bobbles, fancy edgings, etc. There are hundreds of patterns. It is VERY IMPORTANT to realize that the pattern graphs are Japanese style graphs, which means that the pattern shows each row as it looks from the right side of the garment. If you are knitting a wrong side row, do not knit what the pattern shows, but knit itʻs opposite. This change from Western convention takes a little getting used to, and if you donʻt know it, none of the patterns will come out correctly. It states this in the introduction, but being excited to start I chose a pattern and got knitting before reading the introduction, only to find that my work looked ridiculous. Read the introduction. There is an exhaustive key to symbols (some of which are new to Western knitters) and good in-depth instructions with photos for the complicated stitches. There are generous size color photos of knit samples which show every stitch pattern and texture. The pattern graphs for knitting what is shown in the photos are at the back of the book. The key to symbols is at the front of the book. This means you have to keep flipping from back to front pages as you execute a pattern, which is a small pain, but worth it because this book is a treasure chest of new patterns. Yay!
J**.
Beautiful twisted knitting stitch patterns
These patterns are traveling or twisted stitch, rather like Austrian and Bavarian knitting stitches, but with that refinement that is Japanese knitting; hard to define but a bit crisper and more graphic, might be a good way to put it. The photography of the samples is clear and the light yarns used show these pattern textures to really good advantage. There are examples of widening patterns, starting narrow and growing broader to make a fan shape--can be used for little girl skirts and other garments. A few garment examples (like fingerless mitts.) You also get a section of defining the symbols that make up Japanese knitting code--so if you like Japanese knit books but don't read Japanese, you can figure out some of their patterns using this symbols. A hat example shows just what you can do with this kind of knitting--also very good for socks and hiking stockings. Lovely book.
J**)
Most beautiful stitch work I have seen
This book is amazing im super excited to try it. I just didnt realise i would have to learn a whole new system to be able to read the patterns.It is charts. I guess I should of assumed it would not be Americanized. It is still worth it because the patterens are awe inspiring. I have just got the book so I'll update this. It may be that the charts are easy tp understand.
M**E
Das Buch umfaßt eine Vielzahl verschiedener Strickmuster. Es gibt Zopfmuster, Rechts- und Links- Muster und Spitzenmuster. Sie werden in sehr verständlicher Strickschrift dargeboten. Was unterscheidet das Buch also von anderen? Es ist die Ornamentik, die durch die Muster erreicht wird. Während klassische Strickmusterbücher mehr oder weniger komplexe, stets zu wiederholende Muster darbieten, werden hier auch wie auf dem Titelbild in sich wechselnde Muster dargestellt. Außerdem gibt es eine Vielzahl von unglaublich komplex erscheinenden Mustern, die ich so sonst noch nie gesehen habe. Die Autorin liefert auch Vorschläge, wie Muster in der Fläche kombiniert, gespiegelt und durch Borten ergänzt werden können. Manche dieser Ideen mögen offensichtlich sein, der Wert des Buches liegt aber in der reichen Bebilderung und darin, daß alle Muster aufeinander abgestimmt sind. Außerdem bietet die Autorin eine Vielzahl von Vorschlägen für Borten oder Endstücken, seien sie gerüscht oder gerade, einfach oder reich verziert. Interessant ist auch der Teil über Strick-/Stickkombinationen, wenn Muster z.T. aufgestickt werden. Hier entstehen wahre Kunstwerke für die geduldige Handarbeiterin. Und wie schwer sind die Muster nachzustricken? - Nicht übermäßig schwer. Ich habe mit einem Spitzenmuster angefangen, das ich nach kurzer Zeit auch ohne die Anleitung "konnte". Es gibt natürlich auch kompliziertere Muster und "gewickelte" Maschen. Es ist aber jede verwendete Masche sehr klar verständlich, meist mit Bild erklärt. Sie sind sicher auch für den Anfänger nachzustricken. Es gibt einige Vorschläge zur praktischen Umsetzung, so zB einen kleinen Schal mit Spitzenmustern, und eine Zopfmütze. Das Buch ist eine sehr wertvolle Ergänzung jeder Strickbibliothek. Unbedingt empfehlenswert!
K**O
Amazing book...though not for beginners. The designs are amazing..go for a hard copy..
C**A
Es muy claro, se pueden traducir los símbolos ya que son comunes en el tejido. Hay explicación de las puntadas más complicadas. Recomendado para dar un paso gigante en el tejido. 10/10
D**A
Probably did read the description well, but I expected a hard cover. It is soft cover.
C**E
The Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible by Hitomi Shida is a treasure trove of exquisite knitting designs and patterns. With 260 intricate and beautiful designs, this book is a must-have for any knitting enthusiast looking to explore the art of Japanese knitting. Hitomi Shida's attention to detail and creativity shine through in each pattern. From delicate lace motifs to intricate cables and textured stitches, the variety of designs offers endless possibilities for creating unique and stunning knitted pieces. The clear and concise instructions, accompanied by charts and diagrams, make it easy to follow along and understand the techniques involved. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, this book provides a wealth of inspiration and guidance. The high-quality production of the book, with its sturdy binding and beautiful photography, adds to the overall experience. It's not just a practical guide but also a visually appealing addition to your knitting library. The Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible is a true gem for anyone passionate about knitting and eager to expand their skills. Explore the rich world of Japanese knitting and let your creativity soar with the help of Hitomi Shida's exquisite designs.
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