[.ca] The New Knitting Stitch Library: Over 300 Traditional ... (ISBN 1579900275)

The best handbook:
This book is sorted into categories based on the type of stitches. As an experienced knitter, I often write my own patterns. I always come back to this book as as source of inspiration looking for different kinds of stitches, especially the motifs. Their diagrams are very easy to follow. If anyone is looking for different knitting stitches, this is the book for you.

Not just another stitch dictionary--outstanding!:
This stitch dictionary is distinguished from many others by not only the interesting stitches, but by the organization of it. There is a table of contents consisting of thumbnail photos, organized by stitch type, at the beginning of the book. The stitches are all done in a neutral color yarn to show the texture, some done in mohair or fuzzy yarn to show how the stitch works especially well in such yarns. If you like to knit and design your own patterns such as socks, shawls, scarves or sweaters, this is a wonderful book for reference. I have plenty of stitch dictionaries, but I was surprised how much I liked this one compared to many others.

Five stars aren't enough:
I took up knitting only 5 months ago, over the Christmas holidays. I snagged this book used and it has been a godsend. The charts, although they took getting used to at first were very helpful. I have now used this book to make an afghan and several scarves. I would HIGHLY recommend it.

Excellent knitting reference... some experience required:
This knitting pattern reference book would do well in your library - like diamonds, you can almost never have enough pattern books as the possibilities are endless! What is outstanding about this book is how well it is organized - each section is grouped by type such as cables, lace and even a just knit and purl section. Even the index has snap shots of each pattern making it so easy to find by style. Excellent color pictures and charts of all stitches - best charting layout I have seen yet. If you are unfamiliar with working with charts, take time to read the intro and practice on the smaller patterns. Once you get the knack of working with charts, you will see that it is a time saver and it is easier to visualize where you are. I would recommend this for knitters who have some experience with the basics, intermediate levels and above.

Among the best I've seen:
I just got this book a few days ago and I have really been enjoying it! I've swatched several patterns from the different sections and been very pleased. The book is organized well; I like having the 'picture index' in the front for quick reference. The charts are clear and easy to read. Most patterns will require just one or two repeats to familiarize yourself with any unusual symbols used in the chart. There are a few patterns (the simpler knit and purl patterns) which appear with both charted and written instructions, so that you can get some additional practice beyond the examples in the introduction. Raw beginners might have some trouble, e.g. conceptualizing that a dot indicates a purl stitch on the right side of the work and a knit stitch on the wrong side; but if you have a decent grasp of the fundamentals and a good knitting reference book to help you with unfamiliar techniques, you're set. There are quite a few patterns in this book which I absolutely adore and can't wait to design projects to use them in. Many of the cable patterns in particular are intriguing - different and fresh without being wacky. But I'm partial to cables, so maybe there's a little bias showing through.... The only thing that's lacking in this book is commentary on the different stitches' history, recommended applications, caveats etc., which is part of what makes Barbara Walker's Treasuries so enthralling. Even with that lack, though, I have to give it full marks as an inspiring knitting stitch library.