More Bang from Our Knitting

Wouldn’t it be great if we could knit something and actually end up with two items when complete? In a way, it would be like knitting something two at a time. It could double our completion rate. Lynne Barr’s Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns may help do just that. Well, you won’t exactly have two items, but your complete project will be reversible, giving you more wearing (or carrying, in the case of an included bag) options.

The first part of the book is a stitch dictionary of fifty reversible stitch patterns. The first nine stitches are faux crochet. They’re followed by stitch patterns the author has labeled Rows Within Rows, Openwork, Divide and Combine, Picked Up, and Double Knit. In some cases, each side looks different, but in other patterns, they look the same.

Instructions for each stitch pattern are clearly written and easy to follow. Step-by-step illustrations are provided for techniques that might be unfamiliar to many knitters. Each pattern is illustrated by a beautiful color photograph. When the sides are different, a photograph of both is provided.

It isn’t always easy to see how one might incorporate some of these stitch patterns into a project. The author does provide suggestions on how to use some of the stitch patterns in projects such as scarves.

And, of course, there’s the second half of the book: projects using these stitch patterns. Among the designers who have contributed designs for Reversible Knitting are Cat Bordhi (a vest rather than a sock!), Lily Chin, and Norah Gaughan. Knitters will find patterns for hats, jackets, sweaters, and scarves, among other projects. These projects might not be for everyone, but they illustrate how reversible stitch patterns can be used, and knitters can use them as a starting point for their own ideas.

Each design is accompanied by at least one photograph. Unfortunately, not all of them show off the completed project to its optimum. For example, one of my favorites in the book is Norah Gaughan’s Reverse Me (it’s shown on the book’s cover). This is a very versatile cardigan, and I can actually see me wearing it. (We all know this isn’t always the case for us.) Sadly, the photo facing the pattern’s opening page shows a model slouching, making a contemporary design look frumpy.

Some knitters may find some of the patterns daunting at first glance, and some of the instructions are a bit confusing when reading through them. Provided schematics are helpful. Designs using charts do not have corresponding written instructions. Most of the charts are easy to follow, but knitters should consider photocopying and enlarging most for ease of use.

The book also includes a well-written and illustrated section on special techniques. Many of these techniques will be new to knitters, but instructions should make it easy for most knitters to add these skills to their knitting repertoire.

This is a beautifully designed book and offers knitters the opportunity to learn new techniques, and most of us welcome the chance to add something new to our knitting. The book’s strength is as a stitch dictionary, but that’s only part of the book. Knitters should look through a copy before deciding whether to add it to their library. View the book’s patterns at Knit Picks and see if they are ones you’re likely to make. If not–or even if they are–compare the book to others on the subject of reversible knitting. For me, I’m not sure the fifty stitch patterns would justify the purchase of the book. But, all knitters are different and have different needs and wants, and for many, this may be the perfect book.