Knitch Magazine

Title: Reversible Knits
Author: Iris Schreier
Date Published: May 1, 2009

Who is this book for?

Like many designers, Iris Schreier is finicky about details, especially those elements that contribute to a look of symmetry and perfection.  She explores ways to make the knitting look beautiful and balanced on both sides of the fabric in Reversible Knits,Creative Techniques for Knitting Both Sides Right .  This clever play on words describes techniques that give a “right side” appearance to both sides of the knitting.  This book, chock full of valuable tips, will appeal to knitters of all skill levels.  Whether beginner or more experienced, knitters will find projects to advance their skills.  Reversible Knitting is a comprehensive survey of knitting techniques that captivate most knitters.  It includes chapters using combinations of knit and purl stitches, multiple yarns and multiple colors, lace, cables, double knitting, modular knitting, and innovative combinations of mixed cables, color cables, and embossed knitting.  Each chapter includes several progressively complex practice projects that can be completed quickly with small amounts of yarn.  Any knitter who works through this book will develop valuable skills along with a stack of sophisticated and elegant garments.

What yarns does it feature?

Artyarns, the author’s custom line of luxury yarns, are used for all designs in Reversible Knits.  Suggestions for substitute yarns in equivalent weights are provided, giving knitters multiple choices for each project. The projects are knit with yarns that vary in weight from super fine to medium, and most projects can be completed using small quantities of yarn.  All projects are suitable for readily available yarns, but the flexibility of substitution allows you to try out a luxury yarn, attempt lacework with superfine yarn, or use up your stash.

What's inside?

Reversible Knitting features seven chapters of techniques and tips along with instructions for a wide range of scarves, shawls and small accessories.  Each chapter begins with a lesson, supplemented by instructions for swatches that execute the technique.  The projects, developed for practicing the techniques of reversible knitting, progress in skill level from easy to intermediate and advanced. Every technique is supplemented by at least two, and more often, three or four projects.  The completed garments are stylish and look as stunning from the reverse or “private” side as from the right or “public” side.   No more fiddling with draping your scarf or shawl just so to hide unsightly yarn blips or color changes.  You can knit a reversible hat, möbius or wristlet that enhances rather than detracts from the garment.

Using It

Reversible Knits is well organized and beautifully illustrated.  The projects and swatch examples are precisely photographed, showing off both sides of the knitting.  The charts and drawings are well rendered.  The excellent introductory chapter on knitting basics includes illustrations for several different cast-on methods, including succinct instructions for casting on to a belt ring and möbius cast on.  Stitch patterns are presented in line-by-line format and in charted form, too.  The consistent format for each chapter, project, and pattern makes the book very easy to follow.

Best Pattern (or Best Advice)

Reversible Knits includes a wide array of patterns and advice; so wide that there will doubtless be a lot of conversation about which is the “best” tip or patterns.  One notable highlight is the section on double knitting.  Basic skills are clearly defined and well illustrated, including advice on how to change color and hide color changes in the knitting.   Six easy to intermediate double knitting projects are included, along with swatching exercises.

The publisher offers an online bonus section with three more patterns and instructional videos in which Iris models projects from the book and demonstrates some of the trickier techniques.  You can find the bonus stuff, see other reader’s comments (including some errata) and join the discussion at www.larkbooks.com/crafts .  Click on the “bonus stuff” icon for a link to videos demonstrating a reversible hat, mobius knitting, and a reversible cable.

Recommendation

This book includes a trove of information.  Each chapter condenses information that would be included in one or more books devoted entirely to each topic.  You will find advice on modular knitting, double knitting, lace knitting, and cables, along with practice projects for each technique, all in one volume.  Anyone who wants to advance their skills and understanding of knitting will find this book a valuable reference.

Overall Recommendation

For any knitter, but especially for knitters who want one volume with information on a wide range of knitting techniques, this book is a must-have resource; it rates a “9”.