Switch & Knit Stitch Directory - a review

I received a copy of the book Switch & Knit Stitch Directory from Search Press a few weeks ago, and have spent quite a bit of time looking through it. The book, written by knitwear designer Tabetha Hedrick, contains 12 basic pattern recipes for: a cowl-neck pullover, simple scarf, sleeveless tunic, cuff-down socks, two-button cardigan, two-stitch stole, basic toque, fingerless mitts, toe-up socks, easy tee, drapey cowl and a crescent shawlette. Sounds amazing doesn't it? The patterns are all written out, with easy to refer to tables, for a variety of gauges from 3 to 8 stitches per inch. So it means that you can use up yarn in your stash, provided that you have knitted a swatch first to check your gauge. As well as this, there are more than 80 different four-stitch multiple patterns to choose from, so you can create your very own unique garments using a combination of the pattern recipe and your favourite stitches. The first chapter takes you through the steps involved. Step One - Pick the Perfect Yarn talks about the way different yarns behave when knitted which might guide your choices for example if you were wanting to knit a garment with lots of drape. Step Two - Above all else, SWATCH is probably the most important step. I'm guilty of not swatching for some things - socks, hats, scarfs and shawls, but have learnt through bitter experience that it really is vital to swatch for things like jumpers and cardigans. I've carried on knitting jumpers that could have doubled as a marquee, despite that little voice telling me that I should stop and reknit in a smaller size. The guidance on swatching is really excellent and definitely worth following. Step Three - Choose a Recipe takes you through the things to consider when picking what pattern to knit. Finally, Step Four - Select a Stitch gives you more than 80 different stitch patterns to choose from including knit and purl patterns, lace stitches, cables and texture. They are written for both knitting flat and in the round which is incredibly helpful. I think that the author has thought about everything!

I think that this is a really fabulous book and would be perfect for any knitter from a confident beginner to someone wanting to dip their toes into designing, but needing the support of a tried and tested pattern recipe. 

Switch & Knit Stitch Dictionary by Tabetha Hedrick is published by Stackpole Books and is available from Search Press now:

ISBN: 978-0-8117-3826-2

RRP: £19.99