Knitters Handy Book Of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

I already have Ann Budd's sweater pattern book which is a godsend, and so purchased this one, which I am looking forward to using. This one features hats, scarves, socks, basic sweater, tank top and gloves. The same format - lots of tables, with gauges and stitch amounts, where you swatch in your chosen yarn and needles. Complicated on first look, but really easy once you get the hang of. I found it helpful to sketch out my design first and write out the measurements before circling in pencil all the figures I needed from the tables in the books.There are so many combinations from both books, I really feel that I don't need to buy much patterns ever again! (means more cash to spend on yarn!) Again, its great as you can use anything from (UK yarns) 4 ply to Chunky (ie Rowan Kidsilk Haze right up to Rowan Big Wool!!) As I am trying to design my own garments at the moment, these books are just what I need - basic pattern tables and I can work round them with my ideas and designs.The only thing that was missing from this one that was in the sweater book is the yarn amounts, which is SO helpful - only a rough range guide here, so I am going to have to guess wildly. But this is the first book, so it was probably just thought up for the second one.

In the same style as Ann Budds other books with this great little book you can design your own knitwear accessories. You knit a tension square in the wool and pattern you want to use measure the gauge and then follow across the line for gauge and down the line for size. It sounds complicated but enables you to knit items in any size from any wool. I ring the appropriate figures in pencil which I can rub out if I use a different weight of wool.Maybe not for people who arent happy using anything other than a written detailed pattern but ideal if you want to try different stitches and have ideas in your head.I love all of Ann Budds books and use little else now but if you've never used one you will find this a good introduction

I think this book is excellent.The style takes some getting used to, i.e. tables and tables of instructions. However, once you have gotten used to the process of determining gauge and working out the size required, the results are very professional.The basic design of all the patterns in this book is what is so appealing as it allows you to add any pattern into the basic framework (lace, cables, fair-isle etc) are all easily added in. Obviously to add extra designs in you might also want to take a look at some form of stitch or colour dictionary, but by going that extra step the results are individual. This is the first book that I turn to when doing any accessories, and my result for each item are always incredibly different.I would recommend this book to anybody, but please be aware that you do have to do a bit of pre-planning prior to starting a project.

We all knit differently, and this book is designed to take that into account. I knit to a loose tension and I have ended up with items I've made not being the right size because my tension isn't the same as the pattern - I have a enormous baby bootee that would fit a 3 year old to prove it! Ann Budd's book means an end to such problems. You choose your yarn and knit tension squares/gauge swatches using your preferred needle size; work out how many stitches you knit to an inch; find the garment you want, and the tables will tell you how many stitches to cast on and rows to knit. It's that simple.

Very pleased with this book. I have accumulated various odd balls of yarn and this is just what is needed to turn them into useful garments. I like the fact that the basic anatomy of each project is covered. A written pattern is given for each project which is a good starting point if one is not fully confident in following the charts, which look pretty straightforward. Very happy sweater pattern is for set in sleeves. The Glossary gives useful information for different cast on and finishing techniques. All in all a very useful book, well laid out with diagrams in addition to the charts. All knitted examples illustrated in colour. If I could have only one knitting book this would be the one!

Very basic patterns, versatile and easy to follow.

Good basic shapes for making your own basic designs from scratch. The gloves and mitts are made in the round rather than seamed, so the construction and knitting order is completely different from the way we tend to knit them in the uk. The sweater pattern block is only for set in sleeves, with round or v neck. Tips for personal touches and working a tension square but no guidance on yarn quantities.

I think this book will be very useful - I have family and friends of all sizes from tiny babies to my brother in law who works as a bouncer at Wembley Arena from time to time..... I like the spiral binding as it will LAY FLAT! I have a sweater from a friend that she wants copied in some hand spun alpaca so this book will be useful there.