Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida

As a knitter and also as a fan of Japanese culture and Japan in general, I knew I had to have this book. I had been trying for some time to find more on the web about Japanese stitches, and I did find bits and pieces but nothing with a good, solid foundation from which to start. So, even though I have been quite disappointed with the majority of new knitting books I've recently purchased, I was cautiously optimistic that this volume would in fact be just what I was hoping -- and when it arrived, my hopes were met and well exceeded!Enclosed in this softcover, oversized book are quite a few new and unusual stitches, as well as a multitude of stitch patterns that are far more complex than most any Western knitter is accustomed to seeing. Some patterns even include crochet mixed into the knitting! Stitch patterns and even single stitch "groups" can be complex: some, such as the "double decrease right over purl", are complicated enough that instead of explaining the symbol inline, Shida-sensei provides step-by-step, illustrated instructions later in the volume. After explaining the symbols, the remainder of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns, primarily large repeats (50 sts x 48 rows, for example) of interspersed lace and cables which look absolutely stunning. No enthusiastic knitter can possibly browse through them without wanting to immediately try them all.I would recommend this book only for knitters with more than a little experience knitting both cables and lace, and only those very comfortable working from charts. In general, Japanese knitting patterns do not include written instructions, only charts. This volume is no exception. Many, perhaps most, of the stitch symbols included on the charts here do not have equivalent US/Western chart symbols because the stitches simply do not exist in traditional Western knitting. Some of them are easy to conceive of, like adding increases and decreases to a cable stitch to create a lacy cable. Such stitches are not entirely foreign to you if you've read Barbara Walker's Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns or something similar. Others, however, such as Shida-sensei's lift-over and wrapped knot stitches may be entirely new to most knitters confronted with them for the first time.Shida-sensei also provides a selection of "basic" and "arrangement" stitch patterns which show options for modifying the patterns in various ways to create something entirely original to your project. Finally, a sampling of round yokes and a small selection of patterns for complete projects are included at the end (remember: charts and basic steps only, no row-by-row instructions), but the majority of the book is dedicated to stitch patterns without doubt.In summary, experienced and advanced intermediate knitters will find plenty -- tons! -- of new stitch patterns in Shida-sensei's most excellent collection of Japanese stitch patterns. There are enough patterns here to keep you knitting for at least a year or two without knitting the same pattern twice. But I would again caution any knitter who doesn't feel confident in lace and cable knitting to instead gain more experience in those first, and then come back to this treasure afterward. One final caution: Because many of these stitch patterns include such large repeats, they will likely look best in sport weight or lighter yarn. If you are a knitter who prefers to work in DK and heavier yarn, you will probably be dissatisfied with these patterns. It would not be possible to make most types of projects using these patterns with heavier yarn and still get the sizing right. A scarf with a 50-st repeat in even DK weight yarn would be rather wide, don't you think? :)

This book was an eye opener in knitting for me and the possibilities. The chart symbols are explained in English and easy to understand. I had never heard of chart knitting before. My only complaint about this book is that the pattern on the front cover is not in the book; however, there are tons of exquisite patterns in the book. I would love to find that pattern somewhere though. Highly recommend if you're tired of finding the same old patterns online or in other books, but are not yet to a point where you feel you can create your own (or just don't want to).

fantastic book. beautiful patterns

I returned this, so here are my reasons for the 5 stars: The stitch patterns are extraordinary and impressive. You definitely won’t find these stitches anywhere else. The woman is obviously a technical and knitting genius. The symbol explanations are extensive and very clear, as are the charts. I don’t feel comfortable taking stars off just because I personally don’t like what she has designed.To help you decide if this is a book for you, I am a very accomplished lace, cable and twist stitch knitter and if you are too, or are looking to up your game, these stitches will give you the challenge you may be looking for. But you better like very ornate stitch patterns as well.I returned because, for my taste, they are over the top ornate. All of them. Bobbles and beads and wraps and lace (lots of different lace stitches) and twists and cables, often all together. To be fair, I’ve never been a fan of bobbles or beads or wraps, so if you are and are also a fan of the ornate, this is probably a great choice for you. I know I would never use any of these stitches. For anything. Apologies, but it just felt like overkill to me.

I confess, I have not yet tried any of these patterns. The author uses a visual type of instructions that look complicated and I think it will be something to study next winter, which is when I tend to knit. The description for the book indicates this, so I knew it when I made the purchase. (I don't fault the product if it matches the description.) I never knew you could make such intricate details with knitting, and I think the designs will be worth the effort. My thanks to the authors for sharing Ms. Shida's patterns. I think this book will push my knitting to new levels.

I started working through one of these charts, flipped to the symbol dictionary, and the Dark Souls boss theme music meme popped into my head LOL. I suck at interpreting charts, and this book is pretty much all charts, unfortunately for me, but this book does a great job of explaining things, I want to make at least one item with one of these beautiful patterns! I'd recommend this if you're up for a challenge.

This is a fabulous book of knit stitches and patterns for many different applications: collars, frills, cables, lace, scallops, bobbles, fancy edgings, etc. There are hundreds of patterns. It is VERY IMPORTANT to realize that the pattern graphs are Japanese style graphs, which means that the pattern shows each row as it looks from the right side of the garment. If you are knitting a wrong side row, do not knit what the pattern shows, but knit itʻs opposite. This change from Western convention takes a little getting used to, and if you donʻt know it, none of the patterns will come out correctly. It states this in the introduction, but being excited to start I chose a pattern and got knitting before reading the introduction, only to find that my work looked ridiculous. Read the introduction.There is an exhaustive key to symbols (some of which are new to Western knitters) and good in-depth instructions with photos for the complicated stitches. There are generous size color photos of knit samples which show every stitch pattern and texture. The pattern graphs for knitting what is shown in the photos are at the back of the book. The key to symbols is at the front of the book. This means you have to keep flipping from back to front pages as you execute a pattern, which is a small pain, but worth it because this book is a treasure chest of new patterns. Yay!

Wow ... so worth waiting for this one! I ordered this in April, a little wary of pre-ordering a knitting book since so often they are NOT as good as expected. I am so happy I did! this is one for every knitter to have in their resource library as the stitch patterns, panels, etc are so amazingly executed and unique.This book is packed with stitch patterns and stitch-designs (as well as intuitive directions for creating your own unique patterns) that are amazing .. gorgeous ... can't say enough good things.If you design your own hand-knits (as I do) or just want to try some different knit stitches .. this is the book for you. This book is ALL charts ... so well-worth your while to learn to knit from charts.ENJOY!

I picked up this book as it had been recommended by multiple people. Came in flawless condition, and was far more impressive than I was expecting.The sheer amount of beautiful stitches in this book exceeded what I was prepared to get.It will easily keep me busy and make my projects more intricate and interesting.Highly recommend this!

Das Buch umfaßt eine Vielzahl verschiedener Strickmuster. Es gibt Zopfmuster, Rechts- und Links- Muster und Spitzenmuster. Sie werden in sehr verständlicher Strickschrift dargeboten. Was unterscheidet das Buch also von anderen? Es ist die Ornamentik, die durch die Muster erreicht wird. Während klassische Strickmusterbücher mehr oder weniger komplexe, stets zu wiederholende Muster darbieten, werden hier auch wie auf dem Titelbild in sich wechselnde Muster dargestellt. Außerdem gibt es eine Vielzahl von unglaublich komplex erscheinenden Mustern, die ich so sonst noch nie gesehen habe.Die Autorin liefert auch Vorschläge, wie Muster in der Fläche kombiniert, gespiegelt und durch Borten ergänzt werden können. Manche dieser Ideen mögen offensichtlich sein, der Wert des Buches liegt aber in der reichen Bebilderung und darin, daß alle Muster aufeinander abgestimmt sind.Außerdem bietet die Autorin eine Vielzahl von Vorschlägen für Borten oder Endstücken, seien sie gerüscht oder gerade, einfach oder reich verziert.Interessant ist auch der Teil über Strick-/Stickkombinationen, wenn Muster z.T. aufgestickt werden. Hier entstehen wahre Kunstwerke für die geduldige Handarbeiterin.Und wie schwer sind die Muster nachzustricken? - Nicht übermäßig schwer. Ich habe mit einem Spitzenmuster angefangen, das ich nach kurzer Zeit auch ohne die Anleitung "konnte". Es gibt natürlich auch kompliziertere Muster und "gewickelte" Maschen. Es ist aber jede verwendete Masche sehr klar verständlich, meist mit Bild erklärt. Sie sind sicher auch für den Anfänger nachzustricken.Es gibt einige Vorschläge zur praktischen Umsetzung, so zB einen kleinen Schal mit Spitzenmustern, und eine Zopfmütze.Das Buch ist eine sehr wertvolle Ergänzung jeder Strickbibliothek. Unbedingt empfehlenswert!

Lovely patterns and easy to follow charts (which i prefer to written patterns)Made one of the projects in the book and it was very well explained.

Amazing book...though not for beginners. The designs are amazing..go for a hard copy..

Es muy claro, se pueden traducir los símbolos ya que son comunes en el tejido. Hay explicación de las puntadas más complicadas.Recomendado para dar un paso gigante en el tejido. 10/10