Knitting: colour, structure and design takes a fresh approach to knitting, examining not just the look of a knitted pattern, but how the knitted fabric can be altered with different stitches to change its stretch, drape and thickness. Once understood, the design and application potential of this textile technique is thrilling and endless. Written by a revered craftsman, this beautifully illustrated book encourages and inspires both experienced knitters and those new to the technique to have the confidence to experiment and develop their own designs. Topics covered: basic stitches, including many different ways of casting on and off, both decorative and functional; new approaches to construct fabric in any direction (not necessarily starting at the bottom and finishing at the top) in order to make any shape without sewn seams; an in-depth section on colour giving design ideas and techniques for knitting with colour; advice on dyeing your own yarns, including decorative effects such as dip-dyeing and tie-dyeing yarn; knitting patterns to suit a range of body shapes, with directions for personalizing these to your own requirements; an in-depth look at the technique of hand knitting, what effects can be created from different stitches and the way knitting is constructed by knitting in different directions. Aimed at those new to knitting, as well as advanced experimental knitters, it examines the technique from scratch as if it were a completely new technique to encourage deeper understanding. Beautifully illustrated with 247 stunning photographs and diagrams.

Auteur

Having trained in textile design and worked in textiles while bringing up her family, Alison Ellen began making hand knitwear in the 1980s and went on to teach short courses and textile groups. Inspired by her research into knitting history and technique, she wrote three books on knitting, including the bestselling Hand Knitting - new directions and Knitting - colour, structure and design for Crowood. This new book captures her passion for knitting with bold experimentation, and draws on her thirty years' experience of designing, teaching and exploring the versatile technique of hand knitting.