400 Knitting Stitches by Potter Craft: A Knitter's Review

A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns

400 Knitting Stitches is a good resource to have on hand for beginners and advanced knitters. Inside you will find patterns that cover the basics for beginners, intermediate patterns and advanced patterns for skilled knitters. Beginners will find the “Knitting Basics” section to very helpful. This section offers step by step instructions to teach beginners the basics. The tone is easy is to follow, yet remains informative. Also many of the patterns in the “Knit-Purl” section are designed for beginners to practice their knitting. This section also has many patterns that intermediate beginners will enjoy. The “Cross Stitches and Cables” section contains many lovely patterns ranging in difficulty from intermediate to advanced. Seasoned knitters will find the patterns within the “Slipped Stitches, Lacy Stitches, Double Stitches, Twisted Stitches, and Cast-Off Stitches” sections to be a real treat, as these showcase the knitter's skill. Page Count: 256 Page.  Size: 8.8 x 7 x 0.7 inches

What's Inside?

• Knitting Basics: Abbreviations, Understanding a Pattern, Tension, Diagrams, Casting On, Stitches, Knit, Purl, Casting Off, Patterns and techniques.
• Knit-Purl Stitches: These 86 stitches include: Stockinette stitch, Garter stitch, Moss stitch, 1/1 rib stitch, Caterpillar stitch, 2/2 Garter stitch rib, Furrowed rib, Dot stitch, Seersucker.
• Crossed Stitches and Cables: These 139 stitches include: Simple twist, 10-Stitch cable, Double cable, Stitch plaits, Broken rib, Uneven cable, Chain links, Honeycomb.
• Slipped Stitches: These 60 stitches include: Double stocking stitch, Speckled rid, Partridge eye, Grass stitch, Wisteria stitch, X stitch, Wings, Butterflies, Alternating Arrows, Sycamore, Alternating grass tufts.
• Lacy Stitches: These 85 stitches include: Simple openwork, Eyelet fabric, Openwork squares, Openwork ladders, Matting stitch, Turkish stitch, Patchwork, Tulle stitch, Horizontal eyelets, Tile stitch, Falling leaves.
• Double Stitches: These 12 stitches include: Fisherman’s rib, English rib knit-wise, English rib purl-wise, Fancy Richelieu rib, Ladders, Alternating English rib, Wheatgerm.
• Twisted Stitches: These 6 stitches include: Double twisted stocking stitch, Twisted stocking stitch, and Two-tone double twisted rib.
• Cast-Off Stitches: These 3 Stitches include: Bamboo stitch, and Diamond drops.

My Personal Opinion:

As an intermediate knitter I find this book to be a valuable resource. The patterns can easily be adapted into a variety of projects such; scarves, throws, afghans, or prayer shawls. Unlike other knitting books 400 Knitting Stitches focuses on stitch patterns, rather than project patterns. This format helps you to learn new stitches, practice them, and apply them to your own project patterns. I highly recommend this edition for those who enjoy new stitch patterns as this is the best resource I have encountered.

Where to Buy:

 

Disclosure of Material Connection:
The opinions I have expressed within my review are my own. This review is based on media review copy. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Clover's Double Pointed Premium Bamboo Knitting Needles -Set of 5- US Size 8 (5.00mm)

High Quality, Durable, and Easy on the Hands!

 Every knitter has their own personal preferences for the type of knitting needles they use. If you are an intermediate beginner searching for a set of double pointed knitting needles Clover's bamboo needles are a good choice.  Bamboo knitting needles are easier to learn with because of their unique texture. Due to the texture of bamboo your stitches are also less likely to fall off the needles while you are knitting.

The Pros and Cons:
Different types knitting needles have their own set of pro and cons.  Its recommend that you try different types to find what works best for you, and your individual needs.  Below is a short list of my personal pro and cons, feel free to comment with your own in the comment section.

Pros:

1. Bamboo's texture makes it easier to control the needles
2. Tips are not overly sharp making them easier to use.
3. Less likely to fall out of the stitches while knitting.
4. Stitches do not easily fall off of the needles.
5. Wonderfully smooth and warm to the touch. 
6. Light weight (which allows you to knit longer before your hands become tried.)
7. High Quality with great durability 
8. Bamboo is a natural Echo Friendly product

Cons:

1. Knitting with bamboo may feel slower to some knitters. This is due to the difference in texture when compared to traditional metal needles.

My Personal Opinion:
For many the thought of knitting in the round with multiple double pointed knitting needles is a nightmare. Before I discovered bamboo knitting needles I was a member of this group.  Due to unavailability in my area, I used to knit with only metal knitting needles.  The problem I found with metal double pointed needles is that either all of my stitches fell off of the needles or the needles would fall out of the stitches (and then the needles would be thrown into a dark corner to be forgotten all eternity). Thanks to Clover's Bamboo knitting needles my view of knitting with multiple needles has changed completely.  Knitting in the round with these needles is so much easier due to the texture of the Bamboo.  A few weeks I knitted a pair of  fingerless gloves using these needles with out any problems. Last night I began working on another set, and found that my knitting speed is picking up as well. I highly recommend this set to all who are having trouble using multiple knitting needles.

Where to Buy?
The set featured in this review is Clover's: Set of  5 double pointed 7"  knitting needles US Size 8 (5.00mm). (Yes I know that is a mouth full, knitting jargon is like that sometimes)

 The Featured Set

The Shorter Version

(Some people find shorter knitting needles easier to work with) 

High Polished (Extra Smooth) Version