Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics

Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics
by Elise Duvekot

Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics
List Price: $19.95
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Book Summary Information

Author: Elise Duvekot
Brand: XRX Publishing
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-11-01
ISBN: 1933064137
Number of pages: 164
Publisher: Xrx Books
Product features:
  • Dimensions: 10 in. h x 9.5 in. w x 0.5 in. d
  • Weight: 1.62 ounces
  • Made in US

Book Reviews of Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics

Book Review: Still trying to wrap my head around the technique but beautiful book!
Summary: 5 Stars

I bought this book on the basis of reviews. I have steered clear of color-work because I haven't wanted to have to deal with carrying multiple colors along at one time. As a result, I've been more of a cable and lace knitter.

However, looking through this book, the projects are just beautiful and so inspiring. I've looked at the directions throughout to achieve the effects for the cover sweater and some of the other projects and it sounds pretty straightforward but I'm still trying to wrap my head around it and I definitely plan to try it -- I have lot of yarn that would be perfect for this technique.

One of the things that should be noted is that many of the projects use hand-painted yarn which would raise the cost of the projects (here's a fun experiment -- price out 100 grams of solid Lamb's pride yarn vs 100 grams of Great Adirondack yarn -- HUGE difference) so while there are lots of colors in the projects, you are basically achieving that effect by using 2 different colorways of hand-painted yarns like Noro which make the finished projects look more complicated than they are.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing since I'm a big fan of using simple techniques to achieve a complicated look (that's why I love cable knitting!). However, if you want to do one of the projects in the book, just be aware you are going to be using premium-priced hand-painted yarn.

I agree with the other reviews that this book is definitely aimed at intermediate to advanced knitters. I've been knitting since the mid 80s and it is going to take me a little while to play with the technique and become confident enough with the concept to actually attempt a project.

One of the things that really appealed to me about this technique is that (at least according to the author), it does not produce an overly stiff "stand-up-by-itself" fabric. To quote the author, the fabric is "never tight, stiff, or unyielding. On the contrary, it is supple, drapes well, and can be worked loosely or tightly, thus making it suitable for many different purposes."

If you have ever seen shaker stitch sweaters (see Shaker Stitch Sweater Ameican Made for an example), you'll know those tend to be very heavy and very warm and I always thought shaker stitch was basically achieved by knitting in the stitch below. Shaker stitch sweaters rely on the same technique only with one color as opposed to 2 colors...

FYI -- shaker stitch pattern
Row 1: Knit 1, knit 1 in the stitch below (aka k1, k1B) repeat across row. (if necessary, end k1)
Row 2: Knit every stitch.

Anyway, if you are looking at trying multi-colored knitting but don't want to deal with the complexity of Nordic designs or Kaffe Fassett, then this is a great way to dip your toe into the multi-colored water. You'll find a lot of inspiration and you'll learn something new. Not many knitting books published these days hold that promise!

[NCJAR]

Summary of Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics

The bright idea behind this guide is to build an entire collection around one simple stitch that creates many intriguing effects. Shown in knitting instructions as "k1b" (knit 1 below), the technique involves knitting into the stitch one row below the stitch on the needle with either a knit or a purl stitch. The result is an easy-to-knit fabric with wonderful drape and flexibility that looks equally good on both sides. The color effects possible are also impressive: by alternating two or more colors, weights, or fibers, flattering vertical columns appear on one side of the fabric and a mottled pattern shows on the other. Making the most of this double-sided characteristic, the projects include afghans, scarves, bags, jackets with turned-back lapels, and hats with turned-up brims, all constructed from simple shapes and requiring minimal finishing. Several designs go beyond the basic stitch by adding cables, felting, and intarsia designs.

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