Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns

I was really excited when I heard about this book. I like to knit scarves, and I prefer them to look good on both sides, though for me they don't have to be identical. There are quite a lot of patterns like this in the Barbara Walker collections, but the idea of "50 brand-new groundbreaking stitch patterns" in this book was very tempting.The reality was rather disappointing. A number of patterns have reverse sides which are basically stocking stitch, or reverse stocking stitch, or just a normal "wrong side", so not actually "reversible". There is a section called "Double Knit", but double knit has been done before, in fact for decades, so this is not "groundbreaking". [See Jane F. Neighbors: Reversible Two-Color Knitting, 1974.] Some of the patterns are just weird, and/or not attractive, eg Four-by-four Shift and Pick-up Overlay. A too-large proportion of the stitch patterns is lacy or holey. I had hoped for a bunch of new stitch patterns that were NOT lacy or holey, so they would be suitable for men's scarves and normal knitting.The "Reversible Designs" section consists mainly of weird or even bizarre offerings. In most cases they fail to utilise the stitch patterns of the earlier part of the book. The Cat Bordhi design so praised by another reviewer is simply garter stitch in a strange shape. Several of the designs are made so that they can be worn upside down -- a very strange idea which can result in messy-looking dressing. One, Reverse Me (pictured on the front cover), uses reversible cables, but again, that idea is not new. Two designs are of socks, but of such peculiar shape that I cannot think who would wear them. Some designs are really a "con", eg Flip your Lid, which consists of two hats, one inside the other, to be turned as desired. This should NOT be called reversible knitting. Neither should Double-wrap Stockings: who needs a reversible stitch pattern for stockings? Well, there is a "reversible double-wrap bind-off stitch"!Not one of the designer designs was for men or children.Altogether unsatisfactory.

I really have been enjoying this book for both the stitch patterns and the designs. I'm looking forward to udnerstanding how to create some of the stitches, since it is not obvious from looking at them - should be a new way to twist my thinking.I understand some people are not fans of the patterns, but they are wearable and look wonderful (although Debbie New's "thing" doesn't really excite me. Maybe in a different yarn/color...) I love the idea of being able to change a look by putting the item on upside down or inside out - it could be messy or strange if not handled correctly but the designs seem to work.My only quibble is that one or two designs don't seem to actually have a different look... they don't seem to actually be reversible. But overall this book is one of my favorites and I cast on the Reverse Me cardigan immediately. And by the way... you don't need to be tiny to wear most of this stuff. The sizes are wide-ranging and I think they would look good on a lot of people. (I'm not tiny...)

Illustrations are good; explanations are good. Everything is good---except, I would have liked the book to have "spiral wire binding" so it would lay flat as I used it. This is not about the quality of the material inside the book. I would have liked more garments and items featured suing some of the techniques. I guess that is saved for a future book? Over all, it is a good book to have for future reference. The garment featured on the cover of the book is really a clever idea, really neat and probably worth the price of the book.

Lynne Barr is a knitting genious--her previous books have been incredibly inspiring and beautifully produced.This book is no exception; it is primarily a stitch dictionary with a few projects at the end. The stitch patterns are clever and appear different though equally interesting on both sides.The only downside is that I am left with little other than inspiration from this book; I can only think of the amazing scarves I can make from these double-sided patterns. I suppose you could make an amazing sweater you could wear inside out? Maybe an EPS seamless style so there is no wrong side seams? I have no idea how to incorporate shaping into the patterns though and the book offers no advice on the subject.

If you are an intermediate knitter with a bit of patience, this is a fabulous book to create all sorts of fascinating textures. The stitch patterns are beautiful, and would be great for scarves, bags, or features on larger garments. On the downside, they seem pretty time consuming. But if you want to create something intricate and beautiful by hand, that time will be well spent.The patterns in the book for actual garments are a mixed bag, with some being amazing and others, well, a bit daggy. But overall, this book has much to offer and the stitch patterns really have 'wow' factor.

This book is super!Like the title says, patterns are really groundbreaking.Lay out, photographs, colors, explanations are very clear and easy to understand and follow.It's the first time I'm knitting in English (I'm Dutch) and with a little bit of study, everything changes in good results!I tried already 4 different stitches(just little try-outs) and it's encouraging to continue and knit all of them,or use these stitches for scarves.Lynne Barr gives the traditional knitter (if open for change) a complete new experience of knitting and playing with threads and needles.This book is really a must have for advanced knitters and creative people!I purchased also her other book which is also a little pearl in knitting-land. Knitting New Scarves: 27 Distinctly Modern Designs

This book is full of interesting stitch patterns, using some unusual stitch manipulation to create interesting fabric. I mean REALLY unusual. As a reference book it is excellent. I am going to start knitting some swatches as I am intrugued by some of them and it's only by knitting them I will fully understand them. I found this book just as I started to think about a new project involving messing around with stitch patterns and rows.The folded fabric stitch patterns are amazing. The rows within rows section... Also the double knitting ones where instead of one side being the inverse of the other - they are completely different. It had never occurred to me that was a possibility.These reversible patterns do look different on the reverse , but still interesting. The pattern for the dress illustrates very well that point. It looks amazing no matter which side out you wear it.The very chunky sweater you can wear either way up in another interesting pattern.There are projects to show the use of these patterns to get your imagination flowing.If you are into going off piste with knitting patterns or designing your own, then this will be a very valuable addition to your library.If you are not, then it may encourage you to venture into the very interesting undergrowth. The pattern in this book are very unusal. They range from small projects such as hair bands and hats to sweaters and dresses and shawls. Head to toe patterns.This book is a good investment.

Bought as a present for my friend who is an experienced knitter. She loved it, found there are stitches she didn't know which is great and that was my aim.

I bought this used as I had had it out of the library and wanted my own copy. The knitting samples are complex and I am not sure when I would use them but nevertheless interesting due to their uniqueness. I have knitted the cover pattern for my daughter who loves it as well as the "Winding Path" design which are both fully reversible inside out and upside down! The whole book is unique. Most patterns are for intermediate to advanced knitters, perhaps the cover design should only be attempted by the advanced knitter.

This book is amazing I just love learning new techniques friends and I spent hours discussing the techniques in this book and how our skills could be improved.

Very good guide to stitch patterns. Have not read the entire book but will find it very useful as a reference book