The Art of Seamless Knitting

At first glance I was going to give the Art of Seamless Knitting high marks for design and mediocre marks for technical information. How wrong I would have been and I am so glad that I went back and read the technical section carefully where I was overjoyed to discover that a lot of difficult information is presented clearly, comprehensively and the mark of true genius - simply.First seamless construction techniques top down and bottom up, in the round and in rows are reviewed with different sleeve construction options. This information alone is presented, compared and contrasted in a way I have never seen before and more simply. Other things I have read on the topic now make more sense. Then fitting for the individual is covered using these methods and finally stitches and how to balance and use them with all of these construction techniques is reviewed. This is where the real genius comes into play. Pattern, lace and cable stitches behave differently when worked in rows versus in the round and need to be balanced and accounted for when increasing and decreasing for fit and construction. This is even more visually and aesthetically important when working with lace and cables or the popular combinations of both. Patterns that have a diagonal slant present particular challenges and this is clearly explained as well. The technical section on making stitch patterns work in garment design with seamless methods is worth the price of admission alone and it is brilliant work.Then there are the patterns - lovely, feminine and possessed of both a classic and contemporary sensibility. Like the other reviewer, I was entranced with the first project, the Orange Lace Sweater, complete with side panels to adjust for individual fit. I also loved the lace stockings and the Cabled Tunic, but all of the patterns have appeal. The current popularity of the tunic length is well represented, but should fashions change, using the principles in the technical section, adjusting the length on the pieces would be a breeze. The other proportions and details of the styles are classic and elegant and this book won't wear out from a fashion standpoint.In short, this is a book for a wide range of knitters. It is good for those who want to knit the projects as written and learn a little about the technical aspects of seamless knitting in order to adjust fit. It is great for knitters who want to know more about the techniques so that they can modify these designs and others using the principles learned and it is outstanding for the knitter who wants to use seamless construction techniques and complex stitches in their own designs. An outstanding work and it belongs in the library of any knitter interested in seamless construction - or even those who just want some lovely designs without the blocking and seaming. Recommended and this from a knitter who has been buying all of the knitting books focused on seamless knitting and interesting construction. A+.

This should be called The Art of-Mostly- Seamless Knitting. While a lovely book, with some simply gorgeous designs and careful instructions--- it is not exactly about seamless knitting. They say up front that set-in sleeves, in their opinion, should be seamed. Well, ok, fine but-- in that case, perhaps the set in sleeve designs don't strictly speaking belong in this book. The only reason this peeves me, really, other than English Language Accuracy OCD-ness, is that I have knitted many seamless set-in sleeve garments, but every time it's been a lot of math and careful charting. I guess I was hoping two such talented knitters would have some brilliant insights into set-in sleeves worked seamlessly with the body of a sweater. Apparently not. A quote: "Some styles can be completely converted into seamless knitting while others, such as garments with set-in sleeves, require a bit of sewing." No, actually, not just a bit of sewing. In reality, the set-in sleeve designs are constructed exactly as in a typical to-be-seamed pattern which proliferate in the knitting world. I am disappointed that it is in the one area I was looking for brilliance that this book failed to inform me. Luckily, since some designs need seams after all, they do give clear instructions for various seams in the techniques section. And truly it is a lovely book. But... I feel a trifle misled, but some of that is my fault (caveat emptor) - the back of the book does say "seamless (or nearly seamless) knits." The thing is, the set in sleeves aren't even remotely seamless. I guess the folks at Interweave figure they can call things seamless if the body is essentially knit in one piece. And for many knitters who obediently follow directions requiring many separately knit -and then seamed- parts, perhaps the book helps them move farther along the seamless continuum. And frankly, that is great. Not what I was looking for, but it probably makes many others totally happy. Which is fine. Knitter's choice!

I just spent three days trying to make the purple cabled cardigan. I try to decipher the patterns and instructions. However, half of the instructions are written and the other half is with figures. I started with the setup rows when I realised that I had to flip the pages back and forth. It starts with the left side when it should have been the right side as this work started on the wrong side row. There are also missing info on the legend, could not find what 'no stitch' meant, the number of sts on written instruction does not add up to the total sts cast on. The written instruction has a separated instruction for the smallest size, then it carried on for All Sizes with a different number of stitches. I have worked with cables before and with US notation too. But I am way too confused.

I am really impressed with the book. I am an experienced knitter having knitted since I was 6 years old being taught by my grandmother many years ago!! These patterns are a step above other patterns, so more challenging. I have made a Guernsey jumper (not in the book), which was seamless, it was so much neater and really looked professionally made. That was why I purchased the book and I am certainly not disappointed with it. I did purchase a used book, but when it came it still looked brand new and unused.

This is a great book if you want to look into the technical aspects of seamless knitting. The patterns are very well thought out and, personally I like the designs. If you just want a few patterns to knit then perhaps this is not the book for you but if you are the type of knitter that is interested in good designs and want to understand how these designs are put together then I highly rate this book.

I should have read the information about this book, but I just went by the photo on the front thinking there would be more payterns

Bought this mostly for instructions for adapting and creating my own designs and found very useful. As I am a small sized person I would not be able to use the patterns as they are. A good buy and very pleased.