Knitting With Cotton

Rating:
Summary: Some patterns dated, but some interesting info.
Review: Considering how little information about knitting with cotton is available, this out-of-print book has specific advice I haven't been able to find elsewhere. The price is worth the page-and-a-half introduction explaining the technical differences you need to know when knitting with cotton rather than wool or other more elastic fibers. The difference between mercerized and non-mercerized cotton is given, as well as explanation of spinning the individual plies. The introduction explains which type of stitches do not work well in cotton and suggests other stitches that are enhanced by working in cotton; i.e. textural stitches without too much twisting will work up crisper and more defined in cotton than in softer, hairier wool yarn. It explains that in order to achieve the best effect, cotton requires an even, regular stitch, usually on smaller needles using firm tension, with a "complete ban" on bad habits such as putting the work down halfway through a row or pushing the needles through the knitting. Also, certain design details must be taken into account when knitting with cotton, incorporating the facts that cotton garments are heavier and the lack of elasticity can cause bagginess in waistbands and ribbing. Keeping all these details in mind, however, cotton yarn can be substituted for other types of yarn, always keeping in mind the cardinal rule of gauge - in following a pattern, the gauge stipulated must be achieved or the garment will not fit. Although most of the women's patterns (with an exception or two) did not interest me, there were some classic designs for both men and women and a couple of children's sweaters. The 27 patterns are presented on models, in line drawings of pattern pieces and with line-by-line directions. Color charting is given when required. The technique section addresses the special requirements for cotton knitting using fairisle, stranding, weaving and intarsia methods, all more difficult and unforgiving of mistakes in cotton than in wool. I appreciated this book because I am allergic to wool and live in a climate that does not require wool clothing very often. Given the number of beautiful colors of cotton yarns available (and I have noticed better quality cotton yarns, with sturdier plies), it is very nice to glean some information about how to knit successfully in cotton.

Rating:
Summary: Some patterns dated, but some interesting info.
Review: Considering how little information about knitting with cotton is available, this out-of-print book has specific advice I haven't been able to find elsewhere. The price is worth the page-and-a-half introduction explaining the technical differences you need to know when knitting with cotton rather than wool or other more elastic fibers. The difference between mercerized and non-mercerized cotton is given, as well as explanation of spinning the individual plies. The introduction explains which type of stitches do not work well in cotton and suggests other stitches that are enhanced by working in cotton; i.e. textural stitches without too much twisting will work up crisper and more defined in cotton than in softer, hairier wool yarn. It explains that in order to achieve the best effect, cotton requires an even, regular stitch, usually on smaller needles using firm tension, with a "complete ban" on bad habits such as putting the work down halfway through a row or pushing the needles through the knitting. Also, certain design details must be taken into account when knitting with cotton, incorporating the facts that cotton garments are heavier and the lack of elasticity can cause bagginess in waistbands and ribbing. Keeping all these details in mind, however, cotton yarn can be substituted for other types of yarn, always keeping in mind the cardinal rule of gauge - in following a pattern, the gauge stipulated must be achieved or the garment will not fit. Although most of the women's patterns (with an exception or two) did not interest me, there were some classic designs for both men and women and a couple of children's sweaters. The 27 patterns are presented on models, in line drawings of pattern pieces and with line-by-line directions. Color charting is given when required. The technique section addresses the special requirements for cotton knitting using fairisle, stranding, weaving and intarsia methods, all more difficult and unforgiving of mistakes in cotton than in wool. I appreciated this book because I am allergic to wool and live in a climate that does not require wool clothing very often. Given the number of beautiful colors of cotton yarns available (and I have noticed better quality cotton yarns, with sturdier plies), it is very nice to glean some information about how to knit successfully in cotton.