Two books to take your knitting to the next level. Let's learn to knit a garment that fits us better.
Text by Meri
Knit to Flatter: The Only Instructions You'll Ever Need to Knit Sweaters That Make You Look Good and Feel Great! by Amy Herzog
Stewart, Tabori and Chang (April 2, 2013), 116 pages, ISBN-13: 978-1617690174
Having worked in the field of architecture, the name "Herzog" means a hero to me. Here is another heroine of mine, Amy Herzog, who has successfully developed a method to fit your handknitted sweater to your body (not vice versa!). She teaches widely on Craftsy and elsewhere, and has an informative website, but for those of you who prefer to sit down with a hard copy book and a cup of coffee, this is for you. It is great, and when you decide to try out what you have just learned, you have 21 patterns to choose from in the book!
Like most women, I've had a hard time choosing the right size of garments for my body shape, be it off the rack or hand-knit. I am short but not thin, and size S does not fit me unless I modify here and there. Amy's theory helped me to understand what the standard sizes mean, and how my shape in particular diverges from it. Based on this knowledge, you will understand what type of sweater designs will show off your strengths while hiding the parts you want to hide. The knowledge not only helps you to knit perfect-fit sweaters, but also helps in choosing your everyday wardrobe. I consider myself enlightened.
Knitting Pattern Essentials: Adapting and Drafting Knitting Patterns for Great Knitwear by Sally Melville
Potter Craft (March 26, 2013), 224 pages, ISBN-13: 978-0307965578
This is another interesting book for customizing your knitwear, but this one is for creating a pattern from scratch. The starting point of the process this book suggests is not your body type or shape, but an existing garment that you like. After measuring your favorite garment, the book then tells you how to change parts, such as neckline or sleeves, and how to calculate shaping (Math alert!). After all, designing patterns is all about the Math.
This book does not talk much about designing your own pattern, but it will definitely help you perfect your shaping skills. It's one of those books I wish we had in Japanese.
What I find particularly interesting is the part that explains how to improve the fitting of the garment you are knitting, without frogging. I am not enthusiastic about the patterns included in this book, but overall, it's a great guide for improving your skills, and an essential starting point for novice designers.
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So I've read all these books (and have translated almost a hundred patterns) - Hope one day I can design on my own!
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