Nihon Vogue

If you are looking for one stitch dictionary that covers a range of knitting and crochet stitches to help you build your stitch library, I highly recommend 1000 Japanese Knitting & Crochet Stitches. It is published in Japan by Nihon Vogue and in the US by Tuttle Publishing and translated by Gayle Roehm.

While originally published in 1992, this collection of stitches is timeless and classic. Now fully translated into English, you no longer need to puzzle through the Japanese to figure out show more complex stitches. I’ve had my eye on this book for years and am thankful for Roehm’s work to make it accessible to English readers.

About Japanese Stitch dictionaries

For the uninitiated, most Japanese chart symbols are standardized. Complex stitches build upon the simple ones which makes them easier to read. One thing to be aware is that most charts include a symbol for every knit ([ | ]) and purl ([ – ]). This can make the charts look more complex than what many of us are used to. Crocheters are likely be more familiar with the symbols used as their use due to the wide adoption of this style of stitch diagrams. Please note that other than in the technique review section, there are few written instructions, each stitch is provided only as a chart.

Inside this volume

In this dictionary, you will find a collection of 700 knitting stitches including combinations of knits and purls, twisted stitches, lace, cables, color-work motifs, and more. If that weren’t enough, there’s no need for a separate crochet dictionary! There are 300 different crochet patterns covering grids, textures, colors, and edgings. If you aren’t sure how a stitch works up, there are many clear line drawings which step through and illustrate common techniques. Additional information is also provided to improve your interpretation of variations to these basic stitches. For each stitch you will find a clear color photo, the stitches and rows for the repeat is clear, and the chart is next to the photo, no need to hunt or flip pages. Some of the designs will be familiar if you have other Nihon Vogue stitch dictionaries. The advantage is they are all here in one book.

Read more at https://www.littleacorncreations.com/swatch-library-project-update-stitch-dictio... show less

I received this e-book ARC through Net Galley from Rockport Publishers, an imprint of The Quarto Group, in exchange for a truthful review.

This title had photos of 550 "cute things" embroidered in color, with some example finished projects included for inspiration.
The "cute things" are grouped into adorable categories, like "Fairytale animals" and "Food Alphabets".
Included were sections ideal for beginners including:
- how to transfer designs
- tools required
- basic stitches

Very concise short show more pattern directions detailing floss color, number of strands and stiches to use. are included for each item.

My favorite pattern so far is #222 in the "Animal Friends" category: a teeny panda bear sitting atop a croissant! How cute! I can't wait to incorporate many of these designs on to various items. show less

A great resource, all charted so easy to follow. If you struggle to translate the chart, a quick Google will give you the info you need. Unique stitch patterns that you rarely see in traditional Western designs.

There are some interesting color work cables in here. About half is crochet, but it would be a nice to have despite. Reviewed ebook from SPL.