The New Knitting Stitch Dictionary

by Lydia Klos

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The New Knitting Stitch Dictionary is a compendium and technique pattern guide for knitting stitches compiled and curated by Lydia Klös. Released 2nd June 2023 by Globe Pequot on their Stackpole imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. 

This is a no-nonsense collection of precisely what it says: stitches to use in creating, enhancing, or adapting knitting projects. The patterns are grouped thematically in chapters: knit-purl, cable, Aran, lace & cable, lace, slipped-stitch, nupps (bobbles/popcorn), brioche, edgings, stranded colorwork & intarsia, special techniques, a how-to knitting tutorial on the basics, pattern adaptation to finished object, some DIY charts, and a very useful index.

There are a lot of patterns here (not for actual projects, but for stitches and surface patterns), and it would be a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, gift giving, and the knitter's home reference library. The photography is clear, detailed, and in color throughout the book. 

Four and a half stars. Very useful. The chapter on beginning basics of knitting is quite simple, but well written and accessible. For readers who are true beginners, I would recommend having a teacher/guide in addition, or videos on the internet *in addition*... but it does provide enough info to get started. The following chapter contains a lot of good info on finishing, blocking, and surface techniques such as duplicate stitch, though again, additional instruction might be needed.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.