Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook was released in 2004, a few years after I taught myself to knit with a terrible book from the craft store. If this book had been out when I started my knitting quest, it would have been so much easier and more clear. The latest offering from Debbie Stoller is Stitch ‘n Bitch Super Star Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics and it picks up where the first and second books left off with more advanced techniques and the same, clear instructions and illustrations.

When the book first appeared in the office I was skeptical, but then I started flipping through it and kept saying thinks like “oh!” and “that’s brilliant!” and I quickly realized that this book needs to be added to my library.

It is broken into three parts – ‘The Stitches,’ ‘How to Create Your Own Sweater,’ and ‘The Patterns.’ The first part is a wealth of beyond-the-basics tips, tricks, and techniques. It covers everything from decreases and increases (and which ones slant in what direction – something I have trouble remembering) to Fair Isle, and those much-feared steeks. There were so many ideas in this first section that made me say “Wow!” and the illustrations, pictures, and descriptions were incredibly clear.

Part 2 centers around designing your own sweater, including comprehensive information on sleeve types. Even if you’re not interested in designing your own garments, this section in super helpful, because you can take the information and work with the pattern you want to knit so it fits you perfectly.

The final part includes 41 original patterns from different designers that use the techniques discussed in the book. They are worth the price of the book on their own, even without the wonderful information in the first two parts. Each pattern also includes a little peek at the design process.

There are patterns for babies, children, and adults, and I want to knit most of them! This is just a small preview of some of the great projects in the book. The Coco sweater has sequins, and I can’t resist a little sparkle! In Bloom, the felted bag, is truly stunning. I love the little sheep on the Sheepy Time cardigan, and even though I’m not a huge fan of toe socks, the stripes on Tiptoes are very appealing!

The project on the top of my to-knit list is Bookish.

It has just enough argyle for me to have a little taste of it without being over the entire garment. I love cardigans, and I have yarn in my stash with this cardigan’s name written all over it. It’s on the cast-on list for the very near future (maybe even this weekend).

Stitch ‘n Bitch Superstar Knits is definitely one of those books you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again because of all of the useful information.

Mary

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Mary

Marketing Manager at WEBS - America's Yarn Store

Mary has worked at WEBS since 2005. She has been knitting since 2000 and also knows how to crochet, spin, and use a rigid heddle loom.
Her favorite color: bright pink

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Latest posts by Mary (see all)

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Tags: knitting books