Book Review: Reversible Knitting by Lynne Barr

I looked forward to getting Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns because I’m a big fan of Lynne Barr’s book Knitting New Scarves. Lynne’s innovative and clever approach to knitting continues in this book. The book begins with a section on “faux crochet,” where Lynne was inspired by crochet’s ability to go in different directions. But she didn’t try and copy crochet stitches, she used the concepts of crocheted lace as inspiration to come up with innovative new knitting techniques. I especially like the stitch “tilted,” which is a bit like a lacy open entrelac in that you’re creating discrete little sections of knitting. There are nice step-by-step photos in all sections to get you through any tricky bits.

In this book, reversible doesn’t mean that the fabric is the same on both sides. It means that Lynne has considered both sides of the fabric when creating the 50 new stitches featured and both sides are interesting–there is no “wrong side” or “right side.”

The patterns in Reversible Knitting aren’t reversible in the traditional sense either. They are all interesting, some fascinating and created by some of the most exciting minds in knitting including Norah Gaughn, who not surpisingly has a sweater that can be worn upside down or right side up, wenlan chia who has the sweater I’d most like to wear a bulky cowl necked sweater called “Winding Path,” Debbie New, Lily Chin, Cat Bordhi and Veronik Avery.

Related posts:

1. Book Review: Y Not Knit
2. Book Review: The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
3. Book Review Roundup
4. Book Review: New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book 1
5. Book Review: More Tapestry Crochet