Lynne Barr’s book, published 2009, offers and delivers an innovative approach to knitting. The author discusses how she set herself two main restrictions when designing reversible stitches; the first being that the stitches do not require the elaborate use of double pointed needles. The other constraint was that all of the stitch patterns could be worked without cutting and re-joining yarn.
Reversible Stitch Patterns
Within those restrictions, Lynne Barr has created a set of inventive stitch patterns which take knitting to a new level. The instructions are clear, and photographs show both sides of the finished stitches clearly. But this leads to the query over the book’s title and concept; how is “reversible” defined? Technically, of course, it means “able to be reversed” but its more common usage, particularly when related to knitting or craft, is more specific. A reversible stitch pattern is usually one that is the same on both sides or, in the case of colour work, the patterns are the same but the colours are inverted.
Many of the stitch patterns within this book have very different appearances on each side. Although they are interesting and original, the use of the word “reversible” appears to be loose.
Patterns for Garments and Accessories.
As well as being a stitch directory, the book has includes twenty knitting patterns. Some of these are by the author, but others are from established knitwear designers, including Cat Bordhi, Norah Gaughan and Teva Durham. The reversible theme is continued into the design of the items and many can be worn or used in more than one way, giving a different look from the same pattern.
This is clearly a work for those who enjoy the technical side of knitting, the physical creation of stitches, and experimenting with how they can be adapted and used. It would be a daunting book for beginners, but is inspirational for those who have moved beyond the basics. The new techniques are illustrated with photographs and the instructions are clear. Even very experienced knitters would find new techniques and ideas within its pages and freeform crafters, in particular, will be interested in the techniques used and the effects achieved.
Whether or not this is actually a book of reversible knitting is still, perhaps, open to debate, but as an exercise in stretching the boundaries of knitted stitches and seeing what can be achieved with needles and yarn, Reversible Knitting is an inspiring, interesting and useful addition to any knitter’s library.
Source: Reversible Knitting, Barr, Lynne, 2009, Stewart Tabori and Chang.
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
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