Knitting from the Top

So you wanna be an online knitting desinger? If so, you just need a dollop of creativity, and Barbarba G. Walker's Knitting from the top.If you actually have this book to hand, and a modicum of creativity (or a few fashion magazines with knitwear to inspire you) you've got it made. Just an initial skim of a raglan topdown one button cardigan reminds one of a popular web blog designer's creation. The only difference is that the latter just throws a rib pattern below the bodice, but it's the basic shape and form (complete with button!)- but with short sleeves instead of long( refer to p. 50, fig. 23).Or if you want to make a cape/flared jacket, look at pg. 53-54 and you're all set.It's not cheating per se, because it's a basic shape, but it just goes to show that with this book, you're already quids in on saving money buying the basic topdown patterns online, because Ms. Walker spells it all out for you. Yes, duckie, there is even a way to do topdown set in sleeves. Think of sleeves being the perfect length and having the perfect ease! In addition, the process is very straightforward.Knitting from the top is only 120 pages long, but oh my, what a lot of information in these pages! There are about 12 chapters, and each chapter covers a basic design element (raglan pullover, cardigan, seamless cape, seamless skirt, sleeves sweaters, pants and caps). Within each chapter, Walker breaks down the principles for you, and doesn't go further than third grade Arithmetic. The secret to shaping is revealed here, and is as simple as pie.Ms. Walker's writing style is straight forward. She doesn't meander as much as Elizabeth Zimmerman, nor is she as over enthusiastic as Maggie Righetti can be at times. As a result, her prose is clean, and relatively uncluttered. In addition, the are basic diagrams in every chapter which illustrates Ms. Walker's ideas beautifully.If I had to choose between Knitting from the Top or Righetti's Sweater Design in Plain English, I'd go for Knitting from the Top. Knitting from the top is a much smaller book, but has more bang for the buck and less Math if you're not that inclined.In addition, there's a simple stitch glossary at the front, about 20 different increases explained on page 20 and a short section on how to chart your own patterns, and how to convert piece knitting into the round.This is the book that's being quoted by almost every popular knitting blog designer out there, and I can see why. It really allows you to dictate the terms of your knitting.

This is definitely the best knitting book I have ever had - I wish I had bought it years ago.The cover might not be very encouraging: it has a photo of a very dated, shapeless jumper, but the contents are far from dated.The ideas in the book are brilliant, Knitting from the Top will enable you to knit almost anything, top down and seamlessly - without patterns.It describes in detail (and in a way that is very easy to follow) how to make the following:raglan pullovers: boat neckline, turtleneck, wide-collared, v-neck, square-neck, round-yoke, raised neckbandraglan cardigans: v-neck, lapels, square-neck, one-buttoncapes: poncho, cape style shawl, ruffled or gathered capelet, cape with arm slitsskirts: pleated, gathered, tulip shaped, scalloped, lacetrousers and tights (several types)sleeveless sweaters: wide neck, collared square neck, vest, jumper dressseamless set-in sleeveseamless saddle shoulder (3 types)kimono sleeve (several types)square set sleevecaps: narrow crown, stocking cap, helmet with chin straps, helmet with neckband (the last two perfect for babies/ toddlers)Each technique is accompanied by a diagram showing not only the shape of the garment being described, but also increases, decreases or short rows, which I found very helpful. There are no photos of finished garments in the book, which makes it timeless.

Brilliant book, fast delivery, reasonable price, just what I needed. Actually has everything about top down.....

...but although Barbara Walker may be the goddess of knitting to many, I find some aspects of her style irritating. For example, I want to knit a top down, set in sleeve sweater. I have to look elsewhere for a provisional cast-on, then follow instructions on a certain page until I reach a certain point, then change to the instructions that were previously given for a different method for the rest. Furthermore, all this has to be done whist figuring out various calculations to do with gauge, and measurements. I began to realise when I found myself trying to measure myself across the widest part of my back that I lack the intellectual depth for this style of knitting book. For raglan top down, there is an amazingly straightforward method available free on the internet. This is what I need: some kind and clever soul like this to do the hard work so I can just knit. Having said that, I did finish the sweater, and it fits.

Great book for understanding the mechanics or knitting from the top down. Very useful if you are planning on writing your own patterns

This is a brilliant book! The cover picture is a little dated, but the information inside is timeless. The book does not have any patterns as such, just the information to allow you to create your own patterns. A great book.

This book is a wealth of information and an absolute must for anyone interested on tip down knitting. If I had to choose just one reference book on this subject, this would be it.

Very good introduction to a good technique. No actual patterns included but all information for you to create your own

Mi ha aperto un mondo, pieno di ricette per progettare lavori a maglia, peccato non lo traducano.

A première vue ce livre peut être déroutant, la couverture fait aussi très début 80s. Mais en fait il donne les bases pour faire des pulls sans coutures commencés par le col, et laisse toute liberté au lecteur; de ce fait, on obtient le résultat qu'on imaginait; déroutant aussi parce que comme ce n'est pas un livre de patrons proprement dit, il donne des recettes empiriques plutôt que des chiffres précis. Passée la première surprise, on s'y fait très bien, au point de ne plus apprécier les patrons traditionnels.Enfin, il permet de faire un grand nombre de choses tricotées de bas en haut et va plus loin que le classique raglan; il y a la méthode pour des manches montées, des manche marteau, des jupes, des capes.bref, un indispensable livre de référence qui devrait être traduit.

This is one of the best technical instruction books for knitters I have seen. It is written in a precise, accurate manner. Whatever you wish to knit from the top down, instructions are there, to the point, without embellishment. Every knitter who has been disappointed with results of a purchased pattern, will find solace in this brilliantly simple book.

This is the best knitting book I own or have ever seen.Still, it is not for everyone.It is not for knitters who like to knit row-by-row patterns. It does not have projects in it with type and amount of yarn and needle sizes.It is not for knitters who like to knit panels and then sew them together.It is not for knitters who do not like to shape garments to the body as they knit.This book has no photos of finished projects because there is no need for those. The book is a manual. It tells you how to knit most styles of sweaters from the top down, to your own measurements, and in your own choice of yarn, color, and pattern stitch. Design your own, or pick a style from an illustrated knitting magazine or book. Then follow the very clear and cogent directions in this book to produce the design in your chosen size, knitting from the top down. You can adapt these directions easily to almost any pattern you buy, eliminating seams that the original might have.If you are a beginner knitter, with little experience in clothing construction, you might find the instructions hard to comprehend, and may have to work at understanding something about how clothing fits the human body before it all makes sense.The hat instructions, though, are simple even for a beginner. You can also knit leggings with the directions in the book. These would be simple projects.Knitting a sweater from the top down is a liberating experience. It is easier to shape than kitting from the bottom up. As the book points out, you can try it on as it progresses. You can make it shorter if you find you are running out of yarn. You can knit & attach the sleeves early on in the knitting. And you avoid the tedious sewing of the seams when you are finished.If you are a magic loop knitter, you can cast on using that method for some of the sweater styles.I found the book to be well-written and easy to read and the instructions completely comprehensible. If you are used to following patterns, you might not, judging from the negative reviews here.

Mine it is a second hand book and it was in perfect conditions. Delivering in perfect time and then, the book itself it is fantastic! Very well explained, simple and direct words. Probably for a total beginner it would be a little confusing because there are not so many images but anyway it is a great book. There are sections on how to knit different garments and how to calculate the measures also if you don't have a particular recipe to build a garment (the author speaks about how it should be, but still she says that the knitter has the decision to do whatever she/he wants starting from the theory/measurements).