Long-time readers to this blog will know that I am somewhat obsessed about reversible knitting stitches, as you can see here, here and here! And I am not alone, because reversible stitches can open up a whole new area of creative possibilities for both beginners and more experienced knitters.
If you've never really thought about using reversible stitches in your knitting projects before, then they are definitely worth exploring.
If you've never really thought about using reversible stitches in your knitting projects before, then they are definitely worth exploring.
You know, I still find it amazing that reversible stitches look good from both sides. I know that's their definition, but it still seems somehow magical that there isn't a "right side" or a "wrong side” to the stitches. So many patterns can leave you feeling disappointed when you see that all your hard work only shows on one side.
However, this is not the case with a reversible knitting stitch – you can quickly wrap a winter scarf around your neck or throw a blanket over your knee and not have to worry about the messy wrong side showing.
However, this is not the case with a reversible knitting stitch – you can quickly wrap a winter scarf around your neck or throw a blanket over your knee and not have to worry about the messy wrong side showing.
And there are other benefits too, not least of which is that reversible stitches tend to lie perfectly flat. I wrote more about that here, but the basis is that purl stitches tend to force themselves outwards while knit stitches recede. So a pattern that has more purl stitches on one side than the other will curl. A prime example is Stocking Stitch/Stockinette Stitch. This has one face which only has knits while the other has just purls, so often wants to roll itself into a tight tube!
However, reversible stitches tend to have a similar number of knits and purls on both sides, so these opposing forces are balanced out. This makes them the perfect choice for blankets, rugs and placemats. In fact, you can even use a reversible stitch at the border of other stitches to stabilise them.
Anna’s samples in the photos above show this to perfection. The top pattern shows one of her Trellis Coasters which has been worked in Quilted Rib Pattern from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, and it is shown paired with her Breakwater Placemats which use the Cornish Diamonds pattern from the book.
Reversible stitches can also provide texture, insulation, warmth and cushioning, so you can probably see why I am so enthusiastic about them!
However, reversible stitches tend to have a similar number of knits and purls on both sides, so these opposing forces are balanced out. This makes them the perfect choice for blankets, rugs and placemats. In fact, you can even use a reversible stitch at the border of other stitches to stabilise them.
Anna’s samples in the photos above show this to perfection. The top pattern shows one of her Trellis Coasters which has been worked in Quilted Rib Pattern from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, and it is shown paired with her Breakwater Placemats which use the Cornish Diamonds pattern from the book.
Reversible stitches can also provide texture, insulation, warmth and cushioning, so you can probably see why I am so enthusiastic about them!
So at the start of this year, I decided to challenge myself to see if I could add 20 more stitches in 2020. Anna joined me in the quest and in the end we managed to design, find or adapt more than 50 stitches to add to the collection!
So we are delighted to now be able to introduce the brand-new edition of our E-book: Reversible Knitting Stitches – A Sourcebook of 250 Double-Sided Stitch Patterns.
The new stitches are scattered throughout the book, with some lovely new examples for beginner knitters as well as stitches worked in two or more colours. This includes the one shown in the photo above. This is Cushioned Rib, which is a wonderfully padded stitch. This is beautiful when worked in a single shade but really comes into its own when worked in a combination of colours.
We have also included lots of new reversible lace stitches and reversible cables to expand the final two chapters in the book as it is so hard to find good examples of these types of stitches.
In addition to adding stitches into the collection, we have also added a brand new section at the start of the book with notes on materials & equipment for working reversible knitting stitches. This is followed by suggestions for yarn choices and the use of colour in reversible knitting plus the creative ways in which you can use tension and gauge in your work.
The new edition also includes all new stitch charts to take advantage of the wonderful changes in chart drafting software over the last few years. The stitch charts are now beautifully crisp and clear even when you zoom right in or print them out.
The new edition also includes all new stitch charts to take advantage of the wonderful changes in chart drafting software over the last few years. The stitch charts are now beautifully crisp and clear even when you zoom right in or print them out.
We have also added many new project examples, including Anna's lovely Frost Fighter Mitts shown here. The E-book now contains over 80 project examples to inspire you in your own design work.
If you would like to read more about reversible stitches and how you can use them in your knitting projects, then please click here, and to see a gallery of sample pages from this new edition, then please click here. To purchase a copy of the book, then please click here. The book is available for instant download from the site and can be read on computers, tablets, phones and other mobile devices.
We hope you enjoy the new edition and that it gives you lots of new ideas for your autumn knitting!
Until next time – Happy Reversible Knitting!
Moira
If you would like to read more about reversible stitches and how you can use them in your knitting projects, then please click here, and to see a gallery of sample pages from this new edition, then please click here. To purchase a copy of the book, then please click here. The book is available for instant download from the site and can be read on computers, tablets, phones and other mobile devices.
We hope you enjoy the new edition and that it gives you lots of new ideas for your autumn knitting!
Until next time – Happy Reversible Knitting!
Moira
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Keywords: Book/Reversible Knitting Stitches,
stitches, knitting stitches, reversible stitches, reversible knitting, Anna Ravenscroft, Anna Alway,
stitches, knitting stitches, reversible stitches, reversible knitting, Anna Ravenscroft, Anna Alway,
