There are lots of stylish knitting patterns out there, but sometimes you want to do your own thing. Maybe you've found a yarn that would make a beautiful hat, and all you need are basic directions for shaping. Or maybe you've had your eye on a cute sweater in a store window and know that you can make a better version yourself—if you could only figure out the measurements. This handy guide demystifies all that knitting math and shows you how to knit custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind fashions that express your style. Master patterns for hats, sweaters, scarves, shawls, bags, mittens, vests, and socks lay out the basic construction for each item in a range of sizes; you choose the yarn and decide which modifications and customizations you want to make.

Precise master patterns show you all the steps involved in constructing handknits

• Master patterns give instructions for multiple sizes and gauges
• A number of shaping, edgings, and stitch patterns accompany each master pattern
• Helpful tips provide additional guidance
• Tables take the work out of knitting math
• Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo
• Color photos, illustrations, and diagrams demonstrate important concepts

A book that takes knitters step by step to the next level According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, more than one-third of American women know how to knit or crochet. This book shows knitters how to create custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind items that express their personal style. It starts with basic designs and patterns for hats, sweaters, mittens, and other popular items and walks readers through making modifications. Topics include working with gauge, modifying sleeves and necklines, changing yarns or stitch patterns, and adding cables, stripes, beads, or other embellishments to jazz up the design. Sharon Turner (Brooklyn, NY), author of Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting (0-7645-9640-3) and Monkeysuits (1-56158-493-2), designs some of the most vibrant and brilliantly colored children’ s knitwear available today. She sells her patterns and kits through yarn stores and online at Monkeysuits.com.

SHARON TURNER, author of Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting and Monkeysuits, designs some of the most vibrant and imaginative knitwear available today. She sells her patterns and kits through yarn stores and online at Monkeysuits.com.

Chapter 1. Getting Started Designing Knits.

Using the Master Patterns.

Choosing the Right Yarn.

Check Your Gauge.

Chapter 2. Scarves and Shawls.

Scarf Styles.

Scarf: Master Pattern.

Shawl Shapes.

Rectangular Shawl: Master Pattern.

Triangular Shawl: Master Patterns.

Make a Shawl into a Poncho.

Chapter 3. Hats.

Hat Styles.

Hat: Master Pattern.

Finishes for the Top.

Tutorial: Knitting in the Round on Double-Pointed Needles.

Chapter 4. Bags.

Bag Designs.

Rectangular Bag: Master Pattern.

Round Bag: Master Pattern.

Create Handles.

Line a Knitted Bag.

Felting.

Tutorial: Felted Bag.

Chapter 5. Socks.

Things to Consider Before Knitting Socks.

Socks: Master Pattern.

Tutorial: Toe-Up Sock Pattern.

Chapter 6. Mittens, Gloves, and Hand Warmers.

Mitten and Glove Styles.

Mittens and Gloves: Master Pattern.

Hand Warmers: Master Pattern.

Chapter 7. Vests.

Vest Styles.

Vest: Master Pattern.

More Vest Ideas.

Tutorial: Vest Variation.

Chapter 8. Sweaters.

Sweater Styles.

Assembling a Sweater.

Sweater: Master Pattern.

Tutorial: Sweater Variation.

Chapter 9. Altering the Master Patterns.

Adjusting a Design to Suit Your Taste.

Working with Stitch Patterns.

Adding Color.

Changing the Body Shape.

Altering Sleeves.

Chapter 10. Designing Your Own Knits.

Looking for Inspiration.

Choosing the Right Style.

Designing in Color.

Perfecting the Fit.

Doing the Math.

Determining Yarn Yardage.

Appendix A: Techniques and Embellishments.

Appendix B: Reference Materials.

Index.