This inspiring and versatile book brings together a vast variety of edgings. The patterns begin with those which form a starting (or ending) edge and are an integral part of a finished garment and move on through multi-part and multi–layered edgings which must be sewn on. Nicky Epstein offers designs in which a standard pattern is taken to a more artistic end and also those which can be the inspiration for a whole new design. The edging patterns range from narrow to broad as well as simple to complex.
The book begins with a short introduction and moves on to “Textures and size” and “Notes for using this book”. These four pages contain several straightforward helps such as an excellent visual of a selected edging knit in various types and sizes of yarn. The reader can not only gauge the effect of using a variety of sizes of yarn with their corresponding needle size, but one can also see how cotton varies from wool varies from linen in a finished product. The standard yarn weight chart is included as are the meanings of the directional arrows used in each pattern and a note about making the cords. While most terms and abbreviations are noted in the back of the book, it is nice to see this information given up front.
There are 83 ribbed edging patterns given, each with written directions as well as a photo of a completed sample. The samples begin with a cast on row and most show several repeats both horizontally and vertically. At the end of this section are two very complex ribbed edgings using cable stitches for which only one repeat is shown. Several of the samples have fringes, some are knit horizontally and some are shown utilizing two colors of yarn. Specific directions for cables, wraps, loops and bobbles are given at the beginning of the written pattern using a combination of letters and numbers, which provide reference points in the main pattern. The designs in this section tend toward a more classic design and would be suitable for variety of applications
The corded edging section has 64 patterns with ideas ranging from variations on a narrow cord which is stitched on to wider edgings which begin with cords that dangle or loop to circles which are incorporated into the design. Many of these must be worked in more than one step. Many of the narrow cord edgings are very simple while many of the wider become very complex. There are also several samples in this section worked in two colors of yarn. The designs at the beginning of this section are also quite classic in nature while the later multi-part designs would be much more contemporary and funky.
The appliquéd edging section is the shortest with only 22 patterns. While there are a variety of backgrounds shown, the patterns are written for the appliquéd pieces only. The pieces are then sewn on to a background in differing configurations. The backgrounds and appliqués are for the most part interchangeable. Most of the designs in this section could be classified as more delicate and sweet.
The colored edging section encompasses a wide variety of colorwork techniques slip stitch, intarsia, fair isle, and cross stitch and duplicate stitch. Some of the patterns are written row by row, but the majority display colored charts to be used during the knitting process as intarsia or added later as cross stitch or duplicate stitch. A sample is included with the shamrock pattern showing the effect each of these will give. These patterns again tend more toward a classic look. Many of the pictorial samples would be appropriate for children’s items.
The nouveau edging section is by far the most eclectic. Many of the techniques from the earlier chapters come together here to provide patterns that are contemporary and “edgy”.
A garment pattern for each section is included in the at the back of the book. Though this is not the emphasis of the book, these do provide a unique look at how a variety of these edging can be used to make truly unique wearables.
Knitting Over the Edge
by Nicky Epstein
Published by Sixth & Spring Books, 2005
