Japanese Wonder Knitting

Starred review from September 1, 2020
Wonder is a much-deserved adjective here. As in Japanese Wonder Crochet (2019), translator Roehm shares with U.S. readers this well-illustrated book from Nihon Vogue exploring the more unusual stitches possible, apart from the regular knits and purls. While a robust section in the back of the book explains the rudiments, experienced needleworkers will probably be among the few who face minimal barriers to conquering these 14 how-tos. As is traditional in Japanese craft books, the more eye-catching portions are featured upfront: stitches and finished designs/projects. For each of the stitches, the book displays a knitted swatch, its diagrammatic counterpart, references to the designs (often two) that feature the stitch, and then a point lesson: a captioned, photographic step-by-step guide that demonstrates how to execute the stitch. For the most part, the 23 designs feature simple lines (all the better to flatter the highlighted stitches) and smaller items: detachable collar, hand warmers, lap blanket, ankle warmers. After viewing these elegant knits, crafters will emerge with a sense of delight and, perhaps, a resolve to try.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)