Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible

September 18, 2017
Roehm translates the imaginative work of Shida, one of Japan’s best-known hand-knitting designers, into English for the first time. Shida gained an international following with the Japanese publication of a book of couture knitting patterns a decade ago, and here presents hundreds of other patterns, adding scallops, yokes, and edgings to her offerings. She provides five full patterns for actual projects, including socks “for warm feet” and “cute fingerless mitts.” In Roehm’s introduction she admits, “Japanese knitting can be challenging.” And, indeed, this book is most assuredly not for the beginner; it better serves the knitter who can juggle stitches, 11 pages of symbols, and tiny-fonted charts. The charts are not keyed to the symbols, although the symbols follow publishing standards. Certain conventions in the graphic format of Japanese patterns “ some getting used to,” Roehm warns. For intrepid knitters looking for a challenge, the pages of stunning stitches will prove well worth the effort. Color photos.

October 1, 2017
And you thought you knew how to knit. Well, welcome to the world of Japanese knitting, where all the stitches look beautiful and the instructions are difficult. As the introduction explains, these stitches (the brain children of author Shida) are presented in chart form. That's not unusual for a knitting book, but here's the rub. The charts are not accompanied by keys as American knitters would expect. Japanese knitters are expected to know the standardized symbols. Gulp. The symbol explanations are provided in a guide that's pages long, and the symbols can be quite complex. But experienced knitters will be tempted to give it a go after paging through the handsomely photographed knit swatches, each of which is accompanied by unlabeled charts. For those who want to jump right in, there are a few patterns for socks and a hat. A black-and-white photo section that shows how to knit the stitches concludes. A feast for the eyes, and perhaps the hands.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

Starred review from November 15, 2017

This collection, the first by Japanese designer Shida to be published in English, presents a series of intricate patterns featuring cables, lace, and specialty stitches. The arrangement is similar to a standard Western stitch dictionary, with a close-up color photograph of at least one pattern repeat (often knitted in a neutral-colored yarn), plus charted instructions. Shida's designs are involved, featuring long repeats, knotted and interlaced cables, delicate lace, and bobbles--often all in the same chart. Japanese knitting symbols are used throughout, and a ten-page guide (which cites the number of the chart that uses the symbol) gives all the details. Five small-accessory patterns that use the stitch patterns are included. VERDICT This is mindful, challenging knitting at its best, and this translation opens up a world of Japanese knitting charts to English speakers.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.