Nicky Epstein - Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More

Copyright 2010 by Nicky Epstein All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Potter Craft, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
www.crownpublishing.com
www.pottercraft.com POTTER CRAFT and colophon is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Epstein, Nicky.
Knitting block by block / Nicky Epstein. -- 1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
eISBN: 978-0-307-58736-7
1. I. I.

Title.
TT825.E49 2010
746.432dc22
2010022303 Fashion photography by Rose Callahan
Swatch photography by Heather Weston
Technical illlustrations by Jeannie Chin
Colorwork charts by Frances Soohoo
Knitting Technique illustrations by Kara Gott Warner
Crochet Technique illustrations by Lana Le
Embroidery illustrations by Chi Ling Moy Cover design by Chi Ling Moy v3.1 To Carmella and Benjamin Quinones, my parents

E gyptians; Eskimos; Mayans; Aztecsfor centuries civilizations have used blocks to build magnificent and functional structures, from igloos to pyramids. Ive always been fascinated by how people created bricks, tiles, and shingles, and cut marble, granite and concrete into blocks to make so many different and wonderful shapes and designs. In this book well use yarn for our blocks, and Ill teach you not only how to create blocks but also how to magically transform them into beautiful afghans, bags, sweaters, and more. Youll learn a variety of knitting techniques to form these blocks, discover how to combine and construct them in new and unusual ways that go beyond tradition. Youll be inspired to push your creativity. Knitting with blocks is a joy.

Because blocks are small, they make it easier to learn a technique that you may not have tried before. They are also travel friendlyyou dont have to carry an entire garment with you. Theyre fantastic to work on with others; lots of friends can knit different sections that can be used to build a wonderful piece for charity or a special loved one. By using mix-and-match blocks together with the design diagrams, you will see how to assemble these squares and turn them into exciting pieces, without using increases or decreases, but letting the positioning of the blocks do all the shaping. Its easy, exciting, unique, and fun! I had so much fun designing this way, and Im happy to share the process and make block designing an option for all knitters. My father, Benjamin, was a mason for awhile and created many impressive structures.

It was fascinating to see stone and bricks become fireplaces and homes, so it may seem natural that I love creating projects by knitting block by block, and watching the blocks blossom into new designs. Become a knitting blockhead and join the block party! (Clockwise from top left in the previous image) Lace, Baby, DK, Bulky, Worsted. The yarn you choose to use plays an important part in the size of your block and finished piece. Here you see the same basketweave pattern, but by using a variety of yarn weights and corresponding needles, the blocks all vary in sizes. When youre making or designing a piece, use this to your advantage to get the size, fit, and drape that you want. Designing with blocks is easy, fun, instructive, and exciting for all knitters. Designing with blocks is easy, fun, instructive, and exciting for all knitters.

You can easily design your own blockbusters! With this book you have 150 blocks at your fingertips, along with diagrams to design with. You can simply print out copies of our mix-and-match blocks, cut them out, and arrange them in the block layout diagrams. See for special edgings you can use. The size of your piece will depend upon the size of your blocks. Choose the yarn you want to use and work a gauge swatch. This will allow you to determine the size of your block.

Example: If your gauge is 5 stitches per 1" (2.5cm) and you want to use 10 (25cm) blocks, you would cast on 50 stitches. Here are a few more examples: 10" blocks at 4 stitches per 1" (2.5cm)cast on 40 stitches. at 3 stitches per 1" (2.5cm)cast on 30 stitches. 6" blocks at 6 stitches per 1" (2.5cm)cast on 36 stitches. at 8 stitches per 1" (2.5cm)cast on 48 stitches. Rows are easily determined by working the pattern until your length is the same as the width of your stitches.

Many of the motifs I have given you throughout the book may be placed wherever on the block you wish. As a knitter and designer, writing this book has been beyond fun for me and Im so excited to share block knitting with my fellow knitters. Youll love the visual and tactile experience of actually moving the blocks around in different configurations to design your piece. Choose the design shape you wantto make an afghan, bag, sweater, or scarf, for exampleand either select one block to repeat, or several blocks to mix and match. The design combinations are endless! Designing with blocks is a rewarding, creative experience that will help you become more confident in designing your own projects, and add to your wardrobe or gift giving. Happy block knitting and designing!