Cast On, Bind Off

April 16, 2012
This excellent reference guide tackles two important parts of the knitting process: beginnings and endings. Knitting teacher and fiber artist Bestor turns this deceptively simple topic into a fascinating read. Full of clear instructions and copious color photographs, this book details 33 cast on and 21 cast off methods, and offers suggestions for matching technique to knitting project. The cast on techniques are divided into the useful categories of basic, stretchy, decorative, circular, double-sided, multicolor, provisional, tubular, and Möbius, and the bind offs are divided into basic, stretchy, decorative, and sewn. Each cast on and bind off technique has user-friendly bullet points that describe the technique’s “Characteristics,” as well as what it’s “Good For.” There are also clever sidebars throughout called “Getting It Right,” which offer great insider tips for finessing and perfecting each technique. This is a great reference for the knitter looking to customize her own projects, and is an ideal companion for anyone who dares to try her own hand at design.

Starred review from June 1, 2012

Designer and knitting teacher Bestor covers a wide variety of ways to start and stop your knitting projects, from the tried-and-true to new favorites such as Judy's Magic Cast-On and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off, along with specialty cast-ons and bind-offs designed for lace and color work. Her collection is comprehensive and well organized, and the directions are easy to follow. VERDICT In the era of YouTube, how useful is a print guide to knitting cast-ons and bind-offs? Very, especially if you're designing your own knits, looking for alternate cast-ons or bind-offs to change an existing pattern, or trying to choose among a variety of options in a pattern.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.