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Introduction

Welcome to Japanese Wonder Knitting! Whether you’re a new-ish knitter or an expert, you’ll find in this book a range of techniques to play with, and some fun small projects for practice. The book was originally published in Japan, so you’ll see that instructions and patterns use a lot of graphics and illustrations, with less text than you may be used to.

Before you begin:

Please be sure to read through this introduction before you start! There’s important information here. Take the time to read through your selected pattern, too; lots of details can be found among the schematics.

The book has three sections:

• Fourteen varied knitting techniques, introduced with photo tutorials, symbol charts and “Point Lessons.”

• Patterns for small items using these techniques; there’s at least one project per technique.

• Knitting basics in a section at the back. If you are unfamiliar with Japanese knitting symbols, start here. This is also where you’ll find the abbreviations used throughout (p. 51). In addition, there are a few basic crochet stitches used in the finishing of some of these projects.

Point Lessons

The Point Lessons are key to working the stitch patterns. The photos and written steps will guide you through the symbols and the chart, and answer questions that you may have. Work the stitch pattern as described in the Point Lesson before beginning a project.

Knitting Patterns

You’ll see at a glance that these patterns look different from those you’re used to. They have more pictures and fewer words. It’s a logical, concise way to present a lot of information. The items in this book aren’t technically difficult to knit; the challenge is in getting used to the illustrated formats.

A typical Japanese knitting pattern conveys most of the necessary information in graphics:

• Schematics are illustrations of the item you’re making. They include stitch and row counts, finished measurements, and other instructions. Also important, you’ll find an arrow to show the direction of knitting.

• Symbol charts: Pay close attention to all the markings on the symbol charts. Watch for row numbers, arrows showing the direction of rows, and other hints that will help you complete the pattern.

• Line drawings illustrate finishing details: where to sew seams, where to attach buttons or handles, and how to position an edging, for instance.

Chart Conventions

If you’re new to stitch charts, keep these points in mind:

• The chart represents the right side of the work. Japanese stitch symbols are drawn to resemble the finished stitch, and once you’re accustomed to them, you’ll see the visual correlation.

• When you’re working back and forth:

• On the right side, read the chart from right to left, in the same sequence that you work the stitches. Some charts include arrows as reminders.

• On the reverse (or “wrong”) side, read the chart from left to right, and reverse the operation, so that your stitches will read correctly on the right side. That is, if the chart shows a knit stitch on the right side, you know to purl on the wrong side. In this book, we’ve provided definitions for wrong side operations when necessary.

• If you’re working in the round, read every row from right to left. There’s no need to reverse stitches.

Stitch Symbols

Be sure you understand how to work the symbols in the chart for your project. Definitions of the symbols can be found in two places:

• The technique section at the back of the book shows how to work the most common knit (and crochet) stitches with illustrations and explanations.

• Each “Point Lesson” also explains any additional symbols used in projects with this pattern. Be sure to work the swatch in the Point Lesson before working on a larger project.

• Keep in mind that a few crochet techniques are also included, such as edgings. The crochet techniques used in the book can be found in the back.

Most Japanese charts use odd numbers for the right side rows, and even numbers for wrong side rows. Pay attention! A few of the stitch patterns in this book reverse that, with even numbered right side rows and odd-numbered wrong side rows. Stay alert.

Yarn substitution

These projects were created with Japanese yarn that may not be easily available in other countries. The original yarn is identified for each pattern. Most likely, you will want to substitute a different yarn. On page 50, you’ll find an illustrated list of the original yarns used in these projects: weight, fiber content, meterage/yardage and so on.

To make an appropriate yarn substitution:

• Check the weight of the original yarn.

• Check the fiber content. You’ll probably want a yarn with a similar fiber content so your project looks like the one photographed.

• Work a gauge swatch with your selected yarn to ensure that you can match the specified stitch and row gauge for the pattern. The swatch is the most important step in making an effective substitution. The needle size given in the pattern is only a starting point. Depending on your knitting style, you may need a smaller or larger needle to achieve the stated gauge.