Single and Double Bed Machine Knitting: The Designers Guide

Single and Double Bed Machine Knitting: The Designer's Guide, is an absolute necessity for anyone with a knitting machine. Written in clear and accessible language by an experienced knit designer and educator, and using step-by-step explanations and inspirational examples, this comprehensive guide gives practical insight into knit design and techniques for single bed and double bed knitting. Systematically organised chapters explore the fascinating and inexhaustible possibilities of surface pattern and garment design for machine knitting, with or without a ribber. Written by Dr Vikki Haffenden, an experienced knitted textile designer and educator who holds a doctorate in knitting, this book reveals the possibilities of machine knitting whilst discussing, exemplifying and contextualising creative design approaches. Using over 500 images and step-by-step instructions, Vikki shares her knowledge and understanding of knitted textiles from the basic stitch structures and knit constructions to developing these into your own designs for machine knitting. She discusses suitable fibres and yarns for single bed and double bed knitting using the ribber, and describes the characteristics of these different knits. To enable unique knit developments Vikki discusses sourcing design inspiration and explains how to create your own repeating patterns, punchcards and digital patterns. Owners of the even the simplest machines will be inspired by sections on hand-manipulating stitches, developing your own colour palette, designing with stripes and garment design. With step-by-step instruction and in clear language Vikki explains how to master the ribber, the intricacies of shaping ribs and how to design and knit multi-colour double jacquards and other exciting double bed fabrics. In a complete chapter on garment design she offers practical advice and examples of how to include unique details, and takes the mystery out of calculating shaping with the help of ready-reckoner shaping tables. Throughout the book there are tips on machine maintenance, plus advice on getting the most from your knitting machine whilst creating unique design outcomes.