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.

The book looks at the history of knitting and how the process has evolved to the latest developments. The chapters discuss the principles involved in all types of knitting machines and the different types of loops and knitted structures. The science and quality aspects of knitting, calculations related to knitting, and the mechanics of knitting are also examined.

Beautiful and historic African carpets, baskets, and other textiles provide the design inspiration for these 16 sophisticated knitted cardigans, pullovers, and sweater vests. Intended for seasoned knitters, these projects use domino, double knitting, entrelac, intarsia, and stranded two-color techniques worked in fingering-weight yarns. The Shoowa Vest, the African Domino Pullover, and the Arrowheads Cropped Pullover show off fancy stitching, while other designs feature colors borrowed from the mud-dried fabrics of Mali, the block patterns of Ghana, or motifs from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. African animals decorate the Giraffe Vest and Zebra Cardigan, and elsewhere leaping antelope and birds in flight are used in repeating patterns. Full instructions and charted patterns for at least two adult sizes are provided for each design and high-quality photographs of the finished pieces showcase these classic additions to any wardrobe.