Great reads
This modern approach to modular knitting explains how to use different building blocks to create stunning knitted pieces
VIVIAN HØXBRO’S KNITTING HANDBOOK by Vivian Høxbro
EXPLORE THE incredible possibilities offered by modular or domino knitting with Vivian Høxbro. Her inspirational book is divided into eight ‘lessons’ which will have you creating fabulous knits from stripes, squares, circles and shells.
Vivian presents a modern and innovative approach to modular knitting, showcasing its ability to make beautifully shaped and visually interesting fabrics. Each lesson includes two project designs which expand on the techniques studied in the chapter.
Lesson 1 covers basic modular stripes and how they can be built up horizontally and vertically to give interesting strip patterns. This is demonstrated by a shawl, formed from four large triangles each built up from stripes worked in different directions. This approach is also used for a Tshirt, formed from a long strip of wide and narrow stripes which is joined and worked in a spiral.
The next lesson looks at squares, again worked horizontally and vertically to produce a patchwork fabric try out the technique first on a cushion, and then on a lightweight checkerboard vest top.
Each lesson builds on the previous ones, and next up is ‘Trisquares’. Triangles are worked bottomup using short rows, then another triangle is knitted topdown alongside the first to form a square. Vivian uses this method for her bold ‘Viking Coat’, formed from huge trisquares. Lesson 4 explores rightangle blocks, which have been used here to create an apparently simple yet fascinatingly constructed jacket.
The ‘Staircase’ technique can be used to create dynamic, playful fabrics, as shown by the colourful ‘Marie Grubbe’ shawl and the boxy ‘Staircases Jacket’. Staircases evolve into zigzags in the next chapter, and after the lesson Vivian presents two elegant designs a silkmohair vest top in six soft shades, and a large, cosy poncho.
She shows how shells and halfshells can be used to build up wonderfully textured knits, such as her a summery Tshirt which showcases the shell motifs perfectly. Lastly, circle motifs, formed from segments created using German short rows, have been used to design a shawl with a boomerang shape, and a twisting ‘Snake Scarf’.
The book also has a section of edging ideas for your modular projects, plus essential knitting advice on topics such as short rows, increasing and decreasing.