Knits that Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

I hesitated whether to give this book 3 stars or 2 stars, and opted for 3 because it is a lovely book. It contains approximately 23 patterns, all for women's sweaters, about evenly divided between pullovers, cardigans and short-sleeve/sleeveless tops. The patterns are very pretty, cherrypicked from talented designers like Berta Karapetyan (who wrote "Runway Knits"), Lily Chin and the late Melissa Mathay. The book begins with a technical section of about 17 pages, all devoted to issues of fit, including yarn selection, waist shaping, overall sweater silhouette and the importance of taking accurate, current measurements. The photographs are lovely, clear shots of the sweaters and include close-ups, in many cases, of design details. There are schematics, a fairly wide range of sizes for most designs (many of the sweaters are sized up to 2XL, with finished chest ranges of 50+ inches), clear type, and nice quality paper.

At the same time, there are a few caveats that the prospective purchaser should consider: (1) all of the patterns have been published before. The back of the book lists sources for most of them, including "Runway Knits," "Romantic Knits" and "Knits Three Ways." In addition, most of the technical material has been published before, including a portion on plus-size fitting that is taken from the "Big Girl Knits" series by Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer. There's nothing wrong with that but I think purchasers like to know this before buying a book so they can decide if they already own some or all of the patterns and text that is being recycled. (2) the section on fit has some omissions, including the important issue of sleeve styles (e.g., set-in vs. raglan vs. drop) and a detailed discussion of bust alterations. Both can have a great impact on how a sweater fits. (3) the patterns do not contain any special instructions or notes on how to alter that particular pattern as described in the beginning fit section. Text boxes or insets discussing the specifics of altering an individual pattern could have made this book a great deal more helpful. (4) the selection of patterns is odd given the book's emphasis on fit. For example, after the discussion of body styles and waist shaping, three shrug patterns are given -- patterns with no appreciable body to alter. Some of the patterns include complex stitchwork; it would be tricky to alter a complex stitch pattern without the increases or decreases showing up and throwing off the unbroken look of the pattern; side panels might work but would alter the overall look of the garment. LIkewise, some of the garments that use unconventional construction techniques would be hard to alter. I fear that less experienced knitters could run into situations where alterations intending to improve fit lead to great dismay and gnashing of teeth.

To sum up, then, this is a very pretty book filled with some striking and useful women's sweater patterns. The technical section is good as far as it goes (but omits some important topics). If you don't already own the patterns in another book, this would be a terrific "best of the best" volume. I am sorely tempted to cast on one or two of the sweaters in this book myself -- and I need to start a new knitting project like I need a hole in the head.

I have been looking for a knitting book to improve the fit of my sweaters and when I read "Before you know it you will be able to tweak nearly any pattern to better fit your unique shape." I was thrilled. At last, just what I needed. Unfortunately, a better title for this book would be "Knits that Fit B Cups Only". How do you fit a sweater to someone's unique shape and ignore the fact that not everyone can wear a sweater without bust shaping?

From the contents page and the online pages available it seems every sweater in here has been published before :(. I really wanted to get it, but am put off. I love all the designs in it by Berta Karapetyan - they are all on my list of want to makes from Runway Knits. I've actually made the corded sweater and it's gorgeous and very flattering. Sally and Caddy Melville's tops are all repeats too. Annie Modesitt's gorgeous Notorious and Ninotchka tops from her book.... then there's a Melissa Matthay design from her book Knits three ways.
There are a couple of Lily Chins besides these, can't see the pics, and a lovely cardi by Mary WEaver plus a top by her I can't see. But I can't buy a book for one cardi and two possibles. Pity, looked like this had good tips. What a let down!

I would say this is VERY worth it if you don't have Runway Knits, or the book by the Melville mother and daughter team - can't remember the name - as their patterns are cute too and very wearable. The cover is by the daughter. The mother's are more conservative. If you don't have these books, then this is a good buy. If you do - well, figure it out.

I am going to give it three stars on the basis of the tips I could see. Definitely not 5, altho the designs are nice - because they are definitely 90% (if not more) NOT originals.