More Modern Top-Down Knitting

More Modern Top-Down Knitting: 24 Garments Based on Barbara G. Walker's 12 Top-Down Templates

Written by KRistina McGowan

Provided by Abrams Books

Reviewed by Audrey Huggett

Knitting top-down patterns is a great way to familiarize yourself with what pattern shape best fits your body; one of the strengths of top down patterns is that you are able to try on the garment as you work it.  In More Modern Top-Down Knitting: 24 Garments Based on Barbara G. Walker’s 12 Top-Down Templates, Kristina McGowan explores the world of top-down knitting.  Packed with an engaging variety of knitting patterns, this book is a delight for knitters interested in becoming more familiar with top-down knitting patterns.

Each pattern contains charts, extensive diagrams, and multiple color photos.  The book is easy to read, and does a good job at giving knitters an up-close look at the more difficult details of each pattern.  McGowan has created a collection of patterns that will be a pleasure to knit.  McGowan’s sweaters are particularly impressive.  Each sweater has a classic look, without over doing it on the design elements.   There are patterns in More Modern Top-Down Knitting that will suit any knitter’s tastes and abilities.  I liked that McGowan included patterns for relatively plain sweaters; it’s something you don’t often see, but it is a very practical move.  I know I don’t want all of the sweaters in my wardrobe to be insanely cabled creations.

Though sweaters are typically associated with top-down knitting, there are other garments you can knit in that fashion as well.  McGowan includes fashionable patterns for hats, skirts, and even knitted pants.  These patterns do a wonderful job at showing just how you can skillfully include knitted garments into your existing wardrobe.  Every pattern would be at home in a day-to-day wardrobe.