Knitting holds a deep fascination for me.
This could be because mygrandmother was a phenominal knitter (American style) while, being left-handed, I cvoujldn’t figure it out. Once I did and started knitting I found out I wasn’t good at it.
But that doesn’t stop me from loving the patterns of knitting. I do, And often I use them in my needlepoint. Patterned stitches, knitted in plain knitting from charts, often translate really well to needlepoint.
One not however, use geometric, stripes, and abstract patterns onle, don’t do letters or large objects. Why? Needlepoint stitches are square, knitting stitches are rectangular. If something looks “correct” in a knitting stitch, it will be distorted in needlepoint. Try it with a letter — you’ll see what I mean.
One great way to start is to look at books of Fair Isle knitting patterns. These charming geometric patterns translate so well to band samplers. I made a vertical pincushion of them (above) and it sits on the bookshelf in my office, looking pretty.
Dover has a book of patterns, Traditional Fair Isle Kntting, which along with Traditional Scandinavian Knitting will give you tons of these patterns.
Barbara Walker did four books of knitting stitches in the 60′s and 70′s which have reccently been republished. One of them, the third I think, has tons of patterns which adapt to needlepoint.
Finally, the inimitable Kaffe Faset has a completely amazing book, his Pattern Librayr which has tons of patterns perfectyly adaptable to needlepoint, in his wonderful range of colors. I bought it the first time I saw it.
So if you’re looking for needlepoint inspiration, look to kntting.
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On the other hand, I have used cross stitch patterns for years for my knitting! Great for both the intarsia and the fair isle methods. In knitting (which I love) it appeals to my mathematical mind set.
I re-bought the Barbara G. Walker books several years ago, as they are perennially the best! Meg, who is E. Zimmerman’s daughter (Knitting Without Tears) re-published those books. I especially like #3 with the Mosaic knitting patterns – which I have done with fabric strips for pillows – but they would also make great needlepoint backgrounds, as they are soooo easy to count.
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