Episode 70: Knitting Japanese

 

Episode 70: Knitting Japanese

This week we talk about our love of Japanese pattern books, offer some insight on how to read Japanese patterns, and point you to some online resources. We gear up for Stitches

Japanese pattern reading

• Schematic with numbers: stitches to cast on, intended width, length, even the increases and decreases can be found on the schematic.

• How to read a schematic
• In the written instructions you can find gauge, needle size, some information about the yarn although the weights and amounts do not necessarily translate to yarns you know.
• The Basics
• Needle sizes are different (see the Basics article)
  
• Symbols
• Patterns are written in one size, you will need to rechart to fit you if you do not fit the specific pattern. You can find lessons on recharting here.
• Japanese Knitting & Crochet Group on Ravelry
• Finding patterns: On Ravelry I went to project search and searched the tag “Japanese” from there I could find the original pattern and the book it came from.
• Where to find books Kinokuniya, Yes! Asia, Amazon.jp.
  
• You can also find photos on the Japanese Knitting Patterns blog and Crafting Japanese.

Stitches

We will be there on Friday! Please say hi if you see us!

• Toots LeBlanc
• Miss Babs
• Brooks Farm
  

Australian Bushfires
How you can help

• Red Cross
  

• Oz Bushfire Appeal on Etsy
• Packages Down Under on Ravelry
• Raffle at Serendipity blog
  
• Re-stash a Crafter
  
• Handmade Help
  

Music

• U-Dot, Continental
• The Monster Song, Psapp

Comments

[Leslie]

Interesting episode. I know nothing about Japanese knitting so I will be on the lookout for some books on the subject at Stitches on Friday. Yes, I will be there Friday as well -- most likely first thing in the morning. I am so excited you'll be there Friday as well. I will look for you. It would be SO fun to meet you in person. Thanks again for the fun episode. Leslie

[Teri]

Another great episode!! I have one of the Kyoto books that is actually translated to english, but am ready to try out the Japanese only books now. Can I add another useful site to your list? Check out saucylouise.com for more Japanese books, fabrics, yarn and other crafty materials.

[Cheryl S.]

I'm glad you had this episode - I've purchased several Japanese knitting books and have been wanting to try something from them.

By the way, some of your links in the episode notes don't work.

[Becky]

I really enjoy your podcast! I just wanted to let you know that the link to the Japanese Knitting Pattern blog (last bullet in the first section) has a problem (2 web addresses in the link). I was able to follow it after deleting the first one and found some really interesting patterns at the Pierott site they mentioned. You guys are awesome!

[Margaret]

I was at stitches on Friday, but I think I could have walked right past you without noticing! I had forgotten how overwhelming it can be.

I was very restrained. I hope for some good vicarious stash enhancement next podcast.

[Gayle Roehm]

Next time you go to Stitches, I hope you'll consider taking my class on "Understanding Japanese Knitting Patterns." I spend a whole day on the topic and clarify a number of the points that you found challenging or obscure. I love Japanese designs and I love showing people how to use them! It's not so hard, as you discovered, if you've got the right information.

[mklee]

what LYS did you take the class at? Sounds awesome!