In this book you will find 263 different patterns and designs, the best traditional knitting material from the Arabic, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Austrian, Dutch, Scandinavian, Shetland, English, Scottish, and Irish knitting traditions. All are presented clearly so you can use them immediately in your own work, or use them for learning how knitting developed the world over.In an easy-to-use format, the patterns and designs are first presented according to country. Then, after a short introduction discussing characteristic patterns, backgrounds, and influences, the author presents groupings of folk designs and traditional patterns. Each pattern and design is accompanied by a photograph of the completed work and either a chart or carefully written out instructions showing how to work the patterns. Since designs and patterns are given for characteristic units that can be repeated, you can use these patterns for projects of all sizes and shapes as well as for individual motifs. With a little planning these patterns can be used successfully for a wide range of knitting needs.Knitters can use this book for learning exciting knitting traditions and for picking up new motifs and designs. In looking through the patterns and designs you will see how new ideas sprang up and how others were carried from culture to culture. But most importantly you will have on hand 256 different patterns, some of the most powerful folk material the knitter can have. The author’s clear instructions can be followed by anyone who practices basic knitting.