Knitwear Design

A practical guide to the dynamic revival of contemporary knitting, Knitwear Design is also a source of inspiration and advice on the latest techniques and practices. Packed with diagrams, knitwear samples and images from a wide range of contemporary designers, the book offers a practical approach to designing garments from initial research, finding sources of inspiration and developing the design, through an exploration of colour, texture and knitting techniques to constructing a garment and creating and writing a pattern. Knitwear Design also showcases the techniques that are transforming knitted textiles, such as heat treatments and painting and printing knit, and profiles the fusing of knitting, art and craft. The book includes practical tips and case studies from international designers, offering students a unique insight into the industry. Knitting is a tactile and versatile craft and Knitwear Design gives readers the knowledge and inspiration they need to create innovative and eye-catching fashion.INTRODUCTION - THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNITTING CHAPTER ONE - THE KNITTING INDUSTRY Weft and warp knitting techniques; Hand vs machine knitting; Knit construction Knitting machines; The future of knitting technology; Case study: Veronika Persche Careers in knitwear; Major exhibitions and trade fairs CHAPTER TWO - RESEARCH AND DESIGN Design considerations; The Design process; Creating, researching and developing a theme; Predicting trends - fashion and knit trend forecasting; Developing and sketching ideas; Style directory; Case study: Alessandra Marchi CHAPTER THREE - WORKING WITH COLOUR AND TEXTURE Understanding yarns; Working with colour; Case study: Brooke Roberts Texture; Case study: Iben Hoj CHAPTER FOUR - INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES Exaggerated scale; Case study: Sandra Backlund; Three-dimensional knitting Knit and woven combined; Merging craft and technology; Case study: Derek Lawlor; Felting; Printing and dyeing effects on knitting; Case study: Craig Lawrence Sustainability CHAPTER FIVE - FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION The production process; Creating and analysing your design; Analysing your design from 2D to 3D; Garment specification; Taking measurements; Pattern drafting Case study: Alice Palmer; Toiling a garment; Knitting and calculating tension Pattern calculations; Calculating yarn requirements; Garment production Garment construction and finishing Glossary Resources Further reading Index Acknowledgements