Knitting has become a highly fashionable hobby, with the list of celebrity knitters including Madonna, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker. There are over 24 million active knitters and crocheters in the US. Between 1998 and 2005 there was a 400 percent increase in the number of knitters and crocheters under 35 in the UK.

Debbie Abrahams graduated from Nottingham Trent University, UK, with a degree in Knitwear Design. After working as a buyer for a major retailer she joined Rowan Yarns, progressing to become their Design Consultant Manager. Debbie has worked as a freelance knitting designer since 2005, and this is her fifth book. Location: Nottingham, England

Introduction. Inspiration and materials. Where can you find inspiration?; Translating your inspiration to knitting; Making sketches; Seeing colours, patterns, motifs and shapes; Creating your palette; Making colours work together; What yarn do you use?; Ideas onto paper. Understanding scale; Simplifying the design; Working with stitches and rows; Creating repeat patterns; Making patterns fit; Converting stitches and rows into measurements; Sample swatches. Why knit a swatch?; How to knit a swatch; How to measure tension accurately; Recording the results; What if the design doesn't work?; Getting the tension right; Mapping out the design. The specification drawing; Where do I get the measurements?; Making all the maths work; Creating your own specification drawing; Drafting basic shapes; Get knitting. Yarn requirements; Calculating quantities; Writing your own pattern; Knitting know-how;