This book contains the original collection of knitting stitches first published by Hitomi Shida in 1996. Copies of the original Japanese edition have been jealously coveted by knitters around the world-and now the book is now being made available in English for the first time! Hitomi Shida's previous work, the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible was released by Tuttle in October 2017 and has already been purchased by thousands of avid knitters who are thrilled to discover a treasure trove of elegant and intricate new patterns. This book was Hitomi Shida's first effort and, like its successor is filled with her highly original and beautiful designs and variations on knitting classics. Shida's stitch patterns have become a driving inspiration behind many modern Western knitting designs, and experienced knitters know this. They will purchase this book for the images alone. In this beautifully presented stitch dictionary you'll find: Stitches that are perfect for borders and edgings Beautiful and intricate cable stitches Elegant popcorn stitches, from refined to bold Multiple variations on individual patterns Veteran knitting instructor Gayle Roehm guides knitters through the particulars of the patterns and explains how to execute the stitches. Images of completed garments here and there help show the potential of these striking stitch designs.