Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Models with Traditional Inspiration

The book offers a varied selection of patterns ranging from small accessories to more elaborate garments. Among the included projects are hats, bags, scarves, mittens, cowls, socks, leg warmers and cushions, all inspired by traditional Portuguese design. This diversity ensures that both beginner and more advanced knitters can find projects suited to their level and personal style.

Each pattern comes with step-by-step explanations and clear illustrations, making the process easier and providing confidence at every stage. The collection has a strong functional and decorative element, with pieces that can be easily incorporated into everyday wear or enjoyed as special handmade items. Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Designs demonstrates how tradition and modern design can coexist naturally and attractively.

The book is designed for a wide range of knitters, from those with basic knowledge to those with intermediate experience. Rosa Pomar has structured the instructions clearly, combining text and illustrations to make each technique easier to understand. Everything is explained, from basic cast-ons to more elaborate finishing touches, allowing readers to progress step by step.

That said, Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Designs is not intended for absolute beginners: it is useful to have some prior familiarity with knit and purl stitches. However, thanks to the author’s pedagogical approach, many knitters with little experience will be able to take a step forward and learn new techniques with confidence and independence.

Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Designs stands out for its comprehensive approach: it is not just a collection of patterns but a work that combines history, culture, technique and design. Rosa Pomar has created a book that not only teaches you how to knit but also introduces the reader to the context of Portuguese knitting, from its rural roots to its modern reinterpretation.

Unlike other publications focused exclusively on technique, here there is a clear narrative running through all the projects. Each design has a connection to the country’s textile heritage and is built on a foundation of respect for traditional knowledge. This cultural dimension is what makes this book a unique proposal within the knitting publishing landscape.

The author suggests using natural wools, many of them of Portuguese origin, which respect both the traditional character of the designs and their modern functionality. Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Designs favours fibres with good structure and an authentic feel, ideal for highlighting the textures and reliefs of each pattern. No specific brands are imposed, but provenance, treatment and durability of the yarn are considered important.

The book also explains how to adapt the materials to what is available, always aiming for a good balance of thickness, elasticity and comfort. Each knitter is encouraged to experiment with local, sustainable or recycled fibres, thus reinforcing the bond between the craft and the environment. This open and conscious view of materials is one of the pillars of Rosa Pomar’s approach.

Absolutely. Rosa Pomar explicitly encourages knitters to adapt each pattern to their personal preferences. Whether by changing colours, adjusting sizes or combining techniques, the book is designed as a guide open to reinterpretation. The charts and explanations are structured to make modifications possible without compromising the final result, allowing you to create truly unique pieces.

This flexible approach makes Portuguese Knitting – 20 Contemporary Designs both a learning tool and a source of creative freedom. Tradition becomes here a starting point rather than an end, and each knitter can embrace the designs with confidence, keeping Portuguese textile heritage alive through their own style.