Vintage 1961 Soviet Book: Hand Knitting of Children's Wear – Maksimova | Tsar to Soviet Books

Vintage 1961 Soviet Needlework Guide: "Hand Knitting of Children's Wear" by Yu. A. Maksimova

For textile historians, vintage knitting enthusiasts, and collectors of Soviet craft manuals, this 1961 original Soviet hardcover is an invaluable practical guide. Published in Moscow by Rostekhizdat (Издательство научно-технической литературы РСФСР), Hand Knitting of Children's Wear (Ручное вязание детских изделий) was authored by famed Soviet needlework educator Yulia Alekseevna Maksimova alongside A. P. Dvukraeva.

Bound in original patterned hardcover boards decorated with knitting needle motifs, this 254-page manual captures the technique, fashion aesthetics, and domestic craft culture of the Khrushchev Thaw era.

Comprehensive Stitch Charts, Crochet Motifs & Garment Patterns

Designed as a master reference for both novice and experienced knitters, the book provides exhaustive technical breakdowns:

• Section I — Knitting Stitch Library: Row-by-row instructions and grid charts covering basic stockinette, ribbed cable crossovers, slipped-loop textures, multi-color Jacquard designs, and lace openwork (ажур).

• Section II — Crochet Techniques: Instructions for both standard short crochet hooks and long Tunisian crochet (длинный крючок).

• Section III — Children's Garment Tailoring: Sizing grids, sleeve/neckline calculations, and full construction plans for children aged 6 months to 16 years (including overalls, coats, school jumpers, cardigans, leggings, hats, and gloves).

Complete Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: Ручное вязание детских изделий (Hand Knitting of Children's Wear)

• Authors: Yu. A. Maksimova (Ю. А. Максимова) & A. P. Dvukraeva (А. П. Двукраева)

• Publisher: State Publishing House of Scientific and Technical Literature of the RSFSR (Ростехиздат)

• Publication Date: 1961 (Moscow, USSR)

• Language: Russian

• Binding: Original publisher's patterned cloth hardcover boards

• Page Count: 254 pages, fully illustrated

• Classification: Soviet Craft & Hobbies / Vintage Needlework / 20th-Century Fashion History

Condition & Preservation Report

• Exterior Condition: Hardcover boards are rigid, flat, and clean, displaying light age-toning and minor shelf wear at the board tips.

• Binding Integrity: Firm, square, and tight text block with sturdy hinges.

• Paper & Chart Quality: Text pages and pattern diagrams are clean and completely legible, showing uniform light cream vintage age-toning. Free from marginal notation, highlighting, or library markings.