Inspiration
The Passing of a Legend
Barbara G. Walker died a few weeks ago at age 95, leaving a huge legacy. Her independent mind and ceaseless learning and sharing are unmatched in the history of knitting.
If you’ve ever knit a top-down sweater, you can thank Barbara Walker for not liking to knit sweaters in pieces and exploring better, more enjoyable ways to knit. She single-handedly researched and preserved stitch patterns that would otherwise be lost to time, and invented over 1000 original stitches of her own. But more than that, she modeled an attitude toward knitting as an adventure, as a pursuit worthy of—and requiring—a sharp mind, and as one of life’s pleasures.
Her influence was so wide and deep that, like gravity, it might not be noticed. Almost every post on this website—or any resource for knitters—has a connection to Barbara Walker. A no-nonsense, witty personality, she seems to have been amused at her iconic status for knitters.
I was hoping—and gently nagging—for a New York Times obituary for this remarkable American. Thursday night, the Gray Lady came through. My phone lit up with non-knitting friends forwarding it to me, which made me smile.
Here is a gift link to the New York Times obituary for Barbara G. Walker.
It’s an excellent piece with great images, plus video clips from a 2011 interview.
For more about Barbara Walker, in her own words, here is a piece she wrote for Piecework Magazine in 2024: My Knitting Life: A Facet of a Life in Full.
Neither Ann nor I had the good fortune to cross paths with Barbara Walker in life, but here she is in 2009 with MDK contributor, teacher, and friend Michele Lee Bernstein.
Remembering Barbara Walker
Did Barbara Walker influence your knitting and life? We would love to celebrate her life and work in the comments.
Early on in my knitting life combined with my love of history, I started poking around in knitting’s past. Barbara Walker popped up quickly, along with Elizabeth Zimmerman, Mary Walker Phillips, Mary Thomas, and Gladys Thompson.
As a beginner, it was bewildering to look at all the stitches in her stitch dictionaries and her teaching books. It was as if it were a foreign language, which it was for me.
But as time passed and I began learning that language, her brilliance emerged, shining ever more brightly, and showed up in my knitting.
I kept following her as she grew to be a feminist writer, being a feminist thealogian myself. Her interest in Neolithic goddesses fascinated me and once again, I sat as a student at her side, absorbing her knowledge and wisdom.
She was the mentor I never met, but cherished nonetheless.
Rest in strength and peace, Barbara. You have more than earned it!
Thanks for putting this out there. I had heard she had passed on last week, didn’t realize it was old news. And thanks for the NYT obituary link. I am a subscriber but somehow missed it. My only book of hers is the Mosaic knitting, a technique I really enjoy. She certainly left a large impact on knitting, with many well researched resources to use.
Thank you Barbara Walker! The more I’ve read about her, the more my appreciation for her creativity has grown. With each SSK, I marvel at her thought process in creating that decrease stitch, one I assumed had been around forever. And to make The New York Times! Hurrah! I keep returning to the photo of her with the orange afghan draped over her shoulders. Maybe that should be my next project…
I knit and designed my first sweater thanks to Barbara Walker’s books. I made delightful scarves using her stitch designs. She was a delightful inspiration
I’m in Ireland. My granny taught me to knit when I was five and I loved it. I was delighted when I found one of Barbara Walker’s books in the adult library. Libraries withdraw books if they haven’t been borrowed in a while so I borrowed that book regularly for years to keep it on the shelf. That was back when the book had a paper ticket and the librarian stamped the return date on the docket that was glued inside. I was the only person to borrow that book for years, and it introduced me to a new world: I was no longer stuck with commercial patterns I didn’t really like but could play and let my imagination have free rein. Thank you, Barbara Walker. You gave me great joy.
Thank you for keeping her book alive in the ephemeral world of libraries. As a retired librarian and know only too well how great books are weeded because they aren’t everyone’s favorite. I practiced your method of keeping books alive and on the shelf while I was working. Now I do the same as a library patron. I almost never leave the library without a knitting book even if I have checked it out before. Another secret and subversive benefit to this method is that if librarians see high circulation of books in a particular subject area they will buy more on that subject.
Oh! The NYT seems to have closed the opportunity for Comments… so I wrote to the Editor instead.
I did too…
I first discovered Barbara Walker in the late 1960’s at the library (along with Elizabeth Zimmerman, of course). Back then, having learned to knit from my mother at around the age of 12, I was fascinated by the idea of knitting but never really knitted anything. Nevertheless I was particularly struck by Knitting from the Top and the afghan squares book (which I thought I still owned but can’t seem to find-horrors). So when, verging on senior citizenship, I finally caught the knitting bug, I called upon both Barbara and Elizabeth (and years of Vogue Knitting issues) to inspire me to jump from mere fascination to action. Knitting in the round was already familiar to me thanks to both my mother and EZ and then Knitting from the Top by Barbara was the technique that had seeped into my subconscious decades ago and which I have gravitated to and use mainly to this day. Barbara was a genius (mosaic knitting) and we are all so grateful for her sharing generosity. Thanks so much for gifting us this wonderful NYT article!
Barbara was an amazing contributor to the world of knitting. She, along with Elizabeth Zimmerman opened possibilities to knit “outside the box” and I believe made it possible for all other innovators to have a say in the years that have followed. Well done Barbara.
I learned about Mosaic knitting from an article in an Interweave Magazine in the late 1990’s . I had no idea who Barbara Walker was and was new to knitting but wanted to try making something using this method.
Years went by and I never did attempt Mosaic knitting. Then Lion Brand at their retail store offered lessons on how to knit this way. Signed up on the spot and learned how to do it. Made a pair of fingerless gloves that I wear often and always get compliments on.
My husband pulled her obit out of our paper this weekend and thank you for reminding me that it is important to know the provenance of our craft. NYT here I come. Thanks Kay.
I am honestly so touched when the non-knitters share knitting news with me. They saw the word KNIT and thought of me….
Each time a new grand baby was expected, I pulled out a particular volume of Barbara Walker’s stitch dictionary, looking for the pattern she called “Inverness Diamonds.” My family came from Inverness to settle in Niagara County before the Revolution, so I had a sentimental attachment to that one and knit many baby blankets for a generation of babies with just a wee drop of Scots blood.
When number 7 was expected, I couldn’t find that volume and had to buy a new one, which is why I have 2 copies, each one marked with a yellow post it on the page with Inverness diamonds. I’m currently downsizing for a move, but I’ll keep one copy of that book, just in case one of the 9 grands produces a great-grand baby in the forseeable future. I can’t imagine knitting any other pattern!
No question Barbara Walker was an amazing, creative, innovative and intuitive knitter. I would never take that away from her. But let’s not forget Elizabeth Zimmerman. Another giantess in knitting legend.
It was beautiful to see Elizabeth Zimmermann’s daughter quoted in the Barbara Walker obituary.
Agree, Kay. Barbara long admired both Elizabeth and Meg.
What a life! I’ve used Barbara’s first Treasury for decades and about 2 years ago I got Knitting From the Top and made my best fitting sweaters. Thanks so much for the links!
Her pattern books were the first knitting books I ever bought, I still use them. Sometimes for patterns, and sometimes just for inspirational browsing with my feet up and a cup of tea.
Her non knitting books are also worth checking out. Feminist Fairy Tales. And her book The Crone is wonderful.
I read the obituary and went to add my comment and discovered that comments are closed. I assume that they reached their limit. Well done, my fellow knitters. She truly was a treasure to us all.
P.S. Just clicked on the Michele Bernstein link. She is so much fun. I have to knit that Frog hat.
Her “Learn to Knit Afghan” book taught me to knit. It has pride of place on my bookshelf. So grateful!
I don’t even know how I acquired them, but some of Barbara Walker’s stitch pattern books were among the first in my knitting library, right beside Elizabeth Zimmermann’s, and the original Vogue Knitting book. What a treasure.
Years ago, I found a couple of her stitch dictionaries on a deeply discounted sales rack. Don’t think I even knew who she was at the time, but I was fascinated by all the possibilities! It seemed like the best format for trying out the designs was to make dishcloths and potholders out of good old Sugar and Cream cotton yarn. And so I did – over the years I have made dozens and dozens. A wonderful way to experiment with color and pattern and so much fun. Thank you Barbara!
This is wonderful. I’ve just spent a couple of hours going down knitting history rabbit holes. Such an inspiration. Thank you MDK!
She agree – and for shame it took The Grey Lady (NYT) an entire month to publish her obit.
Her knitted – and academic worth – are true legacies.
So agree
Not enough of my morning cuppa to battle auto incorrect.
Barbara Walker accepted our invitation to speak at the Greater Boston Knitting Guild annual luncheon several years ago. We were in awe of her accomplishments, her clarity of purpose, the way she could combine creativity with a scientific, almost surgical, analysis of whatever subject interested her – but also her humanity, generosity and humor.
My grandmother introduced me to the wonder of knitting when I was six. It was a joy to sit with her and make something with my own hands. Barbara Walker introduced me to the art and science of knitting when I bought her first book. From her I learned to love making swatches, spending evenings with her book by my side, knitting square after square until I learned each technique.
I feel so grateful to have had both Yia Yia and Barbara next to me throughout my knitting life.
Barbara Walker was the GOAT for knitting. I hope she and Elizabeth Zimmerman meet in knitter’s heaven and cast on something new. I often refer to her books on mosaic knitting and incorporate those stitch patterns into my projects.
Passing of a legend—I have Barbara’s Symbols and Sacred Objects and Myths and Secrets. I had loaned out the stitches dictionary —still MIA. What a remarkable person. All the gifts she left for us to carry on. ❤️
Thank you for sharing these links. These books are like bibles in my knit library. I have many little sticky notes on the pages. Just realized she is the same age as my mom. Wow, what a life she led.
Adding comment on behalf of Dana Courtney:
Does anyone recognize the orange wrap pattern that’s in the NYT obit? I searched Ravelry under both Barbara Walker and Meg Swansen but came up empty on both. It seems really familiar and I’m sure there are many riffs on the same theme, but heck if I can find one. Many thanks.
Meg might know…
I don’t remember when I first read Barbara Walker—in the seventies? eighties?—but at the time I encountered her as a feminist author. She was thrilling. Years later I wondered if this knitting genius was also the feminist author I’d read ages ago, and was totally excited to find that indeed she was. What an amazing woman, and what a well-lived life!
Thank you Kay, for getting this in the NYTimes! I bought my first Barbara Walker stitch dictionary at the long gone beautiful Scribners store on 5th Ave. I still have the bookmark in it! I also had the pleasure of a chat with Barbara Walker at TNNA some years ago. It was a delightful conversation, and I may have a photo but ….
To be clear I don’t claim credit for the obit! But after her family announced her death I tagged the Times a few times indicating that I was waiting for their obituary. As I’m sure many other readers were.
Thank you for this article. Barbara was a dynamo! Unfortunately I couldn’t download the obit as I am not a subscriber. Would you be able to reprint it for us?
Hi Mary Claire,
The link in the post is a gift link, no need to be a subscriber to read.
Adding to the chorus of knitters who loved Barbara Walker’s fantastic contributions to knitting. Her four knitting pattern books have been a staple for me for years. At one time, I designed a fisherman’s knit sweater as a surprise gift for Valentine’s Day for my sweetie, now sweet husband from patterns (Tree of Life, Rapunzel’s Braid) among them, thanks to her patterns and clear instructions on twist stitches. He still wears it more than 40 years later. And so many exquisite lace patterns, plus her charts for cables are priceless. I’m so grateful to Barbara Walker for sharing her wonderful gifts with all of us who love to knit.
Thank you for your letter, Kay, and also for the link to the NYT article. Barbara Walker was an amazing lady, and it was great to learn so much more about her. I am eternally indebted to her for the top down sweater design!
“Knitting from the Top” got me designing. (I still have to get around to the pants, tho’.) Thank you, Barbara!
I had seen the NYT obituary which was excellent and was wondering if MDK would mention this amazing person. How surprising to learn that MDK was pushing for the NYT piece!!!
Thank you for helping to preserve the history and luminaries who have come before us in this incredible hobby.
I was just adding to the chorus I’m sure!
I like to think that they were ready to do it without need of encouragement; she was extraordinary.
So glad to see this posted here this morning. A non-knitting friend sent it to me yesterday, and it sent my mind drifting down the decades of all the knitting journeys. My friend, a guy who is older than me, had been a wee bit sneering when years ago he learned of my love for knitting and asked me if I made doilies and TP covers! I had to laugh! Over time though, he grew to be quite respectful of the craft, always asking if I had made the sweater/hat/whatever thing I had on that day, and even had read and forwarded the obit to me before I even realized that she had died. I have a couple of her books, and have long been amazed by her, her passion for the art and craft.
TP covers! My daughter found a book of patterns and made one of a pig for her brother’s new house – but now his 3 year old daughter wears it as a hat!
As a teenager with not much pocket money, I checked Ms. Walker’s books out of our library on a regular basis. The first blanket I knit was made of “squares” using a different one of her stitches for each section. (None of them were the same size or shape.) But I learned so much!
I met Barbara Walker at Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon in 2009. She was on the luminary panel (Cat Bordhi, Nancy Bush, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Judith MacKenzie-McCuin, Lucy Neatby, Deborah Robson, Meg Swansen, Barbara Walker, and Anna Zilboorg), and it was so wonderful to hear them talk about knitting. That’s where I learned that Barbara Walker invented the SSK.
And I also learned that Elizabeth Zimmerman came up with an alternate SSK (slip the second stitch as if to purl), which lies flatter. I usually prefer this, but there are times when the Walker method works better. I wrote a whole blog post and video about it: https://pdxknitterati.com/2018/05/12/lace-blocking-ssk/
I have her Charted Knitting Designs (Third Treasury), and love paging through it for design inspiration. And now I need to go read some of her non-knitting work.
Thank you Kay, for sharing this tribute.
Yes, I want to investigate her non- knitting work.
I don’t think I can list the ways that Barbara Walker influenced me as a knitter and a designer. It’s likely that she influenced the knitters who influenced me and shaped the way I think about knitting. When I heard the news of her passing, I pulled out one of my well-thumbed Treasuries, and then cast on a mosaic vest. She continues to inspire!
In early October of 2012, my soul sister and I attended an Interweave Knits conference in Manchester, NH. We were celebrating my having retired from teaching music and her retiring from being a full time pediatrician and medical school prof.
Barbara Walker was the guest speaker at the gala banquet. She was witty and charming ! That knitting trip with my dearest friend is a most wonderful memory.
I have always used Barbara’s knitting techniques SSK, mosaic knitting and top down sweaters.
We were blessed with her presence. RIP Barbara.
My sister-in-law and I co-knit the Learn-to-knit Afghan about 10 years ago, only possible because the directions and patterns were SO clear. What fun we had learning the stitches we’d never otherwise try, and the collaboration made us even closer than we already were. It’s with me now, and looks wonderful, and reminds me of her every time I wrap up in it. Thank you Ms. Walker
Thanks for this article and the links. I have found her books invaluable over the years as I’ve looked for interesting stitches to incorporate into my knitting. She was one of our knitting titans
The January/February 2010 issue of Piecework includes an article with a new stitch pattern by Barbara Walker called Diamond Basketweave. I had to go dig it out as soon as I heard of her passing. It is a lovely knit purl pattern. Someone will be getting a gift using this stitch.
Thank you for writing this. It is really important to recognize and honor who came before us. As knitters, we all have Barbara G Walker to thank for recording every stitch she could find.
May you rest in peace, Barbara.
Suzanne W
I learned so much from Barbara Walker. I loved studying her patterns and designs. I am going to miss her and she was a great teacher just like Elizabeth Zimmerman. I have been knitting for almost 40 years and I still collect plenty of patterns and read so many books to help me with my sweaters. Sometimes I get stuck on a certain stitch pattern and I end up going to Y Tube for help because I am a visual learner, or I would ask a knitting question in one of my knitting groups on Facebook for help. She will be missed and so many of us knitters will be so lost without her.
I taught myself to knit from her Learn to Knit Afghan book while I was awaiting our first child. I wasn’t very good, but I learned enough skills to enjoy the process, and now, 50 years later, I still knit nearly every day–and I’m finally good at it!
Knitting from the Top made it possible for me to have sweaters that fit decades before size inclusive was a thing in available patterns.
So sorry. Thanks for being here.
AT AGE 92 I AM A CONTEMPORARY OF BARBARA WALKER AND DID MANY OF HER PATTERNS WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE IN BOARDING SCHOOLS.
I HAVE HER STITCH PATTERN BOOKS AND REFER TO THEM OFTEN JUST FOR A NEW IDEA.
SHE CHANGED THE KNITTING WORLD AND WILL BE MISSED.
Thank you so much for gifting this article, Kay! Mrs Walker surely deserved a Times obit, and they did a good job. She and EZ together revolutionized knitting, so women like my mother could feel confident designing their own garments; I still have the fisherman’s sweater she made for me, figuring out her own cables and filler stitches, in lanolin-rich wool. I was surprised mom never acquired a Walker compendium, but she preferred to work out her own thing to spending cash for someone else’s ideas. RIP, MS Walker!