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3rd out of 21 books
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11 voters
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Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes
by
Edie Eckman
Learn to crochet, make a granny square. It's a simple formula that has held true for decades. Crocheters love granny squares because the technique is simple to learn but the possibilities are endless. Vary the colors. Use the same colors but change their placement. Add unique images. Make the same square over and over but in different sizes. There is much to love about the...more
Spiral, 201 pages
Published
August 20th 2008
by Storey Publishing
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This is the MOST beautiful crochet motifs/shapes book I have EVER come across! First of all, it is spiral bound, which is GREAT to crochet with the pattern; having the book open on it's own to follow the pattern! The motifs/shapes are GORGEOUS! There are not 'just' squares. There are circles, triangles, hexagons, and more! I have read this book through a few times, and have looked longingly at the beautiful motifs, thinking about crocheting them. In EVERY crochet book, you ALWAYS learn som...more
It took me quite a while to discover there was such a thing as a crochet pattern book. I learned granny squares as I suspect most have -- by watching someone else do it. The closest we got to a pattern was colour blocking graph paper to decide how to lay out the finished blanket. At least that was my experience. Since discovering that motif pattern books exist I've been on a quest to find and review as many as I can.
I find that this book of 144 motifs does not disappoint me. I can't...more
I find that this book of 144 motifs does not disappoint me. I can't...more
I'd love a copy of this book. The written instructions and symbol charts are both clear and easy to read. The book is coil bound, so its lays flat and makes it that much easier to read. The general beginning instructions have information that most crocheters can learn from.
The motifs are interesting and can be adapted to larger projects with a little trial and error. I tried out quite a few of the motifs and flipped through it looking for more. I created two different hats using different circul...more
The motifs are interesting and can be adapted to larger projects with a little trial and error. I tried out quite a few of the motifs and flipped through it looking for more. I created two different hats using different circul...more
As other reviewers have stated, this is much more of a reference guide than a project guide. But anyone past the beginner crocheter should be able to come up with a project for these interesting shapes. Eckman's patterns are fantastic to follow. I love the fact that she has diagrams with every pattern, as I follow along much better visually than with all of the written garbage (just my preference). There are tons of interesting shapes and I have even started on a series of hexagons for an af...more
(This review is part of a series of reviews of books in my granny square collection. For these reviews, the # of granny squares refers to the number of patterns for squares that are crocheted in the round, not the total number of patterns in the book.)
Summary: An exploration of crochet motifs in geometric shapes, including squares, circles, hexagons, and triangles, with tips for working in the round, joining, and changing colors. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitc...more
Summary: An exploration of crochet motifs in geometric shapes, including squares, circles, hexagons, and triangles, with tips for working in the round, joining, and changing colors. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitc...more
This book pretty much took the granny out of granny square. There are more motifs than you could probably get to in a lifetime of casual crafting. The instructions and diagrams are really helpful/well written. The color combinations are bright, bold and modern (something famously lacking in most crochet pattern books). You are inspired to grab your hook knowing it'll look great, rather than creating 3-4 different swatches with fingers crossed that the pattern CAN look up-to-date with different ...more
A new book that I got with a Christmas gift card--so excited to have some quick/small crochet projects to try! Astra, this is all because of you!
I have by no means "finished" with this, but hope to dip in and out over the next few months.
I was waiting to put this in the "read" column until I took pictures (and hopefully posted them on my blog) of the two motifs I made from it--but it was February when I made them, it's April now, and pictures have yet ...more
I have by no means "finished" with this, but hope to dip in and out over the next few months.
I was waiting to put this in the "read" column until I took pictures (and hopefully posted them on my blog) of the two motifs I made from it--but it was February when I made them, it's April now, and pictures have yet ...more
Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs has the ideal text-to-pattern ratio. I like reading a healthy bit of instructional material and Edie Eckman included a comprehensive chapter ("Crochet Motif Workshop") that introduces some important concepts before heading to the patterns/motifs. I love the way the book is organized: a generous chapter each of Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Unusual Shapes. There's also an Appendix, Index (must-have but so often overlooked) and Stitch Key. Th...more
Hoan
marked it as to-read
Great patterns and wonderful unique shapes! I love how the author categories the different variations and groups them well together.
I love the basic mistakes pages and the easy to learn methods. Also she introduces an interesting method of sliding loop that I need to master! She makes crocheting look like a cinch!
I love the basic mistakes pages and the easy to learn methods. Also she introduces an interesting method of sliding loop that I need to master! She makes crocheting look like a cinch!
An excellent resource for crocheters. Full of good photographs and well written text instructions. Great for someone like me who has never ventured into squares on her own and prefers to rely on patterns. Another great book by an author who knows what she is doing.
This Crochet book is awesome for what it contains. The pictures are beautiful colors and the instructions very clear. I highly reccomend this book if you want to learn something other than a plain ol' granny square (although they have those too!).
April 20, 2009
I absolutely love this book and plan to buy a copy for my library.
Basically, a motif is a shape: a square, triangle, circle, hexagon, etc. A crocheted motif is a shape that's been crocheted.
This book goes beautifully beyond the basic shapes, to a world I'm immersing myself in with abandon.
If you can do the basic crochet stitches, read crochet patterns or charts, you can make any of the motifs in this book.
Even if you don't...more
I absolutely love this book and plan to buy a copy for my library.
Basically, a motif is a shape: a square, triangle, circle, hexagon, etc. A crocheted motif is a shape that's been crocheted.
This book goes beautifully beyond the basic shapes, to a world I'm immersing myself in with abandon.
If you can do the basic crochet stitches, read crochet patterns or charts, you can make any of the motifs in this book.
Even if you don't...more
There are more detailed crochet motif books out there that are great, but this one taught me about the sliding loop, for which I am forever grateful.
Amazing, very beautiful motifs in this book. I need to check it out again with Christmas coming...
A great reference not only for motif patterns but color combination suggestions.
Some of the directions weren't as clear as they could be, but the squares are nice.
this book has lots of pretty motifs to use for various projects
Some great ideas here - some very complex.
great crochet reference + inspiration.
Brilliant
I love this book. It shows different granny square patterns, but more importantly it shows how you can develop your own motifs using some basic math principles. I wish the color examples used were better paired, but you are free to use your imagination. Crochet is very simple, but many crocheters are dependent upon patterns. I appreciate how the author encourages exploration into developing original patterns by equipping readers with the knowledge necessary to begin.
I would give it 6 stars if possible.It is an amazing book with so many treasures. I will definitely get back to it again and again for my crochet projects.
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A good one if you enjoy granny squares. It's separated into shape sections: squares, triangles, circles and odd shapes. I had been on a crochet hiatus until this one came in the mail. I've only just begun with the squares, but there are over 100 to sink your hook into. Also some good info about how to join your motifs and use of color.
I thought that this was just a beautiful book. It is spiral bound and it gave me so many ideas on how to do some projects. I just wish that they had some actually in person projects done already.
Simplified instructions for making many wonderful and various motifs that you can use for making a throw or other projects.
I love the sturdy binding on this book as it will take a lot of abuse.
I love the sturdy binding on this book as it will take a lot of abuse.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who likes to crochet. It has a lot of fun motifs and ideas on how to use them or put them together.
A plethora of motifs, but not a lot of ideas on what to do with them.
endlessly useful - nice to look at too
Christine Lowry
marked it as to-read
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Edie Eckman has her hands in many aspects of the fiber artsteaching, writing, designing and editing. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines, yarn company publications, pattern leaflets and books. Her books include: Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, How to Knit Socks: Three Methods Made Easy, and The Crochet Answer Book. Her newest book, Around the Corner Crochet Borders, will...more
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