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The Crochet Stitch Bible
Author Betty Barnden shared her knowledge of needlecraft design with embroiderers in The Embroidery Stitch Bible--now she uses her expertise as a hand-knitter to bring readers The Crochet Stitch Bible. This is the book crochet enthusiasts have been waiting for. Hundreds of traditional and contemporary stitches are photographed and accompanied by detailed charts in this essential illustrated reference. More than 200 crochet stitches are each clearly explained with a photographed sample, row-by-row instructions, easy-to-follow symbol charts, and comprehensive descriptions of all the associated techniques. Whether novice or expert, this book provides clear guidance for all skill levels with additional chapters on basic techniques and materials, a stitch identifier, and a how-to-use section. * More than 200 photographed stitches accompanied by detailed instructions * Includes a stitch identifier for easy reference to all 200 stitches
256 pages, Spiral-bound
First published January 16, 2004
About the author
Betty Barnden
67 books6 followersBETTY BARNDEN is the author of 200 Knitting Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets and is an experienced needlecraft designer. Betty has designed hundreds of knitting patterns for various companies and her knitwear, embroidery, and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines. She also designs embroidery projects and kits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 15, 2011
The Crochet Stitch Bible, The essential illustrated reference : over 200 traditional and contemporary stitches with easy-to-follow charts. (I am adding there are written instructions as well, in case you don't like to follow charts.)
This is the ULTIMATE Crochet pattern/reference book I have in my crochet collection library of books! This book will remain in my library until it falls apart or until I die, whichever comes first! It is spiral bound which is priceless as a pattern book because it stays open to the page(s) you need it to stay open to while following directions. The book is broken up by chapters of stitch collections. Each chapter lists ALL the different stitches available to crochet, and shows a photo of what the square, circle, oval, etc., will look like completed. It explains the yarns/threads/crochet hooks needed to use, explaining which are better for the different patterns, yarns or threads to be used. These different stitches and can be combined with others to make unique one-of-a-kind projects that become your own customized creations. I use this book whenever I create any type of crocheted item, even if I am using a pattern other than this book. Personally, I prefer to crochet doilies. I think they are elegant, timeless and beautiful. There is an abundance of stitches that can be used for these projects, as well as any other type of project you wish to create. This book, to me, is invaluable, making it a 5-star rating to me. I think anyone picking this book up to read and use would agree the quality of information in this book rates a 5-star.
This is the ULTIMATE Crochet pattern/reference book I have in my crochet collection library of books! This book will remain in my library until it falls apart or until I die, whichever comes first! It is spiral bound which is priceless as a pattern book because it stays open to the page(s) you need it to stay open to while following directions. The book is broken up by chapters of stitch collections. Each chapter lists ALL the different stitches available to crochet, and shows a photo of what the square, circle, oval, etc., will look like completed. It explains the yarns/threads/crochet hooks needed to use, explaining which are better for the different patterns, yarns or threads to be used. These different stitches and can be combined with others to make unique one-of-a-kind projects that become your own customized creations. I use this book whenever I create any type of crocheted item, even if I am using a pattern other than this book. Personally, I prefer to crochet doilies. I think they are elegant, timeless and beautiful. There is an abundance of stitches that can be used for these projects, as well as any other type of project you wish to create. This book, to me, is invaluable, making it a 5-star rating to me. I think anyone picking this book up to read and use would agree the quality of information in this book rates a 5-star.
July 26, 2011
This book is a great stitch reference. The colour photos show the stitch texture. The book is coil bound, so it easily lays flat in front or beside you while you work. The instructions are both charted and written so you can use the book regardless of skill level or pattern preference. The instructions also include the pattern repeat multiples, and include the number of extra stitches needed in the foundation chain. I love using this book to add extra flair to plain patterns, or when designing my own patterns.
July 9, 2011
This book is a must have for crocheters, I love it!
It has written directions as well as very clear charts of many stitches
This is my all time reference book, the one I'll always grab first.
It was hard to find but it's worth it in my humble opinion
It has written directions as well as very clear charts of many stitches
This is my all time reference book, the one I'll always grab first.
It was hard to find but it's worth it in my humble opinion
March 3, 2019
The version I borrowed from the library was spiral bound, which is nice because it lays flat. Nice reference with actual pictures of the stitches.
January 16, 2022
It is hard to follow and did not help me with learning new stitches
May 28, 2022
This book is great for those who need a quick reference for specific stitches or for those learning. Color photos in a sturdy hard cover book!
February 7, 2024
If crochet was a cult, this would be the religious text to follow.
January 2, 2020
I love all the different stitch patterns this book gives. The only downside is it only shows how to do the patterns flat, not in the round.
May 6, 2013
This is the best crochet stitch dictionary, in my opinion. Everything about it is absolutely fabulous. I have had mine for years and go to it frequently. Any crocheter, beginner to advanced, will get tons of use out of this book.
The content is comprehensive of basic and classic stitches. It is well organized into basics, textured, open/lace, edgings and Tunisian. The samples are worked in the same color within a section, so you can quickly find the section you're looking for by just flipping through the book. Each stitch has good instructions including the number of repeat and foundation stitches. Each is illustrated with a color photo and clear graph.
The format of the book itself is very handy for a book intended to be used as a reference. The size is large enough to be easily readable but small enough to balance on the arm of a chair. The front and back are hard and the binding is spiral. That makes the book hardy for lots of use, and it will lay open flat while you're working.
Every detail of this book from content to form factor is well thought out and crocheter friendly.
The content is comprehensive of basic and classic stitches. It is well organized into basics, textured, open/lace, edgings and Tunisian. The samples are worked in the same color within a section, so you can quickly find the section you're looking for by just flipping through the book. Each stitch has good instructions including the number of repeat and foundation stitches. Each is illustrated with a color photo and clear graph.
The format of the book itself is very handy for a book intended to be used as a reference. The size is large enough to be easily readable but small enough to balance on the arm of a chair. The front and back are hard and the binding is spiral. That makes the book hardy for lots of use, and it will lay open flat while you're working.
Every detail of this book from content to form factor is well thought out and crocheter friendly.
November 27, 2017
This is a really handy book. It is well-organized and includes a lot of stitches and instructions for making them. It includes some cool stitches I don't recall seeing before. It includes shapes and edgings, which many stitch books don't. And it's spiral bound. I love spiral bound - no struggle to prop the book open without covering some of the page,
What could be better:
Except in the sections on squares and motifs it usually assumes you are working in rows with a turn at the end of each row. This is often not the case.
Even with 200 stitches, it is missing some popular stitches such as crocodile stitch and puff shell stitch.
Information about increasing/decreasing stitches would be helpful.
What could be better:
Except in the sections on squares and motifs it usually assumes you are working in rows with a turn at the end of each row. This is often not the case.
Even with 200 stitches, it is missing some popular stitches such as crocodile stitch and puff shell stitch.
Information about increasing/decreasing stitches would be helpful.
October 1, 2021
I'm so glad I got this at the Big Bad Wolf Sale because this is like a dictionary on all this crochet!
I really liked the simple and straightforward basics guide in the first few pages; it really helps to go through the motions with your crochet hook and yarn.
My favourite bit is the stitch selector section, which is basically an index of all the stitches in this book with a small visual swatch so that we have an idea of what the product looks like.
Each stitch gets its own page with a lovely swatch, detailed instructions and stitch diagrams! It's so good!
This crochet bible is literally the best thing a any crochet lover can own!
I really liked the simple and straightforward basics guide in the first few pages; it really helps to go through the motions with your crochet hook and yarn.
My favourite bit is the stitch selector section, which is basically an index of all the stitches in this book with a small visual swatch so that we have an idea of what the product looks like.
Each stitch gets its own page with a lovely swatch, detailed instructions and stitch diagrams! It's so good!
This crochet bible is literally the best thing a any crochet lover can own!
February 27, 2016
Excellent resource for visual learners who need to see a visual representation of the patter along with the pattern itself. Patterns read like a foreign language to me. The visual pattern is easier for me to comprehend. I learned the basics as a child having my great-aunt hold the hook and my hand to teach me stitches. I never saw her look at a pattern. She would see something and then make it. This book has helped me learn what she instinctively knew.
October 25, 2008
Okay, so here I am reviewing a crochet book. I love this book. I love to crochet and design some of my own things. This book has tons of great stitches that can be used to add flare to many projects. It also has great instructions for regular crochet as well as other interesting techniques. It has illustrations, charts and instructions.
September 16, 2013
I have really enjoyed owning this stitch dictionary. It has a handful of patterns that have been of use to me in constructing my own designs, and is printed clearly and easy to read. I usually prefer larger books with better photographs of the designs, but the smaller size of this book is very handy for tossing into my crochet bag and taking on the go.
October 9, 2007
After several trips to the bookstore to not-so-sneakily copy stitch patterns from this book, I finally decided to buy it. It's a really great guide that shows the basics of crocheting along with full-color illustrations and directions on how to do different stitches.
September 13, 2013
Excellent pictures, charts and variety of stitches, I'd give it five stars if there had been a few more pages of edgings (maybe by skipping some motifs...), because the Edgings chapter is so short and uninspired it might as well have been excluded... But all in all: a great book of reference.
March 9, 2007
Great diagrams! Anyone who knows basic stitches can use this book.
February 2, 2016
Excellent resource for hand crafters.
January 21, 2008
Still wish I could crochet, but this book is a great one with lots of pictures to help you out. It's a keeper for anyone who crochets.
August 20, 2008
great collection of pattern stitches!
November 12, 2010
A great reference book for the beginner to the advanced crocheter. It includes clear pictures and instructions.
January 6, 2019
Solid reference book. As a beginner I'm still sorting my way through when do use different stitches. Great to have a reference book to review.
January 7, 2015
This is a really good stitch guide. I am requently coming back to it for various things.
October 29, 2012
My go to for EVERYTHING crochet. Everything from start to finish is at my fingertips and organized in an easy to access format. I LOVE this book!
March 9, 2015
This is the best one for styles and patterns I ever seen. Very easy to follow and use.
May 14, 2017
Helpful. Nice patterns.
February 19, 2016
Handy little book to have around.
May 27, 2016
Hyvä perusteos :)
September 1, 2010
I keep it in my work bag.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews