Leisure Arts Everything the Internet Didn't Teach You About Crochet

by Jean Leinhauser

Answers questions such as where to work on a starting chain, how to change yarn colors in the middle of a row, what does it mean to turn at the end of a row, and what's the difference between finish off and end off? Explains what yarns to buy for various projects Tells how to do increasing and decreasing Explains abbreviations and symbols, as well as how to read patterns Teaches various finishing techniques, such as weaving in yarn ends, making seams, and blocking A previous Leisure Arts crochet publication by the authors is Afghans for All Reasons and All Seasons, ISBN #978-1-60140-672-9, Item #4422

Genres: Crafts, Crochet, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2013

Reviews

[Marie Segares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book aims to fill in the gaps for anyone who primarily learned to crochet from YouTube videos. One can learn quite a lot online these days, but a newbie without a framework for the questions to ask can also miss out on a lot of important foundation knowledge.

The first section, Tools, focuses on crochet hooks and discusses sizing, material, and hook anatomy. There is a some discussion of other tools, including those for specialty crochet techniques like broomstick lace.

The next section, Yarn, includes information about yarn weight, fiber content, care instructions, and reading ball bands.

The Importance of Gauge notes that "[m]any new crocheters tend to shy away from gauge as if it were a dirty word." As a crochet teacher, I can say that is absolutely true! This section not only explains why gauge is important, but shows how to measure gauge and gives tips for adjusting your gauge.

The next chapter, Reading a Pattern, provides a glossary of crochet abbreviations along with an explanation of the symbols like the famous * * and terms like work even. My favorite chapter is the next one, Working a Pattern, which includes three annotated patterns. In each, the pattern with U.S. abbreviation terminology is shown on the left while on the right, full written instructions with explanation are provided. This would be a wonderful way for a pattern reading newbie to check their understanding of pattern abbreviations.

In Making Fringe and Tassels, illustrated instructions are included for these finishing touches. The final chapter, Refresher Course in Crochet, provides written and illustrated instructions for the basic crochet stitches, post stitches, increases and decreases, and basic finishing techniques.

Everything... is written in a conversational tone that is easy to follow. It's about the size of a folded piece of letter paper, and at 96 pages, it's thin enough to fit into your project bag or purse to carry around as a reference guide. The book definitely shares a lot of information that would improve the stitching, pattern reading, and yarn/tool selection of a newbie or an internet taught crocheter with more experience.

I would have liked to see some discussion of crochet stitch symbols included. A more detailed index would have been really helpful because a newbie crocheter might not even know which chapter to explore for the answer to their question. In spite of these shortcomings, I think the book is a worthwhile companion to the library of a newbie or advanced beginner crocheter. It would also make a great gift for a new crocheter in your life.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Everything the Internet Didn't Teach You About Crochet was provided by Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are new to Crocheting or old or even returning to it this is a good book to have in your library! For those of you returning or would like to relearn what you know there is a spot near the back of the book that is for you.

In this book you learn the types of hooks & sizes, yarn types and weights and learn both what is good for what craft you are doing and a little bit on the tools you may or may not use or need. There are even 3 different patterns in here that will help with learning how to read others since they brake it down.

I have a hard time learning in the past from books and such, even videos were not as helpful as I wanted, but I found one and have been crocheting since. I think this would of helped me then as it has helped me now with yarn type and has pointed out some things I am doing a little backwards still.

There are only a few things in there that I wish it covered more on, it gave you all the basic and a little more but just a little. Where it talked about the aberrations for patterns there were some it didn't cover or left vague. If not for that I would of given this book more stars.

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wonderfully explains how to read a pattern, step by step. Immensely helpful

[Tracy Yao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compact book with the bare basics and just a tad more. Excellent and well-illustrated read. Diagrams and explanations are clear and concise. Refresher course was well summarised and taught me new things. Worth the read for crocheters of all skill levels - a handy tool for referencing, for on your shelf or on the go.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a good starting point for a beginner I am above that level though, but the patterns in the book were interesting. It is very easy to understand and follow the instructions within.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful. Nice patterns.

[Johanna Haas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what the title says. A good resource for beginners. Easy to reference and find the help you need while starting new projects.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unintentionally hilarious. However, despite having patterns for "Fabulous Facecloth," "Delightful Dishcloth," and "Scarf," there was no hat pattern and for that reason I only give 3 stars.