How to Crochet: Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques

by Sara Delaney

The perfect guide for beginners! Sara Delaney shows you her techniques for working a basic chain and creating single and double chain stitches. You'll learn about changing colors, joining, fastening off, reading crochet patterns, and working with different shapes. Working on small projects, such as a simple potholder or scarf, gives you the practice and experience you need before you move on to crocheting more complex patterns on your own.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2014

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starter book for a beginner. By the end, you'll be able to single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, understand gauge, join in the round, join in spirals, change yarns, crochet an edge, fasten off securely, weave in ends, block your finished piece and read a pattern. There's also some basic troubleshooting for working in the round on a flat piece, and some basic patterns at the end for both round and square practice pieces, and suggestions for how to add interest or even make a simple bag.

There are often many ways to achieve an end, whether that's holding a hook, changing yarn or holding the yarn in your hand, and I liked seeing multiple explanations, which allow each reader to discover which might more personally suitable.

Unlike most crochet instructions, the first crochet is not a starter chain but crocheting into tulle, which is most interesting. The plentiful illustrations were all black and white (the final book may not be the same) which made some parts confusing, but otherwise it was all fairly clear. Terminology is demonstrated and explained at the time so there's no glossary-based infodump at the start, and there are plenty of places where the reader is encouraged to practice what's just been learned.

One word of caution: there are differences in US and UK crochet terminology and pattern abbreviations which are not explained, so readers who find UK-based instructions or patterns may be confused. (Single crochet for US = double crochet in the UK, for instance) but otherwise this is a good book for someone wanting to test the water.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is tough to review because there is really little to say about it.

If you want to learn crochet and find that you learn quite well from illustrations and step by step instructions, then this book is perfect for you. There's even a tip for if you're frustrated by the starting chain involving tulle.

If, however, you learn better with lots of real life pictures or videos and little text, then this is not the guide for you.

It's great at what it is, a intro for those who want to crochet. Advanced crocheters or even beginners who already know the basic stitch probably won't get anything from this book.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truthfully, I'd probably give this 2 and a half stars instead of 3, because it has black and white illustrations instead of photos. If I was just learning to crochet, instead of just "refreshing" my knowledge (I hadn't crocheted for decades!), it may have been difficult to learn using this particular book. However, the author is very clear in her directions, which makes up somewhat for the lack of photographs. If someone is brand new to the craft, though, I'd recommend that they use a book with excellent photography, to show them specifically what to do.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text of this book lays out very clear instructions. I appreciated the simple illustrations that effectively showed crochet techniques. Definitely worth having a physical copy as kindle formatting made following the stitches difficult. Instructions and diagrams were often split up making it hard to follow.

I received an e-arc from the publisher via netgalley; this is my honest review.

[sidewalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginning crocheters.

If you ever wanted to learn how to crochet, but don't have anybody to show you how, or a LYS around you to take a class, there are plenty of books to help. Some with greater success than others. This is one of the good ones. Trust me, I teach crochet and knitting for a living.

Easy to understand, concise instructions will make sure you are not getting lost, or confused with too much input at the same time.

I find the trick to start practice on a piece of tulle quite smart and might use it in my classes from time to time.

The book walks you through the importance of Gauge in your crochet. An important step, if you want to make garments that fit the intended recipient. Many first time classes forget all about it. I know I drone on in my classes about gauge and try to make it second nature for my students to check it before starting a project.

Aside from showing you how to perform the stitches and an entire chapter on gauge (Yes, it IS that important!!!) Mrs. Delaney also has a chapter on finishing your work. Sewing in ends, changing yarns, adding an edge and finishing off with blocking your piece. I find it incredibly important that this is also given. The student is not just left with the finished square, to fend for themselves. A lot of people don't know, a hand crochet piece will look infinitely better after blocking. Not to mention HOW to block it.

Of course, there is lots of information to be had online, however, not everyone is connected at all times or can access it readily. A book on the other hand will wait patiently in your bag, or on a shelf until you are ready.
Also: Although there are tons of youtube videos, if you don't know what to search for, you won't find it. I think a good mix between youtube and this book should set you up just fine.

I will definitely let my students know about this book, to have something to look things up, after the class is done and they just need a small reminder.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been meaning to learn to crochet for years. I'm probably an advanced beginner at knitting and I'm always seeing references to a crochet trim or such in a pattern I love. So when this book popped up on NetGalley, I thought "this is my chance, clearly it's time". The author does a good job describing the four basic stitches, how to form a chain, and even how to join a chain for circular patterns. The illustrations are all in black and white, a big disappointment for me. I'm a visual learner, I need to be able to clearly see what you are doing so making the threads two different colors is a must. I did learn all of the basics in one night, in just a few hours. Over the next two days I was able to stitch up two washcloths. However, there are no patterns or projects for you to apply what you have learned from this book, for that I had to get another book. also, to advance past these basic you will need a different book. In my opinion, that is a huge missed opportunity. I liked the tone, the use of plain English, and the side notes that are included. I think that for a true beginner, this book will get you started, but it doesn't stand on it's own.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice, detailed instruction book on how to crochet - the instructions are understandable, and the pictures are also a great tool to help you learn to crochet. The author explains how to crochet all sorts of stitches, about different types of yarn to use, and the various types of hooks (as well as how to hold the hook). If you have never crocheted before, this is your first go-to book! The contents:

Introduction: Getting Started in Crochet
Chapter 1: Getting to Know your Material
Chapter 2: Getting Started Forget the Chain!
Chapter 3: Chains Your Foundation
Chapter 4: Basic Crochet Stitches
Chapter 5: Gauge
Chapter 6: Working int he Round
Chapter 7: Perfecting Techniques
Chapter 8: Pattern Reading

Resources recommended by the author:
www.craftyarncouncil.com
www.crochet.org
www.crochetme.com
www.ravelry.com
www.yarn.com

The Crocheter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements by Ann Budd
Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs by Linda P. Schapper
The Crocheter's Companion by Nancy Brown
Lily Chin's Crochet Tips & Tricks by Lily Chin
The Crochet Answer Book by Edie Eckman

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers

I have attempted to crochet in the past, with some degree of success on a basic piece, and I wish I had this book to help me!

I found this to be easily understood, with clear pictures and diagrams to help along the way.

A great book for anyone thinking of giving crochet a go. I'll definitely be giving it another go with this at my side.

[Cas H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Delaney has done a wonderful job in her book How to crochet. The pictures walk you through the process of crocheting and if you don't understand those, or need help, she writes it down for you, in words that make sense. This is the best book on learning how to crochet that I have ever read.
I love to crochet, and have been doing so for years, I would love to purchase this book for my 13 year old daughter.
i received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book recently from Netgalley to review. I am an avid crocheter but I wanted to read a basic manual for beginners especially if I forget how to do some of the stitches. I thought it was really good step by step instruction manual on how to crochet. The only downfall,in this book, is not enough illustrations demonstrating the various crochet stitches. This is important for those who rely on visual diagrams to learn. But overall a great beginner book.

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a written book with step by step instructing how to crochet. It is more of a manual. There are some helpful drawings, but if you are a visual learner, this may serve as a secondary book to explain a youtube video you watch.

I did learn a few tips & terms in the introductory portion of the book I didn't know, so it was useful in some ways.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is strictly for the beginner. It offers great directions and illustrations. It is geared for the right handed crafter. It covers everything from how to read basic patterns, how to hold your hook and how to do various stitches. A nice gift for a starter but too basic for anyone with crochet know how.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a newbie to the world of crocheting, I thought How to Crochet was a great tool to own. The author thoroughly explained how to get started. As well as how to make different stitches and specific instructions on how to take care of your finished projects. I'm definitely keeping this book handy while I try to become a good crocheter. Five stars

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will be posted closer to publication date.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very simple straight-forward guide. Everything you need to start to crochet is clearly laid out out with easy to follow instruction. One of the better guides I have seen.