The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop: Essential Techniques for Becoming a More Versatile, Adventurous Crocheter

by Dora Ohrenstein

This fresh, fun guide from expert Dora Ohrenstein covers all of the basic crochet techniques and so much more, from choosing yarns to finishing! It includes more than 70 stitch-along swatches that each teach a particular technique, as well as five projects (a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf) that put those techniques to use. The swatches offer not just a variety of stitch patterns but also a variety of shapes and can serve as the building blocks for sophisticated and creative projects of your own design.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

733 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2014

Reviews

[Lora Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been taking an interest in crochet recently, although I have more background in knitting, so the title of this book drew my attention.

The book starts out with practical information that might be very helpful to those like myself who want to expand their needleworking skills; including information about different yarns, hooks and other tools, controlling tension and fundamental techniques.

It goes on in further chapters to explain shaping and textures as well as how to change colors and finish off. All in all a very thorough book for learning actual technique.

This would be an excellent book for someone new or not very experienced in crochet. Different stitches are shown with good color pictures to illustrate the precise techniques for accomplishing what looks like very complicated patterns, but are in fact quite easy! Many of the stitches I had not seen before and found very interesting, like the Marguerite Stitch and the Crocodile Stitch. I think that mastering what is in this book could turn an amateur into an expert crocheter with just a little practice with the techniques illustrated therein.

A few patterns are included near the end that would make good first projects for practicing some of the stitches taught in the book, as well as the basic techniques. How to read patterns is also clarified and there is a glossary of terms in the back.

An excellent book for teaching the art of crochet.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop. it is a good reference manual and there is definitely a place for it within my collection of Crochet How To's. I like to pull it off the shelf and just flip through once in a while.... in addition to consulting it when I need some aspect of the craft clarified.

I've one complaint though (so far). It may seem trivial ... But it's not to me ... and I'm going to vent it anyways.

Why in heaven's name are people always conflating Linked Crochet Stitches with Tunisian Crochet? Doing so only causes confusion for beginners ... and moreover is misleading.

Page 75 .... Where linked stitches are discussed. There is a sidebar suggesting that Linked Treble Crochet Stitches are similar to Tunisian Crochet stitches. .... To my mind Linked Treble Crochet Stitches look nothing like Tunisian Crochet. Linked crochet stitches are simply modified crochet stitches. End Of Story.

Linking crochet stitches is not a crochet technique in and of itself (contrary to what some self professed experts would have you believe). It is merely a classic crochet stitch linked to the previous crochet stitch. Any row of crochet stitches can be linked to one another, be they Double Crochet, Half Double Crochet or Treble Crochet Stitches. It is NOT Tunisian Crochet.

The Linked Treble crochet stitch, admittedly, features a horizontal bar that looks slightly similar to the vertical bar of a "Tunisian Simple Stitch" (one of countless Tunisian stitches and stitch patterns), but it only looks similar when the work is turned 90 degrees ... and only on every other row. Furthermore, a few similar "insertions" and "y/o pull through 2 loops" do not a Tunisian Crochet Stitch make. The resemblance between making a linked crochet stitch and working Tunisian Crochet is tenuous at best.

ALL crochet involves yarn overs and pulling up loops ... so does even knitting to a certain degree, when it comes right down to it. Linked Crochet Stitches are not Tunisian Crochet.

I am really annoyed and disappointed to see this side note in this Crochet Manual.

[JANET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a textbook for building crochet skills instead of trial and error! 🤓

Yes, I've torn out and restarted my share of crochet stitches! I am not an expert but have had some basic to semi-intermediate successful crochet experiences, certainly enough to recognize and appreciate the detailed explanations, diagrams, photographs (not drawings), and friendly tips throughout this book. It is a pretty excellent reference guide on all things crochet from how to combine colors to the type of yarn for your project to the individual stitches for the best outcome or fit (depending on what you're making, blanket or wearable) to joining the seams when finished. Everything you need for a successful project. Every thing. There are a few patterns before the end but, as said, overall it is primarily a valuable reference to have on hand (truly all in one place) for any crochet confusion in your project. (The pattern books are never this thorough.) And if, like me, you're not an expert at crochet, this book's advice will likely help you figure out how to finish your project. I borrowed it from my local elibrary but will be adding it to my own reference materials. Happy to recommend, and so glad I found it. Thanks Ms. Ohrenstein! 👉❤👈

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein

256 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC
Release Date: November 18, 2014

Crafts & Hobbies, Crochet, Home Furnishings, Nonfiction, Toys, Yarn

The book is divided into the following parts.

Part 1: Techniques
Chapter 1: Choosing Yarns
Chapter 2: The Crochet Toolbox
Chapter 3: Controlling Tension
Chapter 4: Fundamental Techniques
Chapter 5: Shaping and Construction in Crochet
Chapter 6: Crochet in the Round
Chapter 7: Advanced Shaping
Chapter 8: Texture
Chapter 9: Crochet in Color
Chapter 10: Finishing Techniques

Part 2: Projects
Slouchy Hat
Marguerite Cowl
Colorwork Bag
Lace Capelet
Cabled Lace Scarf

The author describes the different types of yarns and fibers to work with including animal and plant fibers. I was unaware of the difference between “S” and “Z” twist yarns. She also discusses the importance of making a swatch with different yarn weights and hook sizes to see what the finished project will look like.

I am glad she included a section of tension because I have a problem controlling the tension of my crochet work. Sometimes my work is so tight and then other times it is too loose. I am glad to find the tips she recommends for holding the yarn. Tension is important because it affects the gauge. So far, all my projects have been blankets or lap throws but if I want to do anything more than that, I need to work on my tension and keep the gauge correct.

Another section I found tremendously important was on hand health. I have arthritis in both hands and find that if I work too long, they start aching. The tips for safe crocheting make a lot of sense and I can see that if I follow her advice, I can crochet with minimal pain. I am also going to look into getting a few ergonomic hooks.

The photos in the book are large and clear enough to see the individual stitches and follow along. It is almost like having someone with you teaching you how to crochet. I especially like the photo showing how to count stitches because I sometimes get confused where and how to count a specific stitch. The chart with the turning chains is also very informative. She also goes into great detail how to increase and decrease stitches, heights, rows and ripples.

There is also a pattern reading guide, glossary of terms, key stitch guide, abbreviation and basic stitches guide and a list of resources. Before I read this book, I was unaware of the different type stitches and techniques. The title of the book is correct. It is a skill building workshop. Considering I am a beginner, I am learning a lot from this book. If you are new to crocheting or want to expand your crochet knowledge, I highly recommend this book.

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't done any of the swatches yet, but I'm going to because that is the best way to learn. The author has written things out so well that I feel I will have no trouble following her instructions properly even for the more complicated stitches. She has covered all the information a new crocheted will need to get through and finish a project completely. A wonderful reference to keep handy while working on crochet projects. The next time I read through this book, I will have some yarn and a cro her hook handy so that I cando each of the stitches and increases/decreases as the author explains them. That way I'll actually learn them and build the muscle memory to retain the learning. Recommended.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great crochet reference book!

This is a book I will refer to time and again. So much information is contained in this volume. From the simplest stitches to advanced shaping techniques, from A to Z and more! A must for the crochet bookshelf.

[Lisa T. Ungerer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for electronic book

The Kindle version of this book is adequately formatted and readable. If you want a portable reference book this is a good one. However, if you are new to the craft of crochet, I would recommend getting a hard copy if you can.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent skill building. Lots of pictures with clear wording.

[sidewalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginner, or intermediate crocheters will get a lot of use out of this book.

I specially like books, that help people to make their own project dreams come true. This book definitely qualifies for this category. It will help you build your skills and add new and fun techniques to your repertoire page after page.

Starting out with fibre choice all the way to finishing techniques.
On today's market, there are tons of yarns and it can be hard to pick the perfect one, if one is still new to all of this. The book begins with help on choosing yarn and explaining a bit about how it is manufactured. It gives an overview of yarn weight and what the finished fabric will look like in the different fibre qualities.

It doesn't only explain how to put one crochet stitch on top of the next, but it has an entire chapter on crochet with different colours. How to add a new colour to your project and how to do tapestry crochet.
Another chapter deals with crocheting in the round and one with shaping. So in case you want to make a sweater, or cardigan as your first project, don't despair! With this book you will be able to in no time!

Almost everything is explained in writing and with pictures. The writing is easily to understand and if there is a tricky technique to be mastered, the pictures are right there to clear up any questions that might come up.

I gave this book to my daughter to look over and see what she had to say. She does crochet, but not a lot. She appreciated the idea of the stitch along swatches and we both were thinking of making them, just so we could sew them together for a finished blanket in the end. (It is on our to do list, but at the moment pushed aside, since we are working like mad on putting the studio together) .

This book will be a staple in the "further reading" list I provide to my students, and it will sit on a shelf in my studio, for anyone to read and get inspired.

This book has instructions to the crocodile stitch as well. A lot of people came in the shop and were asking for instructions to this stitch. It has been out for a while now, but it usually does not appear in any of the older crochet help books. So it was very nice to see that added to the content.

Another really wonderful addition is a section about hand health. I find it important to keep your tools in perfect working order and your body is certainly on top of that list!



I recommend it very much to beginning crocheters everywhere.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet resource that is currently scheduled for release on December 2 2014 in digital and paper formats. This book is a guide that covers all of the basic crochet techniques, from choosing yarns to finishing! It deals with the basic questions that each and every crocheter faces, as well as those that have been hooking for years might never have seen dressed elsewhere. Included are more than 70 stitch-along swatches that each teach and reinforce the skills of a particular technique, along with five projects (a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf) that put those techniques to use. The swatches offer not just a variety of stitch patterns but also a variety of shapes and can serve as the building blocks for sophisticated and creative projects of your own design.

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a wonderful resource for crocheters of all skill levels, from beginners through those that consider themselves experts. As someone that supplements her income selling crochet items, I found a few explanations and bits of advice to be invaluable and in some cases answering questions that I have had for years and never found the answer to before. Crochet fans will find some great tools in calculating yarn, including after having made modifications to hook sizes and/or yarn weight. The explanations, detailed pictures, and labeled diagrams do a great job of illustrating the techniques and at no point does the tone come off as conceding, which does sometimes happen with books or videos detailing basic stitches and information.

I highly recommend The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to anyone that enjoys crochet, particularly those of us that are always looking to improve our skills and understanding. I have already preordered my paper copy for myself, because my digital e-galley is wonderful but not quite as useful to me as an actual paper copy with post-it notes and the ability to leave hand written notes and ideas in the margins.

[Maria Mullinaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crocheter’s Skill Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein (Storey Publishing) is one of the best – if not THE best – of its kind that I’ve found. I’m definitely adding it to my personal library and ordering a copy for our public library.

Ohrenstein covers everything for the novice through intermediate level crocheter, and the book is truly a workshop text, excellent for use in classes or alone. Read just the first thee chapters, which cover yarn and tools and tension, and you’ll have a thorough understanding of how yarn texture, weight, and material, hook size and material, and tension, separately and together determine everything from stitch height and density to overall shape and drape. You’ll also want to read the rest of the book, because the how-to photos and their accompanying directions are so clear and the exercises are so excellent..

Chapters four, five, and six cover fundamental techniques, shaping and construction, and crochet in the round. Chapters seven through ten deal with advanced shaping issues, textured stitches, color, and finishing, and the book ends with five projects for honing skills. The high quality photos, clear directions, and excellent exercises continue, and Ohrenstein also shows consummate skill in showing how to recognize and deal with problems as they arise.

If you want to learn crochet, get better at it, or teach it, The Crocheter’s Skill Building Workshop is the book to buy.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of crochet designer Dora Ohrenstein so when I had the opportunity to take a peek at this pattern e-book I was really happy.
This one features numerous crochet swatches for pattern ideas. Five full crochet patterns are included as well. I found the swatch patterns to be really neat, as the sizes and shapes vary. There are some inspiring crochet ideas here.

There's a section on technique, which includes shaping, crocheting in the round, textured stitches and more. Projects include a hat, cowl, bag, capelet and a scarf, all of which are lovely looking.

The photos are clear and the instructions are easy to read. I whipped up a puff flower, which was very simple to make and I can see these being used as embellishments.
I definitely recommend The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop: Essential Techniques for Becoming a More Versatile, Adventurous Crocheter by Dora Ohrenstein to any crocheter looking for unique design ideas.

Special thanks to NetGalley for my free review copy!

disclaimer:
This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and designers, such as this one, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just so handy to have on my shelf. I found the author wants me to gain her experience as well. She is just so amazing!

This book has everything in it with steps to help even the beginner and the advanced user to have new ideas. I loves the section on tension, since that is important for thew outcome of many a craft.

I myself, am still somewhere between beginner and intermediate - and I found the way Dora Ohrenstein explains it helps me a lot!! There is more information for us on shaping, textures, and even finishing. That is where I needed the most help and it was in great color photos and helped explain a great deal.

I am sure the absolute beginner could use this book - I found it was comfortable for me since I am not really a novice at crochet. I enjoyed trying new techniques and felt a bit more competent after reading and using the new choices.

There are also plenty of crafts to try right here in the book. Try something as fun as a bag or scarf - or get more complex into a project for a cowl if the thought moves you. I am keeping this one on the shelf in my crafts room!


***This ARC copy is received free from Netgalley.com for review purposes.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent choice for when you are ready to move beyond the basics in crochet. This book is set up assuming a prior knowledge and experience in crochet and so is decidedly not for the beginner. The illustrations are in color making it a very enjoyable read (and much easier to follow when teaching yourself a skill from a book). The author pays great attention to building upon what you already know, and expanding your abilities. For instance, there is an entire section on the many different ways to enter the work and what each of them will do for your project. The chapters are laid out as a workshop with small projects along the way to illustrate a technique in real time. The book ends with a set of projects for you to put these newly honed skills into action and they are modern and beautiful. At this point in my crocheting experience i'm not yet ready for a skill building workshop, but i highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn something new in crochet. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review, however this book is so full of great information i will definitely be getting a copy for myself.

[Shona Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who taught myself to crochet using video clips on youtube, its great to finally find a book that helps hone my skills. Ohrenstein is also self taught, so maybe that is part of what makes this book so helpful. While she has given us written explanations, there are many step by step photo's to help. And not just for the different stitches, but for tension too. Its easy(ish) to see when crocheting if your tension is too tight, or too lose, but usually not until you have completed many stitches or rows, with the photo tutorial in the book you get a clear look at what stitches look like when made too lose or tight.

The chapter on shaping is invaluable, I find sometimes that when it comes to shaping with anything beyond a simple stitch I get confused and inevitably miscount. Now I have a whole section to reference when working increases or decreases into intricate patterns.

I think it's safe to say that I need a hard copy of this book for my shelf. There are so many tips in this that I know I will use it often... not to mention the new to me stitches and the fab looking projects in the back of the book.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly Complete!
This book is indeed a skill-building workshop contained within the covers. Well written with lots of colorful photos. Clear, concise pictures and diagrams are included. There is some “assumed” skill in the level of the reader. The only unfortunate part of the book is that pattern reading appears 200 pages after it has been used. If the reader needed help with that skill – and indeed – patterns appear at the beginning of the book shortly after yarn selection, why make them wait 200 pages to explain how to read the patterns – this skill should have appeared close to the front of the book. There are little tidbits of historical facts tossed into the mix and that makes for great reading. Treat yourself or someone you love to a wonderful workshop and improve your skills! Enjoy! NetGalley and Storey Publishing provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great workbook for fellow crochet enthusiasts to brush up on their skills. Whether you are a beginner crocheter, or an advanced hooker who’s been at it for decades, I can’t see anyone not taking something useful away from this book. From brushing up on the absolute basics, like how hook size and yarn choice affects drape, to different, possibly new to the reader, stitches, this book has something for everyone. It goes from the absolute basic, to the more advanced levels.
The reader really shouldn’t try to skip around, like I did. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, and the reader can only find themselves a better crocheter for being patient and going through the whole book, one page at a time. This truly is an excellent crocheting workshop meant to broaden our horizons as yarn enthusiasts and crocheters.

[Anastaciaknits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book for anyone out there who wants to learn more about crochet or to improve upon their crochet skills, from beginners to oldies like me :). The book has the absolute basics, but also discusses things like yarn choice and various crochet stitches.

Each lesson builds upon the previous ones, but you can certainly skip around if there is a particular topic that catches your eye. It's definitely a must have for anyone interested in developing their crochet skills, but is definitely more geared towards beginners or those who haven't crocheted in a long time.




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I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and was not paid for my review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a little less advanced than I would expect for a skill-building course, but what it does, it does well. Everything from the basics to intermediate skills, I'd say. With 30+ years' crochet experience, I'm sure I still have things to learn, so I got this from the library.

It starts from the assumption that the reader has no knowledge of crochet whatsoever, so it's not just skill-building, but skill-establishing from ground one. I didn't learn as much as I hoped, but it's still a useful reference for some of the more rare stitch types.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dora Ohrenstein is a known crochet expert and I've read several other books of hers. This book is one of her best. Reading through chapter by chapter, I could understand how the author was building upon what was laid out in the chapter before. There are plenty of photos, charts, and graphics—though I would have liked even more—and the language is clear and understandable. I would have liked more than just the four projects included in the very back of the book. This is a great reference, particularly for the newer crocheter.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very impressive book. I crochet some (mostly knitting) and want to become more knowledgeable and skilled. This is the book for that purpose! Ms. Ohrenstein masterfully explains each crocheting technique in terms of swatches and how each swatch is created and constructed. This teaching method is excellent! The illustrations and directions are clear, concise, comprehensive and understandable.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this book for its thoroughness. It walks you from beginner to expert, all while doing it in an easy to read manner. There are many chapters in here that are great resources whether you are learning or reintroducing yourself to the skill. As someone who has problems translating written instruction to action, I appreciated the simplicity of the text and visual aids in the form of beautifully clear images.

[Sarah Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a book with some crochet skill building tips and exercises. Unfortunately I had a kindle version so I wasn't able to enjoy it and keep it for further use as I should have. Still, I enjoyed some of the little tips and tricks.

[Ashley Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very pleasantly designed and has some cute stitches. Some techniques were helpful, but others I still needed to look up online for more help. I am not sure this is a fault of the book; I could just be a skill level behind its target audience.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasic book even an experienced crocheter as myself found something I did know how to do in this. Ideal for beginners with clear instructions and step by step pictures. A must have.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

clear instructions with lots of photos. Goes beyond the basic and really does offer techniques that build skills.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource book. It provides some great tips on basics, as well as some more advanced techniques and stitches.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basics plus more. Good book to re-check from library later on.

[Alcqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned good crochet information from reading this book. It was easy to understand for a novice crochet learner.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 20 years of crocheting I have figured out many patterns and madey own. This book is very good at explaining basic to complex techniques.