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Crochet That Fits: Shaped Fashions Without Increases or Decreases
Say "goodbye" to crochet's stiff, boxy, hippie-child reputation and "hello" to "Crochet that Fits"--garments that fit your shape accessories that fit your style, and looks that fit right in with today's fashion trends!
This book teaches an innovative, easy way to crochet fashions that are soft, shaped and drape able--from a little black dress that fits like a glove and a lacy baby-doll top, to cute and cozy slippers, ruffled shrugs and hobo bags. By using Mary Jane Hall's Graduated Stitch Method, along with the correct size hook and yarn, anyone can make flattering, form-fitted items! Different stitch heights do all the shaping for you, without the hassle and confusion of figuring out increases and decreases. With this method you are essentially building garments with squares and rectangles, but the finished product doesn't look at all boxy.
33 step-by-step projects feature a wide variety of patterns for adults and children
An illustrated stitch guide get even beginners started quickly
Detailed instructions make it easy to adjust the patterns to suit your shape (or others') because one side doesn't fit all!
Easy enough for a beginner and stylish enough for the more experienced crocheter, these are projects you'll enjoy making and feel good wearing. With fits like this, you'll never think about crochet in the same way again!
This book teaches an innovative, easy way to crochet fashions that are soft, shaped and drape able--from a little black dress that fits like a glove and a lacy baby-doll top, to cute and cozy slippers, ruffled shrugs and hobo bags. By using Mary Jane Hall's Graduated Stitch Method, along with the correct size hook and yarn, anyone can make flattering, form-fitted items! Different stitch heights do all the shaping for you, without the hassle and confusion of figuring out increases and decreases. With this method you are essentially building garments with squares and rectangles, but the finished product doesn't look at all boxy.
33 step-by-step projects feature a wide variety of patterns for adults and children
An illustrated stitch guide get even beginners started quickly
Detailed instructions make it easy to adjust the patterns to suit your shape (or others') because one side doesn't fit all!
Easy enough for a beginner and stylish enough for the more experienced crocheter, these are projects you'll enjoy making and feel good wearing. With fits like this, you'll never think about crochet in the same way again!
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Mary Jane Hall
10 booksMary Jane Hall has been crocheting for thirty-eight years and has taught more than sixty people how to crochet. She specializes in crochet fashion design and is a Professional member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Mary Jane is passionate about crochet and loves designing trendy wearables. She designs full time and has had many of her original designs published in various books and magazines. She has given the talks "How to Get Published" and "Designing Tip" to local crochet groups, including the Dayton, Ohio, chapter of the Crochet Guild of America.
Originally from Texas, Mary Jane currently lives in Ohio. She has been married for thirty-eight years, and she and her husband, Terry, have three grown children who are all married and have families of their own. They enjoy their grandchildren, who are a huge part of their lives. Mary Jane manages a "free" clothing store, called United Voluntary Services, which clothes more than 1,500 people in their county every year.
Mary Jane's first book, "Positively Crochet: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips", is currently available. Visit Mary Jane's Web site at www.mjcrochet.com.
(Copied from "About the Author" inside "Crochet that Fits".)
Facebook: maryjaneperryhall
Instagram: maryjane.hall
Pinterest: maryjanedesign
Tumblr: maryjanehall
Twitter: maryjanecrochet
Originally from Texas, Mary Jane currently lives in Ohio. She has been married for thirty-eight years, and she and her husband, Terry, have three grown children who are all married and have families of their own. They enjoy their grandchildren, who are a huge part of their lives. Mary Jane manages a "free" clothing store, called United Voluntary Services, which clothes more than 1,500 people in their county every year.
Mary Jane's first book, "Positively Crochet: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips", is currently available. Visit Mary Jane's Web site at www.mjcrochet.com.
(Copied from "About the Author" inside "Crochet that Fits".)
Facebook: maryjaneperryhall
Instagram: maryjane.hall
Pinterest: maryjanedesign
Tumblr: maryjanehall
Twitter: maryjanecrochet
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 6, 2014
Great photos, and a good guide for a beginner crocheter.
There's one pattern that's repeated - and can be repeated - in so many ways. Take a hook larger than recommended, and then do the rows of single (or double) crochet, using back loop only for the hook, and keep the direction of the garment worked up to down (instead of the usual left to right used in sweaters etc). This will create stretch, a lighter fabric, and a neat surface. When you add using two different sized hooks on the same row, you can get even more (like making a cape, or a skirt - the smaller hook where you need the garment smaller). Those two hints or techniques are the coolest and most usable part of the book. Maybe I'll make a skirt or a sweater with that technique one day.
The other parts had more elaborate patterns, like lace etc. Now here's my beef with crochet books and patterns: I NEED THE PATTERN MAPS. I learned to crochet when I was eight, and I still get a headache when I try to read a written crochet instructions for something that's more lacey. There is no reason why there should be only written instructions; a map is easy to make, and once you have a map of the pattern, it doesn't matter what language the book you have is written in. I have plenty of crochet instructions saved in Japanese, Korean, Russian, and in French - and I don't speak any of those languages. The maps are easy to read; you see exactly what kind of stitch goes where and what you do next. And yes, I'm talking about crochet pattern maps for much more complicated patterns, like those used in the Irish lace crochet.
There's one pattern that's repeated - and can be repeated - in so many ways. Take a hook larger than recommended, and then do the rows of single (or double) crochet, using back loop only for the hook, and keep the direction of the garment worked up to down (instead of the usual left to right used in sweaters etc). This will create stretch, a lighter fabric, and a neat surface. When you add using two different sized hooks on the same row, you can get even more (like making a cape, or a skirt - the smaller hook where you need the garment smaller). Those two hints or techniques are the coolest and most usable part of the book. Maybe I'll make a skirt or a sweater with that technique one day.
The other parts had more elaborate patterns, like lace etc. Now here's my beef with crochet books and patterns: I NEED THE PATTERN MAPS. I learned to crochet when I was eight, and I still get a headache when I try to read a written crochet instructions for something that's more lacey. There is no reason why there should be only written instructions; a map is easy to make, and once you have a map of the pattern, it doesn't matter what language the book you have is written in. I have plenty of crochet instructions saved in Japanese, Korean, Russian, and in French - and I don't speak any of those languages. The maps are easy to read; you see exactly what kind of stitch goes where and what you do next. And yes, I'm talking about crochet pattern maps for much more complicated patterns, like those used in the Irish lace crochet.
June 26, 2024
Idea is great, execution is flawed
I like the idea of using different versions of stitches to create wearable that fit. HOWEVER- there are too many I-need-to-pad-my-pattern-count patterns in here. Too many scarves and belts. And there's a whole accessory chapter, with a bunch of handbags. Scarves and belts are long rectangles. If they are too short- keep crocheting. Too long? Frog a few rows. And handbags? They don't need to fit. The premise is great. And the actual wearables look nice. But the book seems to be laid out more as an all-in-one, gotta catch the beginner crocheters as well kind of book. Know your audience. Not everything has to include everyone. You can even do a series- with each book being the next level up in difficulty.
I like the idea of using different versions of stitches to create wearable that fit. HOWEVER- there are too many I-need-to-pad-my-pattern-count patterns in here. Too many scarves and belts. And there's a whole accessory chapter, with a bunch of handbags. Scarves and belts are long rectangles. If they are too short- keep crocheting. Too long? Frog a few rows. And handbags? They don't need to fit. The premise is great. And the actual wearables look nice. But the book seems to be laid out more as an all-in-one, gotta catch the beginner crocheters as well kind of book. Know your audience. Not everything has to include everyone. You can even do a series- with each book being the next level up in difficulty.
August 25, 2023
Excellent crochet reference! Fun patterns!
September 24, 2024
This Crochet book gives me confidence to start!
I am glad I purchased this book, the author took her time writing & explaining so it will be easier for me.
I am glad I purchased this book, the author took her time writing & explaining so it will be easier for me.
January 24, 2010
A book of uniquely fitted items that don't have any increases or decreases. All the fitting comes from what she calls "graduated stitching." Her design method takes advantage of the varying heights of different crochet stitches in order to cup the fabric to fit. It seems very simple and yet clever. Pick up this book to learn a new way of designing crochet clothing to fit.
The patterns themselves are mostly not my style, although I do like the little black dress featured on the cover (that's why I picked up this book in the first place). Some of the others look a little dated to me, perhaps because the yarns look a little too acrylic to me and/or they look a little "grandma". Other patterns that I could consider: the hemp choker, the smooth headband, and the textured belt.
The patterns themselves are mostly not my style, although I do like the little black dress featured on the cover (that's why I picked up this book in the first place). Some of the others look a little dated to me, perhaps because the yarns look a little too acrylic to me and/or they look a little "grandma". Other patterns that I could consider: the hemp choker, the smooth headband, and the textured belt.
June 16, 2013
Crochet that fits; shaped fashions without increases of decreases by Mary Jane Hall.
I really love the 'striped, sleeveless turtleneck sweater' which is a colorful high necked tank top in cool cotton and is simple enough for a total beginner crocheter. Gauge: 14sc and 11 sc rows on 3"/8cm and 16dc and 9 dc rows on 4"/10cm on 4mm crochet hook and you'll need 10 balls for 50g/92yds + 2balls of each other desired (at least 4 colors to make it look good).
128 pages filled with tons of crochet projects like belts, tops, hats, scarves and headbands.
I would recommend this to beginner crochet wannabes (like myself) for some good projects that are simple enough while being cute that you'll actually use or give it away as gifts.
I really love the 'striped, sleeveless turtleneck sweater' which is a colorful high necked tank top in cool cotton and is simple enough for a total beginner crocheter. Gauge: 14sc and 11 sc rows on 3"/8cm and 16dc and 9 dc rows on 4"/10cm on 4mm crochet hook and you'll need 10 balls for 50g/92yds + 2balls of each other desired (at least 4 colors to make it look good).
128 pages filled with tons of crochet projects like belts, tops, hats, scarves and headbands.
I would recommend this to beginner crochet wannabes (like myself) for some good projects that are simple enough while being cute that you'll actually use or give it away as gifts.
December 20, 2008
I absolutely love this book.
I've been crocheting off and on for over 30 years but I've never made one crocheted garment for myself.
One reason has been that I'm difficult to fit. Another reason is that I've been hard pressed to find patterns for items I felt would look good on my shape.
This book resolves both those issues for me.
It is also well-written with beautiful photographs (including the cover) and helpful diagrams.
This is the first crochet book I've purchased and I'm glad I did. It's a must-have that I know I'll use often.
I have Mary Jane Hall's first book, "Positively Crochet" on my to-read list. If it's as wonderful as this one, I'll buy that one too.
I've been crocheting off and on for over 30 years but I've never made one crocheted garment for myself.
One reason has been that I'm difficult to fit. Another reason is that I've been hard pressed to find patterns for items I felt would look good on my shape.
This book resolves both those issues for me.
It is also well-written with beautiful photographs (including the cover) and helpful diagrams.
This is the first crochet book I've purchased and I'm glad I did. It's a must-have that I know I'll use often.
I have Mary Jane Hall's first book, "Positively Crochet" on my to-read list. If it's as wonderful as this one, I'll buy that one too.
April 20, 2015
Super Variety of Projects
After excitedly thumbing through this book with the intention of finding a few patterns, I ultimately decided I would rather purchase the book for my crochet library. There isn't one pattern that I couldn't think of one or more people who would love receiving it. More to the point, I would love gifting each of the designs to friends and family and, naturally, myself. I especially love the long skirt and the lbd. Can't wait to get started. Thanks to Mary Jane Hall for the cover-to-cover inspiration!!
After excitedly thumbing through this book with the intention of finding a few patterns, I ultimately decided I would rather purchase the book for my crochet library. There isn't one pattern that I couldn't think of one or more people who would love receiving it. More to the point, I would love gifting each of the designs to friends and family and, naturally, myself. I especially love the long skirt and the lbd. Can't wait to get started. Thanks to Mary Jane Hall for the cover-to-cover inspiration!!
January 23, 2014
This book is intended for experienced crocheters. Some of the designs are very nice. However, as much as I love crochet, I often think that in clothes it can never look as elegant as knitted items, so to me these are not fashion forward designs. Still, worth looking at if you want to make crocheted clothes that don't look boxy. (And there are definitely a few designs I'd try.)
February 25, 2010
This book probably warrents a higher rating, but since I have not tried any of the patterns, I feel I can't give it the 4 that it really deserves. Cute patterns, common-sense (but never seen before) method. Can't wait to try out a 3D project from here!
May 10, 2009
These are stylish and seem doable.
October 14, 2009
Want a crochet pattern that isn't hard to master? This is the book for you! I've been working on Christmas gifts from this book and I'm reluctant to return it to the library.
March 29, 2010
Looking forward to trying the patterns in this technique.
April 19, 2010
I love this book. The patterns are simple and the results are gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews