200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix-and-Match

by Jan Eaton

Choose from 200 beautiful block designs and learn different ways of joining them to make blankets and throws that are both functional and decorative. From Art Deco geometric patterns to traditional chequer-board stripes and elaborate motifs, discover new ways to combine colour, pattern and texture. Crochet is one of the oldest and most fascinating ways of creating a fabric out of yarn. Find out how to create wonderful and unique afghans, wall hangings and accessories in a kaleidoscope of colourful contemporary and traditional designs. All stitches and techniques are clearly explained with step-by-step illustrations, from working in rows and in the round to joining blocks and making figures. At-a-glance symbols denote the methods used and level of difficulty, so both new and experienced crafters can easily create a crochet masterpiece.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Knitting, Art, How To

Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

JAN EATON is known internationally for her specialty in needlecraft and textile designs. Since finishing her training at Goldsmiths College in London, Jan has worked as a freelance designer showcasing her embroidery, crochet, knitting, and textile painting designs in various UK and European magazines. Past works include the new edition of Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, Country Crochet and Knitted Lace, and 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans. (ref: http://us.macmillan.com/author/janeaton)

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are in fact over 200 blocks and squares in this book, which is going to come in very handy in the future when I am looking for inspiration. Instructions for each one are quite clear and on the blocks I have tried I had no problems understanding them. One point to note is that there are no charts. What I do like about the designs is that each one is designed to produce a block of the same size (6” square) to make it easier to mix and match blocks from the book in your own designs. The author has also included a lovely section giving ideas of colours, mixes and suggested charts for you to use. The only slight doubt about the book that I have, and it is not a deal breaker, is that the “techniques” section giving information about how to do the stitches, tension, yarn etcetera is at the back of the book and I automatically would have looked for this at the front.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains squares for afghans/throws, etc. Some of them are the traditional sort -- granny squares, etc -- while others are a bit more adventurous. It's not actually quite two hundred different designs, which is a bit of a swizz: some of them are just repeats of others, but in different colours. It's nice to see the multiple examples, but it's not a different type of block.

The instructions seem pretty easy to follow, and there's a lot of photographs to show you how things are supposed to look, along with sections of the book on colour matching, and even the basics. If you're planning to make an afghan or two, this would be a very useful resource.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

THis book has tons of pictures, but most of the patterns are the same (with the exception of differnet color schemes). So it doesn't really have 200 patterns. But it does have lots of good ones. Worth buying and reading and using. I made a few dishcloths out of these patterns and might make an afghan out of the blocks as well. It does have a section that shows how to use colors and different layouts to acheive diffent looks which I found helpful. I haven't found any errors in the patterns yet, but I have only tried a few of them.

[Izetta Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for crocheters! It has clear directions, varied designs and skill levels, and provides great ideas about color and design of blankets. I'd highly recommend this book for crocheters - especially those interested in crocheting as an art.

Many crochet books provide less than clear directions and use jargon to explain each step. Not so here. As an extra bonus, there lots of suggestions on how to mix and match the squares.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great block patterns that range from easy to difficult but the title is misleading. There are a lot of patterns, but not really 200 different ones. The author changed the colors for some of the blocks and counted them in the 200. Still a great book of blocks that are all supposed to come out the same size so that you can mix and match any block in the book. There are a few mistakes in the book but the corrections are available on the publishers website and are easy to find.

[Lainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-have for anyone that likes to crochet afghans. The block patterns are beautiful and eclectic - and it is complete with instructions on how to arrange them, fasten, and add a border. It's literally thousands of afghans in one small book! I'm working on one for my living room right now. :)

[Melissa Legacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to crocheting so I found this book extremely helpful as an intro but will purchase my own copy to have as a handy reference as I try new things. I would recommend it to a crocheter of any skill level. I love the colourful pictures and skill level indicator for each. I also found the techniques in the back of the book very useful.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this books its so useful. Its been more of a help creating my own patterns than I ever thought. The patterns are easy to read and the pictures really let you see what you are trying to make. I love the pages where it shows how much of a difference colour can make to piece of crochet.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book about 10 years ago. It is my go to book for when I need to crochet some squares (motifs). Every time I make a blanket I use at least 1 square out of this book.

The designs are nice and the directions are pretty much clear to me. Though to a very new crocheter the directions might be a little daunting but I think that is true with any new crocheter. In the back of the books she has information about the techniques she used for the squares in the book, edgings for blankets, colors, and a discussion on how different weight yarns make different sizes.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

200 Crochet Blocks is an excellent resource for a newbie crocheter like me. I find the patterns easy to follow, and the layout easy to read. I also appreciate how each pattern has a difficulty rating, to help me decide which to attempt as I start out. Not all the patterns appeal to me visually, but that would always be the case in a collection such as this one. I am about to attempt my first blanket and will choose a couple of blocks from this collection for that purpose.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love granny squares and really tend towards your basic granny instead of all the fancy derivations and permutations but I found this book fun nonetheless. It seems like some squares are just worked in different colors and counted as a totally new block, so kind of cheating! This book is organized really well and the section on mixing and matching blocks is very fun. There are no charts to be had, though, only row-by-row instructions. A good reference book to keep on your book shelf.

[Barbw · Rating 5 out of 5]

More a pick up and choose reference book than one to read cover to cover! Recommended.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to book for crocheting any type of block! Great instructions and ideas!

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 (: GOBS of patterns/ideas!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/4/10 update: Every block I've tried has needed adapting to actually work right. Still, very inspiring...but what I've decided is to look at the picture and then write my own directions to make the block work. Not a book for the faint of heart.

8/16/08 Plenty of reviews, both here and Amazon, and I haven't actually made any of the squares yet anyhow, so I'll decline to review.

But comment, I will--this book is absolutely inspiring! I just about drool as I flip through the pages, and the cogwheels of my brain turn at high speed. I design at least one original blanket a year, and this book will give me plenty to build from.

[Kiirsi Hellewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, but I wasn't in love with very many of the square patterns. I'm not sure why. It might be because I was looking for a single-color square and I only liked the patterns in the book that had more than one color. Of course, I know you can do as little or as many colors as you want, but it just didn't look as good done in one color when I tried it.

However, I do like the good pattern instructions, and love the fact that each square has a full symbol chart to go along with it if symbols are more your thing.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've made 2 gorgeous baby blankets based on the Australian version of this book. '200' refers to colour ways, I'm not sure how many patterns there actually. It took some experimenting and modifications to get my squares all the same size but, other than a couple of errors (in the whole book, that I'm aware of, I would check online before starting a pattern) the instructions are easy to follow and produce gorgeous squares. I love the blankets I made based on this book

[Wendi WDM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this book!!!! Sarah is teaching me how to crochet again. It's just fabulous to see how many neat things you can do with yarn and crochet hooks! Again, amazing pictures, fantastic step by step guides. I love how they show you all these neat patterns for squares and then show you what you can do with color. Fantastic book for anyone who loves to crochet!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to learn different squares designs, so you can mixes them up how you like to. I have used it not just for throws, blankets and afghans, but also for scarves. It's also good for making hats for all seasons. I just designed one to make for a friend who works in a cold work place. It didn't take that long to make it.

[Nikki Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've made a handful of afghans using patterns in this book. There are pattern mistakes, unfortunately, which might confuse a beginner. Also, some patterns are repeated with different color schemes, so don't mistake this book for actually having 200 unique patterns.

[mtthw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for a semibeginner. It is well designed and addresses everything from basic stitches, color theory, joining squares, blocking, borders and, well 200 squares. It is also just a pleasure to look through!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some great stitch motifs in this book but I would have been much happier with it had there been more actual instructional visuals in it. I always feel slightly cheated when all the pages are devoted to patterns (presumably to fit the "200" theme) and fewer pages devoted to techniques.

[Dree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I have made quite a few of these blocks, and not one of the patterns has had a mistake yet :) The afghan ideas in the front are useful, but it might have been nice to see ideas other than afghans.

This is my go-to baby blanket book.

[Pooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

--An absolute compendium of crochet blocks and techniques essential to this reader.

I was compelled to purchase a second book time when my original copy wasn't returned to me after loaning it to a new crocheter.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best block books that I have bought for Crochet, and I have plenty of crochet books!
Clear and concise with great photos, this book is a must have for any crocheter from beginning to advanced.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something for everyone. Have made many of these blocks. Some of them simple to make the block without any project in mind, they are beautiful on their own! I find it hard to read some patterns but this book has great instructions and pictures which helps me a lot.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

colors!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the diversity of crafting crochet squares.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made a baby blanket using one of the patterns in this book and am excited to start work on another one.

[Carrie Rolph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Squares are fun. Squares are portable too. Hurray for squares! Plus this book has the willow block that everyone's making on the granny square blogs.