Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

by Debbie Stoller

Debbie does crochet! Debbie Stoller, the “knitting superstar,” has been leading an entire movement of hip young knitters with her New York Times bestseller Stitch ’n Bitch and its follow-up, Stitch ’n Bitch Nation , together with over 521,000 copies in print. But guess what? For every one knitter in the world there are three crocheters—which translates into millions of hip, crafty, 18- to 35-year-olds ready to be happy hookers with Stitch ’n Bitch attitude, sexiness, ingenuity, and cool.

Written in the author’s cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book—featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout—is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a Fishnet Skullcap to a lacy evening wrap. For knitters and new crafters exploring the hook comes the the advantages of crochet and the ways in which knitters (and nonknitters) benefit by learning this sister craft; a discussion of tools; all the cool yarns available, and what the different gauges mean; plus basic techniques and stitch patterns—including the chain stitch, picot, flowers, filet crochet, changing yarns, and finishing. Then come 40 fabulous, funky projects—the kind that make Stitch ’n Bitch rule—for Pom Pom Capelet, Retro Clutch Purse, Anarchy Irony Hat, Ms. Pac Man Change Purses, Doris Daymat, Va-Va-Va Voom Bikini, Animal I-Pod Cozies, Kid’s Sock Monkey Poncho.

No, these aren’t your grandma’s doilies.

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

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Stoller is the co-founder, co-owner, and editor-in-chief of the third wave feminist, popular culture magazine Bust magazine.

Reviews

[Anna Hiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for a skinny bitch if you're interested in crocheting clothes. Debbie Stoller's book tends to be a little bit size-ist, but that's pretty standard for pattern books these days. Still, the accessories are *great* and very fun to crochet. I did the "First Aid Purse" for my cousin Alex who's going to nursing school, and it was a huge hit. In general, I'd say it's a book worth owning, at any stage or skill level. Stoller has chosen designs that are attractive and entertaining, some very challenging, and very few are real duds. It definitely belongs in any crochet library.

[Swirling Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book yesterday, and cannot put it down. I started crocheting a month ago, confused but determined to learn. The last day I have had more epiphanies regarding crocheting - all thanks to this book. As Debbie Stoller says herself, many books on crocheting are more confusing than helpful, lacking basic information such as the fact that one usually crochets through the *two* top loops (and not one, as I did for my first month of crocheting - believing I was doing it correctly). Debbie has made an awesome book for beginners, explaining the basic stitches in a simple and humoristic manner.
While I have read on amazon that her patterns contains errors (I have not yet tried any of them, but they look cool), the explanations on how to crochet are alone worth buying this book. My best book buy in ages!!

[Joi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this book. If you want to learn to crochet, or, if you've already got the basics, or heck, if you're really flippin' good and just want a project to work on, this is the book for you. I've gotten several people "hooked" on crochet via this book. One caveat, if you have an early printing, there may be some errors, but you can go to Debbie Stoller's website, and all edits are posted.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for someone beginning crochet or someone a little bit advanced. Check the errata before starting any projects. It's riddled with mistakes.

[Rikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a beginning crocheter this is the perfect book for you. It explains all stitches in detail. In fact, it is the only crochet book I have ever come across that explains where exactly to put your needle and which strand(s) to pick up. It talks about tools, different kinds of yarn and techniques. It shows you how to crochet buttons and button holes, adding tassels, making pompons and how to finish your work with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations.
The second part is a number of projects and patterns. Scarves, bags, tops, hats and caps, blazers and jackets, it is all there. There is one jacket in particular by Suzanne Kats called FrouFrou which looks absolutely stunning. I’d love to have that (but am probably too impatient to make).
There are patterns for everyone, beginners as well as experienced crocheters. It is such fun browsing through this book or even read it from cover to cover in one go.
Highly recommended!

[Jessica Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. If there were a better word for it, I would use it - but one doesn't exist so I'm going to make one up: Stupendiferous. Debbie Stoller does it again with her instalment on crochet, adding to her numerous knitting books.

As a complete newbie approaching crochet, it was very daunting until my friend lent me a copy of The Happy Hooker. The diagrams and descriptions are just perfect when you're coming into a new craft like this. I needed things lined up plain and simple, and Stoller achieved it. As if that weren't enough, she also includes a plethora of newbie-friendly crochet patterns in the second half of the book. You really won't find a better "how to crochet" book out there. I don't think one exists. This is all you need. Here's a hook and some yarn - now get hooking!

[Bambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid I learned the crotchet basics from my grandmother. But, I never learned how to read patterns or make anything useful. When this book arrived I started at the beginning practicing every stitch until I felt confident then I’d move to the next. I quickly progressed to being able to read the crotchet language and making the projects in the book. This has become my crotchet encyclopedia. When I can’t recall what an acronym means or how to perform the stitch in a pattern I refer to this book. I’ve ear marked the most used sections and have pages falling out. This book has inspired me to order the knitting version and finally learn how to knit as well.

[Marley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just made the mohair capelet thingie and it's pretty nice but it's a little weird in the back because it's increased all around so the back isn't flat. I get cranky when patterns could be better. But, it's my first finished crochet thing and I used dc, tr, made shells... and it only took 2 days. Go me! The instructions in the front of this book are awesome for reference. My hand hurts now, though. Might make one of the cardigans but I'm wary of patterns that require one to make several pieces and then put them togther. And my hand will hurt.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the knitting version for years - even though I've not caught the knitting bug - but hadn't read the crochet one. Picked it up through Kindle Unlimited and zoomed through it. Really enjoyed the historical information. That was my favorite part. I can't see myself making anything from the patterns included but still enjoyed the book.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good started book. Breaks things down really well!

[Erika Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative in the first half of the book, then patterns. Not so much things I would make but hey...
The book is really a second to the knitting sister. I purchased the book after reading because the info in the front of the book is awesome.

[Lindsay Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main reason I bought this particular crochet book was that the patterns were mostly funky and modern. A lot of crochet patterns are stiff and just variations on granny squares. That's nice, if you want to make an afghan that will match your great-aunt's olive and burnt orange living room ensemble that she has remodeled since 1978.

I wanted quirky, sweet, and most of all, easy to follow patterns that I would actually wear out in public! (Fuzz bunny slippers excepted.)

Happily, I have finished a couple of projects from this book and they have turned out quite nicely. My bunny slippers were a size too small, but that's what I get for not making a gauge swatch!

My short n' sweet cardi has turned out quite lovely. Not exactly as pictured...I had to up my hook size to get the proper gauge. Methinks I crochet a wee bit too tight. But the yarn has a lovely, satiny sheen and will wash up beautifully! I just need to block the thing and it will be perfect! In fact, I liked the result so much, I bought enough yarn to whip up two more in different colours to wear with different dresses in the spring and summer. (Interestingly enough, the tension thing is why I gave up on knitting. My stitches just got tighter and tighter the longer I went on and then I could barely squeeze my needle under my loops! I don't seem to have this problem in crochet, with the exception of my foundation chain.)

There are enough patterns in here to keep me entertained for a while yet.

[Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent example of what a craft book in general should be; it's clearly written and easy to understand without being patronizing, while still retaining a sense of humor to keep it from degenerating into a droning, textbookish monologue.

The illustrations are an added perk, and make it easier to understand just what the author is trying to say, which is a must when you're trying to figure out that tricky V-stitch, but they don't clutter the page too much.

The patterns are widely varied and aesthetically pleasing, although there could be less garments and more non-wearables, such as household items and accessories, but most people want to start off with a hat and scarf rather than a dishtowel and coaster, I guess.

Overall, if I were going to recommend a book for beginning, or even veteran crocheters, this one would probably be the first on my list.

[MonikaG · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best crochet book there is! The instructions are super clear - I don't know how Debbie Stoller managed to make what is quite a difficult subject to explain easy to understand, plus it's humorous and there are loads of explanations of many of the types of stitches in crochet.

The book is split into two parts - a section on instructions and then a section on patterns. The only downside to me, if there is one, is that the patterns are not all to my taste, but the instructions in the first half are so good that the whole thing is worth having anyway!

[Nadia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's radical! Not. Oh, how I love the '90s! Not.
Typical "hip" crochet book that's aimed at beginners, it's extremely basic.
The patterns follow the same aesthetics as the knitting book, very cheap-looking and lacking a fashion sense. It feels all around 1990s. Just buy any other crochet book for better everything, a nicer looking book for one.
Anything in the book can be found for free online and YT in much better format, search on Pinterest for some amazing resources.

[Maha Ayesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title makes the book a little embarrassing to have lying around, but there are a good number of nice patterns that I want to try. Some of the patterns are very odd, too. I haven't tried any yet though, but I have plans to in the near future. The general crochet instructions are clear, too; better than my Jan Eaton book.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

some of the patterns are fucking awesome, and a lot of them are really crappily written and hard to follow. some great ideas and a good collection of the basic info. i need to own this book

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned to crochet from this book. I tried and tried to learn from my mom, but this book taught me all about how to put my nose in the crotch and that it's ok to be a back door betty.

[Kierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As terrible as it is, it's been a couple of YEARS (sad face!) since I picked up my hooks, but I've had the itch to do some crochet, and thought I'd pick this up again. Some of the patterns are a bit outdated, but it's still one of the best guides out there for beginner and beyond to learn or refresh the basics and some of the more common and complicated stitches. Funny, with some history too!

[Jodi Geever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Occasionally, I pretend I am crafty. I am not. Of the crochet books I have tried, I have a particular affinity for this series, just because reading it and trying to learn is amusing in itself in the way this series is written.

[Lisa Mc lain-sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win. Very well written with clear instructions for even the most novice crocheter and fun, “not your grandmother’s”,patterns.

[Sivyu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fiber info, how-tos, stitch patterns, and full patterns.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has a lot of helpful information for beginners. I personally haven't done the patterns but I have learned a lot from the stitching guides in the book. I refer back to it as needed.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great crochet patterns.

[Pamalama Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Instructions at the beginning for when I forget how to do a stitch.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT, funny, and clever crochet instruction for the absolute beginner!

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

worth it for the pink fuzzy bunny slipper pattern alone!

[Justice]

and when I become a crochet queen watch out!!

[LaShana Claude]

Not really, but Maya Angelou sent me here.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taught me everything needed to start crocheting