Crochet in a Weekend: 29 Quick-to-Stitch Sweaters, Tops, Shawls & More

by Salena Baca

If you shy away from crocheting sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, or tops because you think they’re complicated and take too much time to make, this book was designed just for you.

Crochet in a Weekend offers 29 wrap, cowl, cardigan, poncho, tunic, sweater, and top patterns for every season of the year! Each design is made with a yarn that’s easy to find (or substitute), stitches that create gorgeous fabrics (that are easy to memorize), and separate pieces that are portable and easy to seam together!

You can start with simple designs like the Roving Stole or Date Night Poncho if you’re looking for styles made with dazzling yarns! The Coboo Top and ZZ Twist Tee are worked with open stitches, creating oversized fits that are very complementary to wear. When looking for cozy, plush styles, the Charisma Poncho, Color Made Easy Cardigan, and Weekend Blanket Wrap are classic pieces that you’ll love to wear!

Whether you’re looking for a quick project, like the Picnic Vest or Warlock Wrap, or want to learn a new stitch or technique with the Mauve Cardigan or Speckle Sweater, your weekend crochet projects really can be gorgeous designs that you’ll enjoy making!

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Adult

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much "read in 2025" as "used in 2025." I'm just about finished with my second project from this book, so I can't comment on all the patterns - my experience is with "Wavelength Ruana" (a sort of poncho/shawl) and "Scarfie Cardigan."

I own so many crochet books. Too many, considering how many I actually use. If I were to give crochet book purchasing advice to Past Me, this is one I'd recommend. The patterns really are pretty simple to follow - once I got the hang of whichever one I was working on, it was easy enough to go on autopilot until the whole thing was finished (or I needed to switch to a different part, like the sleeves). Perfect for "crochet as fidget activity" while watching TV, for example.

Most of the projects look nice and like something I'd be willing to wear/use, and Baca includes detailed measurement information for all the size options, which I've noticed can't be said for a bunch of garment crochet books I've purchased.

Still, the title is misleading. Unless you crochet very, very quickly or don't have plans to do anything but crocheting, I don't see how most of these patterns can be finished in a weekend. The very simple "Wavelength Ruana" took me 20 hours. I haven't been keeping track of "Scarfie Cardigan" as closely, but that one's also been pretty time intensive.

[Caroline Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was looking for. I'm more of a scarf person.

[Gale Penton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of patterns that I want to try.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little leery when I checked this book out of the library as so many quick-to-make projects definitely look homemade instead of handcrafted. Many of the pieces here skew homemade. So many of the garment pieces are sewn together rectangles which create unattractive bunching at the armpits, which could easily be fixed by simple shaping! Argh! Also, many of the "trusted brands" of yarn that don't cost a "fortune" are a false economy—producing a fabric that is inferior, pilling and hanging limply, creating a garment that you would not wear anyway. This book would be good for inspiration, but invest your time and money into quality materials AND a good pattern book.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been trying to find fun patterns to use up the yarn in my stash (and maybe make some fun gifts for the kids along the way). I liked a lot of the patterns in this book--they are pretty standard for crocheted scarves, sweaters, and shawls--but many of them were cute and looked pretty easy to work up. But most required bulky yarn (or just more of a single yarn than I have lying around), making it less-than-ideal for my current pattern needs.

[Karla Harkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many lacy-looking projects

I wish I could have seen all the projects in this before I bought it. I wanted more solid cardigans and sweaters but there are a few things I liked so I guess I’m happy with those.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of stuff I want to make in this one! I have three sweaters picked out already.

Now if only I could figure out a way to get MORE WEEKENDS . . .

[Ginger Frasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful patterns…

Many great projects! I can’t wait to get started.. I really like this book. I’m so glad I purchased this.

[Alcqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Resource

I will be using this book to make several different crochet items. It is easy to understand. It provides the suggested yarn to use and alternates.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stylish patterns that are quick and easy.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks great! Can't wait to make several for family and friends 👍
Thanks

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun book with a bunch of easy to intermediate projects.