Complete Book of Crochet-Stitch Designs: 500 Classic & Original Patterns

by Linda P. Schapper

Demonstrates chains, single, double, and triple crochet, and v-stitches, as well as shells, x- and y-stitches, picot, puff stitches, and cluster, popcorn, dropped, and relief stitches

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Knitting, Art, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1985

Reviews

[MD]

Definitely encyclopedic! Is this the right crochet reference book for you? It depends on what you make and possibly your skill level.

Pros:
- Wow! 500 stitch patterns!
- Clear illustrations of common stitches
- List of crochet symbols
- Photo index in the front. Tiny photos (after all, there are 500!), but sooo much better than having to page through!
- Provides a close-up photo above a symbol diagram of the same stitches. Really helpful for seeing what's happening. Written-out instructions too. Covers all bases!
- Includes some quite large patterns.
- Did I mention 500?

Cons:
- Some really useful and commonly-used stitches are not included such as magic circle and standing stitches
- Shows only one method for picots. This is why so many people hate picots.
- Patterns are only given numbers, no names. Many of the classic patterns included do have names and it would have made sense to include the name.
- No instructions for increasing or decreasing. If you want to make something that isn't a square or a rectangle you are left completely on your own on that.
- Assumes you are working in rows with turns at the end. If you are making a hat, cowl, doily, etc. without turns, many of these stitch patterns won't work as written.

The book includes very little narrative, such as discussions of yarns and techniques. For me, that's a plus because it would most likely be pretty cursory and not add anything to what I already have. Others may miss it.

I found some great ideas here, but I'm not sure how much I'll end up using it because of the amount of shaping I'm doing in my current projects. Maybe when I move on to something else I'll find it more useful.

[GoldenjoyBazyll]

I am like a woman possessed with my chochet This book is outstainding because it shows so many different variations on basic stitches. I particularly love the index of stitches front of the book. You can decide which you are interested in attempting and find it quickly! Again, directions are clear and concise. All stitches are shown in photograph form and all in white yarn- really makes it easy to see the detail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3-19-13 Just finished a throw using one of the larger lace patterns and it was easy to follow and the pattern came out beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bridgette]

Not good at all.

Pics are very unclear and dated. Yarn used is very fuzzy — think overly frogged Red Heart — so the details are incredibly difficult to see, especially against non-high-contrasting backgrounds.

Most of the designs are some form of lace or fans... which is fine, but it gets monotonous for a large stitch book.

Returned. Don't recommend when there are so many others out there of superior quality.

[Beth]

Wonderful book for the Crocheter whether beginner or expert! The amount of designs gives you so many options with your work! I am a beginner and found it so helpful with making a sweater (easy pattern) that I wanted to change the edges. I recommend this one to any and all who do yard crafting.

[Jeremy Thomas]

Great resource for serious crocheters.

[Judy Dotson]

I have had this book for years & use it daily in winter & frequently the rest of the year.

[EM]

This book is a great resource for a huge variety of crochet stitches. The instructions and pictures are clear and easy to follow.

[Robin]

Not the most exciting book in the world, but an essential reference for the avid crocheter who likes to make their own patterns. Well-written instructions and clear diagrams. My only quibble is that I wish the photographs showed the edges for each piece. Paired nicely with Eckman's much more colorful Around The Corner Crochet Borders book to make a unique scarf. Highly recommended for adults who love to crochet.

[Lisa]

Not a sit-down-and-read-cover-to-cover novel, but this is rather an encyclopedic reference for crochet stitches. Shows you ends results with various yarns. Good index in the back. Grouped into categories so you can pick a style if you're deciding or look one up if you're learning how to do a particular one for a pattern you already have.

[Jo]

Great compendium and nice to see each stitch design in the same color. This is the updated version which is great, but a bit surprised to read the author's notes (check the bit about forgetting how to crochet). At any rate it's a large and comprehensive stitch bible.

[Sherry Lee]

I wasnt really inspired by this book to jump up and dive into a project. Yeah, it has like 500 stitch designs but its just that. No real projects or suggestions for what to do with them. I guess its more for free form working, which I'm not into yet.

[Carrie]

I LOVE this book. Great for inspiration. Very easy to follow.

[Allison]

Prob need to buy this its so good.

[Kendra]

Excellent reference

[Courtney]

Not really sure how to rate this... a great reference really

[Lauren]

Helpful. Nice patterns.

[Joanna DiCioccio]

Great collection of stitches to get your creative crochet design juices flowing.

[Thepaganpuzzler]

About as complete a learning book as you will ever find.

[Aileen]

Really great reference on other crochet stitches and how to do them.

[Susan Eubank]

Maybe I just don't get as excited about crochet as I do knitting, but I was hoping for more drama here. Maybe it was just the yarn choice.