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The Crochet Answer Book
From selecting the right hook and yarn to working around corners and venturing into more complex patterns, this reference provides hands-on advice. It is written in a question and answer format.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 22, 2014
The Crochet Answer Book is a great resource, especially for people who are just beginning to crochet or who know the basics and want to add some embellishments. It has very clear illustrations and explanations, and shows pretty much everything from both a right-handed and a left-handed perspective -- having tried to teach a leftie to crochet, I definitely appreciate that and would probably use this in future rather than trying to crochet left-handed myself or something like that.
Especially useful for me is the stuff about gauge, because I've never made anything that needed me to pay strict attention to that. I'm not sure about "answers to every question you'll ever ask", but this is definitely a good resource and worth picking up if a Q&A style book seems likely to help you.
Especially useful for me is the stuff about gauge, because I've never made anything that needed me to pay strict attention to that. I'm not sure about "answers to every question you'll ever ask", but this is definitely a good resource and worth picking up if a Q&A style book seems likely to help you.
January 13, 2015
As a self-taught crocheter, I've struggled with online resources when I need a little (or a lot of) help. From youtube, to charts, diagrams, scanned photos and drawings and everything in between, I've found the process of learning more than the basics to be hit and miss.
And more often than not, frustrating.
The Crochet Answer Book started out with my comfort level, in many cases very beginner, without leaving me feeling like it was doing a cursory job of being an introductory book. I never felt things were glossed over before because I "should" know them.
The thing I loved most is the diagrams. The work displayed is all one colour except the bit you need to pay attention to. Clear and easy. I honestly face-palmed more than once as I realized "that's all there is to it?"
The Crochet Answer Book is a brilliant resource for any needlework library.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
And more often than not, frustrating.
The Crochet Answer Book started out with my comfort level, in many cases very beginner, without leaving me feeling like it was doing a cursory job of being an introductory book. I never felt things were glossed over before because I "should" know them.
The thing I loved most is the diagrams. The work displayed is all one colour except the bit you need to pay attention to. Clear and easy. I honestly face-palmed more than once as I realized "that's all there is to it?"
The Crochet Answer Book is a brilliant resource for any needlework library.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
October 20, 2021
Didn't really read all of it, but looked through it marking pages for references.
I've known very basic crochet for years and this is going to help me to learn
new stitches and techniques.
I've known very basic crochet for years and this is going to help me to learn
new stitches and techniques.
November 19, 2014
The Crochet Answer Book can be used as a quick-start guide for new crocheters - either reading through as tutorial or skipping to the next thing you want to learn - or as a reference book for those with a little more experience.
As expected, it covers the basics of hooks and yarn, including the details of loft, breathability and resiliency as well as the more normal characteristics of wool vs cotton and synthetics.
Each chapter begins, like an encyclopedia (remember those?), with the most basic questions first, increasing in complexity; they are full of useful information, especially those little tips which let you skip over learning the hard way and which make all the difference in easing frustration.
There are plenty of diagrams and charts to illustrate the text, including stitch symbols, and unlike many books this makes it clear whether it's written using US/UK terminology (and points to the pages for the other). There aren't diagrams for each stitch, but there may be more in the finished product than in the ARC I had. There are multiple left and right handed ways to hold hooks and yarn, and all the diagrams show both versions: a simple touch, but rarely done!
Calculations are provided for a variety of needs, such as yarn substitutions, stitch combinations, finding and adjusting gauge, and estimating yardage. This detail is what makes it worthwhile. It also includes help for working with tricky yarns (novelty or just slippery), different methods of handling color changes, reading patterns, and information for those who spin/weave, making this far more than yet another beginners guide.
Chapter subjects include hooks and tools, yarn, stitches, gauge, creating shapes, reading and using patterns, borders/buttons and other finishing touches like blocking, starching and joining, as well as a more advanced chapter covering other types of crochet from Tunisian to filet and lacework.
This is a great resource for any crocheters who don't consider themselves "advanced" or professional, and even those will probably find some useful tips!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As expected, it covers the basics of hooks and yarn, including the details of loft, breathability and resiliency as well as the more normal characteristics of wool vs cotton and synthetics.
Each chapter begins, like an encyclopedia (remember those?), with the most basic questions first, increasing in complexity; they are full of useful information, especially those little tips which let you skip over learning the hard way and which make all the difference in easing frustration.
There are plenty of diagrams and charts to illustrate the text, including stitch symbols, and unlike many books this makes it clear whether it's written using US/UK terminology (and points to the pages for the other). There aren't diagrams for each stitch, but there may be more in the finished product than in the ARC I had. There are multiple left and right handed ways to hold hooks and yarn, and all the diagrams show both versions: a simple touch, but rarely done!
Calculations are provided for a variety of needs, such as yarn substitutions, stitch combinations, finding and adjusting gauge, and estimating yardage. This detail is what makes it worthwhile. It also includes help for working with tricky yarns (novelty or just slippery), different methods of handling color changes, reading patterns, and information for those who spin/weave, making this far more than yet another beginners guide.
Chapter subjects include hooks and tools, yarn, stitches, gauge, creating shapes, reading and using patterns, borders/buttons and other finishing touches like blocking, starching and joining, as well as a more advanced chapter covering other types of crochet from Tunisian to filet and lacework.
This is a great resource for any crocheters who don't consider themselves "advanced" or professional, and even those will probably find some useful tips!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2015
If you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced crocheter this crochet guide will definitely add to your knowledge of the world of crochet. Edie Eckman covers all information related to crocheting that includes tools of the trade, basic and variation foundation chains, buttonholes, and joining stitches and motifs. There is no ground that is not covered in this educational book for crocheters. In addition, there are sections on Tunisian Crochet, Baubles and Beads, and Other Kinds of Crochet (Irish, Filet, and Clones crochet, naming a few).
If you are a beginner, this book takes you from start to finish learning crochet and many types of minute details such as bordering, working with patterns, and finishing. If you are an intermediate or advanced crocheter, you will add to or re-fresh your knowledge in this popular craft.
Edie Eckman is a nationally known teacher, designer, writer, and editor in both crochet and knitting delivering a great crochet instructional guide for all crafters. Being a crocheter, I found quite a few chapters to add to my information of crochet with sections on patterns, double-end crochet hooks, and broomstick lace. There is no way to include in the review all the bases covered but you can purchase a book and see the wonderful information Edie shares with us. Thank Ms. Eckman for this go-to guide.
I received this book free from Story Publishing through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
If you are a beginner, this book takes you from start to finish learning crochet and many types of minute details such as bordering, working with patterns, and finishing. If you are an intermediate or advanced crocheter, you will add to or re-fresh your knowledge in this popular craft.
Edie Eckman is a nationally known teacher, designer, writer, and editor in both crochet and knitting delivering a great crochet instructional guide for all crafters. Being a crocheter, I found quite a few chapters to add to my information of crochet with sections on patterns, double-end crochet hooks, and broomstick lace. There is no way to include in the review all the bases covered but you can purchase a book and see the wonderful information Edie shares with us. Thank Ms. Eckman for this go-to guide.
I received this book free from Story Publishing through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
March 28, 2015
I got this book for free from Net Galley and I know I will use this book for many years to come. It is a great reference guide with easy to understand illustrations, for right and left handed crocheter, it will answer pretty much any question you might have, form different hooks, to yarn, patterns and stitches. This book would be great for any beginner or somebody like me that needs a bit of a refresher from time to time, plus I am always on the lookout to master new stitches and this book has it all. A wonderful gift for anybody who loves to crochet.
January 2, 2015
I've been crocheting for a long time, but I never really learned the right way.
This book is a helpful reference in details that I usually overlook or don't know about.
I have found it very helpful with finishing up my last two projects.
I would definitely buy a hard copy once it's out to keep as a reference.
This review is for a free copy of the second edition courtesy of Storey Publishing via NetGalley.
This book is a helpful reference in details that I usually overlook or don't know about.
I have found it very helpful with finishing up my last two projects.
I would definitely buy a hard copy once it's out to keep as a reference.
This review is for a free copy of the second edition courtesy of Storey Publishing via NetGalley.
December 4, 2010
My go to bible for all crochet questions. Has saved me on many an occasion. Great for beginners and to refresh yourself when you have been away for awhile.
September 3, 2020
Handy, helpful crochet guide. Very informative I answered questions which I didn’t even know I wanted the answers to.
April 1, 2017
Book Review: The Crochet Answer Book by Edie Eckman
Review by Dawn Thomas
408 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Crafts & Hobbies, Crochet, Yarn
The sub title for this book, Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask, is very accurate. As a beginning crocheter, I was intimidated by some patterns. My granny squares were usually every shape except square. This book is broken down into 12 basic topics with a questions and answers format.
Chapter 1 covers hooks and other tools needed. The author does an excellent job describing the different type of hooks along with how to hold the hook. I found out I prefer an inline head hook. I also hold my hook in a knife hold. I think it is really great that she includes not only right handed information but left handed too. My daughter is left handed. She had a difficult time trying to learn to crochet since everything seemed backwards for her. There are two charts for hooks. The first chart is for steel hooks and the second shows the sizes for standard hooks. The drawings showing how to hold the yarn were very good. A great discussion is about hands getting stiff or aching shoulders. She gives a few exercises that really do work!
Chapter 2 discusses the different types of yarn. I was unaware of the different types of yarn. Bamboo, pine and corn yarn surprised me. The author describes yarn fibers and why the fiber content matters. She also includes facts and figures of yarn which includes how to choose the right yarn size and how to read the information on a yarn band. She also gives advice on how to substitute one yarn for another.
Chapter 3 shows a variety of foundation chains. This is so important when you begin a project. She also stresses the importance to yarn over from back to front. The author states you do not always need a chain stitch foundation. She does a good job describing the different stitches that can be made into the foundation chain and includes drawings of each type.
Chapter 4 gives examples of basic stitches along with specialty stitches. There are directions for all of the basic crochet stitches. The author also includes how to count stitches and how to decrease and increase stitches. In the specialty stitches section, she discusses extended stitches, shell stitches, bullion and roll stitches, V stitches, crab stitches, combination stitches like cables, clusters like bobbles and puffs, textured stitches like the popcorn stitch and decorative elements like the picot.
Chapter 5 talks about gauge. She stresses the importance of using the correct tension to get the required gauge. The author discusses making a swatch, suggests the size of a swatch and shows how to measure it before and after washing.
Chapter 6 is all about shapes and motifs. She begins the chapter with the definition of a motif and how to work “in-the-round.” There are several varieties of ways to create rounds. The next topic is how to move from the first row to the next. This is an area where I was interested in since I tend to lose my place. There are spirals, triangles, ovals, semi-circles, flat shapes and tubular. There is also a question about amigurumi and tapestry crochet.
Chapter 7 discusses fabric crochet and colors. The author answers questions regarding the different types of fabric, increasing and decreasing and how to find the right size of fabric. She also gives directions for a classic double crochet ripple stitch. Following that is how to work with color. This includes changing colors within a row or a round and how to read a color graph.
Chapter 8 dissects the language of patterns and symbols. This is an important chapter especially for beginners. She explains what to expect in a written pattern and schematic. Sizing information is also included in this chapter. She also the best way to take body measurements. I had to giggle when I read that punctuation matters in patterns. I had no idea!
Chapter 9 shows different facts about sweaters. This includes making it the right shape and size. The author revisits the importance of using a gauge and swatch. She discusses how to get oriented in reading a sweater pattern. She also explains how to tell the difference between the left and right sides along with the “Back” and “back.” The author also includes more information on body measurements and sizing information. The chapter ends with the explanation of shaping items and how to put it all together.
Chapter 10 gives examples of borders and buttonholes. The author gives examples of different types of borders along with diagrams then covers the topic of buttons and buttonholes. She provides calculations to determine the correct number of buttons for a project. There is even a technique to make crocheted buttons.
Chapter 11 discusses how to finish a project with joining stitches to put the project together. She discusses weaving ends into a finished project and joining motifs. She also covers the importance of blocking and the different types of blocking.
Chapter 12 covers other kinds of crochet.
At the end of the book, there is a list of standard crochet abbreviations along with commonly used terms and phrases
I really like the question and answer format of the book. It makes it so easy to find the right information. Sometimes reading a “How-To” book is difficult because it can be too technical. The information the author provides is very easy to follow and the diagrams throughout the book are very useful. The author also provides a step-by-step instructions for techniques which are very detailed
Review by Dawn Thomas
408 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Crafts & Hobbies, Crochet, Yarn
The sub title for this book, Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask, is very accurate. As a beginning crocheter, I was intimidated by some patterns. My granny squares were usually every shape except square. This book is broken down into 12 basic topics with a questions and answers format.
Chapter 1 covers hooks and other tools needed. The author does an excellent job describing the different type of hooks along with how to hold the hook. I found out I prefer an inline head hook. I also hold my hook in a knife hold. I think it is really great that she includes not only right handed information but left handed too. My daughter is left handed. She had a difficult time trying to learn to crochet since everything seemed backwards for her. There are two charts for hooks. The first chart is for steel hooks and the second shows the sizes for standard hooks. The drawings showing how to hold the yarn were very good. A great discussion is about hands getting stiff or aching shoulders. She gives a few exercises that really do work!
Chapter 2 discusses the different types of yarn. I was unaware of the different types of yarn. Bamboo, pine and corn yarn surprised me. The author describes yarn fibers and why the fiber content matters. She also includes facts and figures of yarn which includes how to choose the right yarn size and how to read the information on a yarn band. She also gives advice on how to substitute one yarn for another.
Chapter 3 shows a variety of foundation chains. This is so important when you begin a project. She also stresses the importance to yarn over from back to front. The author states you do not always need a chain stitch foundation. She does a good job describing the different stitches that can be made into the foundation chain and includes drawings of each type.
Chapter 4 gives examples of basic stitches along with specialty stitches. There are directions for all of the basic crochet stitches. The author also includes how to count stitches and how to decrease and increase stitches. In the specialty stitches section, she discusses extended stitches, shell stitches, bullion and roll stitches, V stitches, crab stitches, combination stitches like cables, clusters like bobbles and puffs, textured stitches like the popcorn stitch and decorative elements like the picot.
Chapter 5 talks about gauge. She stresses the importance of using the correct tension to get the required gauge. The author discusses making a swatch, suggests the size of a swatch and shows how to measure it before and after washing.
Chapter 6 is all about shapes and motifs. She begins the chapter with the definition of a motif and how to work “in-the-round.” There are several varieties of ways to create rounds. The next topic is how to move from the first row to the next. This is an area where I was interested in since I tend to lose my place. There are spirals, triangles, ovals, semi-circles, flat shapes and tubular. There is also a question about amigurumi and tapestry crochet.
Chapter 7 discusses fabric crochet and colors. The author answers questions regarding the different types of fabric, increasing and decreasing and how to find the right size of fabric. She also gives directions for a classic double crochet ripple stitch. Following that is how to work with color. This includes changing colors within a row or a round and how to read a color graph.
Chapter 8 dissects the language of patterns and symbols. This is an important chapter especially for beginners. She explains what to expect in a written pattern and schematic. Sizing information is also included in this chapter. She also the best way to take body measurements. I had to giggle when I read that punctuation matters in patterns. I had no idea!
Chapter 9 shows different facts about sweaters. This includes making it the right shape and size. The author revisits the importance of using a gauge and swatch. She discusses how to get oriented in reading a sweater pattern. She also explains how to tell the difference between the left and right sides along with the “Back” and “back.” The author also includes more information on body measurements and sizing information. The chapter ends with the explanation of shaping items and how to put it all together.
Chapter 10 gives examples of borders and buttonholes. The author gives examples of different types of borders along with diagrams then covers the topic of buttons and buttonholes. She provides calculations to determine the correct number of buttons for a project. There is even a technique to make crocheted buttons.
Chapter 11 discusses how to finish a project with joining stitches to put the project together. She discusses weaving ends into a finished project and joining motifs. She also covers the importance of blocking and the different types of blocking.
Chapter 12 covers other kinds of crochet.
At the end of the book, there is a list of standard crochet abbreviations along with commonly used terms and phrases
I really like the question and answer format of the book. It makes it so easy to find the right information. Sometimes reading a “How-To” book is difficult because it can be too technical. The information the author provides is very easy to follow and the diagrams throughout the book are very useful. The author also provides a step-by-step instructions for techniques which are very detailed
June 30, 2020
I'm mostly self taught. A fellow teacher at a show and tell handed us each a crochet hook and a small ball of yarn - chain stitch, slip knot, slip stitch, half double crochet. Keep the hooks if you might use them again. Any questions? That was it.
So this book - more stitches, how to read a pattern, what size hook (I used that #10 and nothing else for 10 years or more). I read it cover to cover 5 years or more ago and still come back when I an't solve a problem.
So this book - more stitches, how to read a pattern, what size hook (I used that #10 and nothing else for 10 years or more). I read it cover to cover 5 years or more ago and still come back when I an't solve a problem.
May 19, 2020
An indispensable book for the crochet enthusiast. While not entirely helpful to a total beginner, the book is very useful for reviewing stitches and problem-shooting with your work. The book is a handy travel-sized guide that will easily fit in a travel crochet kit.
If it had more visual aides and went a little more into-depth it would work for beginners much better.
If it had more visual aides and went a little more into-depth it would work for beginners much better.
January 3, 2021
Fantastic, interesting crochet textbook
I have been crocheting for more than 50 years. This is THE best crochet book I have ever come across. I bought the Kindle version. I can click on the illustrations and zoom in to see great detail. The book is also interesting and easy to read. A complete winner.
I have been crocheting for more than 50 years. This is THE best crochet book I have ever come across. I bought the Kindle version. I can click on the illustrations and zoom in to see great detail. The book is also interesting and easy to read. A complete winner.
February 11, 2025
Teaching myself to crochet, I had the knitting version of this book, so I figured I’d try the crochet one. Just like its knitting counterpart, this crochet one is so magical haha. I feel dramatic writing this about a crafting book, but I was seriously not understanding crochet and this helped me get more comfortable. Yay!
March 30, 2019
Excellent source of information, I learned so much! Not five stars only because I try to save that for extraordinary works with literary merit, but this book certainly achieves what it sets out to do.
March 7, 2023
Excellent resource for any level of crochet. I learned a lot, bookmarked a lot for future reference while working. This book also made me realize the importance of being able to read a pattern in a variety of ways, so I’ll be working on reading patterns with symbols instead of written out, next!
December 3, 2019
Good tips
January 2, 2022
Very useful reference book.
June 23, 2022
Great resource.
February 18, 2023
I found a more understandable book that I reference more than this. It's good, but not great.
November 14, 2022
Very good resource tool for beginner crocheters
December 1, 2020
I definitely want to revisit this as I become a better crocheter.
December 30, 2016
I received this as a gift years ago when I first started to crochet. I am self-taught & the book was given to me before the days of YouTube. Now you can just watch videos, but as I first started out this little book was handy to have for questions when I didn't understand a stitch or pattern. If I haven't worked certain stitches in a long time, I find I'll open this up & have a look to refresh my memory.
February 18, 2017
Good straightforward book. crochet although reasonably easy can be tricky here and there. Like her solution to issues and her no nonsense approach
January 15, 2015
A very comprehensive Crochet book.....
As the title says it really is The Crochet Answer book, I was so excited to be able to review this book as I have been crocheting for a few years now but still consider myself a bit of a beginner/not quite intermediate.
It is set out in a very clever way with a Question and then the Answer directly after.
It's very comprehensive with chapters on the usual, hooks, yarns and stitches.
But I found it to be much more than your regular how to crochet book and the author says in the introduction that is not what this book is supposed to be.
She is right.
It's got to be every question I could ever think to ask answered all in one book, and then some that I never would have thought to ask.
There is even an explanation as to why some hooks have the dip below the head, I had not even noticed this on my hooks.....
I sat down and went through this book in a few hours and it’s just amazing how much information is packed in, and how well it is written. Very easy to understand with lots of diagrams on hooks, yarn, reading charts and so on.
There is a section on the unusual varieties of crochet, pattern language and on fitting garments to yourself.
I could go on and on but I really think anyone interested in being able to have all the answers at your fingertips should read it for themselves.
I will be recommending this to my crochet friends......
As the title says it really is The Crochet Answer book, I was so excited to be able to review this book as I have been crocheting for a few years now but still consider myself a bit of a beginner/not quite intermediate.
It is set out in a very clever way with a Question and then the Answer directly after.
It's very comprehensive with chapters on the usual, hooks, yarns and stitches.
But I found it to be much more than your regular how to crochet book and the author says in the introduction that is not what this book is supposed to be.
She is right.
It's got to be every question I could ever think to ask answered all in one book, and then some that I never would have thought to ask.
There is even an explanation as to why some hooks have the dip below the head, I had not even noticed this on my hooks.....
I sat down and went through this book in a few hours and it’s just amazing how much information is packed in, and how well it is written. Very easy to understand with lots of diagrams on hooks, yarn, reading charts and so on.
There is a section on the unusual varieties of crochet, pattern language and on fitting garments to yourself.
I could go on and on but I really think anyone interested in being able to have all the answers at your fingertips should read it for themselves.
I will be recommending this to my crochet friends......
November 26, 2014
I received a free digital 2nd edition ARC for review.
So I was one of those people who learned to crochet from others and from random small pamphlets at the craft store. I eventually purchased a 20 page booklet that had pictoral descriptions of the stitches and told you what the abbreviations meant. I figured out what I needed to on my own. I wish I'd had this book back then!
The book is great for a range of crocheters -- from the novice to the person who has used patterns previously. The novice will get the most out of this book, but the advanced crocheter will find some interesting nuggets.
This book has:
* Left and right handed instructions with pictures
* How to choose the right yarn for your project
* Dye lots (Wish I learned that early on....)
* British and American pattern language descriptions
* Troubleshooting/Problem-solving
* Specialty Stitches
* Everything you ever needed to know about crocheting clothing, including how to measure men, women, and children for clothing.
* Crazy different types of crochet I had NEVER heard of - Tunisian, Irish, Double sided hook, and so many more.
* Helpful websites and books
* Much more!
So I was one of those people who learned to crochet from others and from random small pamphlets at the craft store. I eventually purchased a 20 page booklet that had pictoral descriptions of the stitches and told you what the abbreviations meant. I figured out what I needed to on my own. I wish I'd had this book back then!
The book is great for a range of crocheters -- from the novice to the person who has used patterns previously. The novice will get the most out of this book, but the advanced crocheter will find some interesting nuggets.
This book has:
* Left and right handed instructions with pictures
* How to choose the right yarn for your project
* Dye lots (Wish I learned that early on....)
* British and American pattern language descriptions
* Troubleshooting/Problem-solving
* Specialty Stitches
* Everything you ever needed to know about crocheting clothing, including how to measure men, women, and children for clothing.
* Crazy different types of crochet I had NEVER heard of - Tunisian, Irish, Double sided hook, and so many more.
* Helpful websites and books
* Much more!
November 16, 2014
This is a book that helps you perfect the art of crocheting. Even a beginner, can pick this book up or run it on an E-reader and make beautiful creations.
I was very impressed with the categories in this book. A whole section on what types of needles there are out there to crochet with. What are the parts? How do you use them? What type of yarn to buy for what needle?
If you are even the least bit curious, this is your guide. It is full of valuable information and clever color pictures of how to do steps to make your creation.
Edie Eckman's got a very basic way of helping me understand how to do the stitches I never thought I would learn. I was forever making chain bookmarks and now I can do way more! Now I can make borders, do the slip stitch and make an actual hotpad. It sounds so simple, but I never found it to be without this great guide.
Need designs? Want to make a pattern? Need to learn to do a border? Not a problem. Worried about gauges? Concerned how to finish? Now you can! Almost 400 pages of actual instruction in easy to understand steps.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com for review purposes.
I was very impressed with the categories in this book. A whole section on what types of needles there are out there to crochet with. What are the parts? How do you use them? What type of yarn to buy for what needle?
If you are even the least bit curious, this is your guide. It is full of valuable information and clever color pictures of how to do steps to make your creation.
Edie Eckman's got a very basic way of helping me understand how to do the stitches I never thought I would learn. I was forever making chain bookmarks and now I can do way more! Now I can make borders, do the slip stitch and make an actual hotpad. It sounds so simple, but I never found it to be without this great guide.
Need designs? Want to make a pattern? Need to learn to do a border? Not a problem. Worried about gauges? Concerned how to finish? Now you can! Almost 400 pages of actual instruction in easy to understand steps.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com for review purposes.
November 4, 2014
This book combines two of my favourite things.... Reading and Crochet.
One of the first things about this book I loved was the hook conversion page. So many times I have found an American crochet pattern and had to run off to find the page online that converts the sizes to UK size for me. Having it in the book is perfect.
The pictures depicting the most common ways to hold the hook and yarn is invaluable too. My friend and I both hold our hooks and yarn completely differently, and the assurance in the book that there really isn't a 'wrong way' to hold them is comforting to newcomers to the craft.
All in this is a great book for the beginner, and I really wish I had this when I first started crocheting. But that doesn't mean I cant find it useful now, there is a whole section on gauge, including how to adjust if your gauge doesn't match the pattern. Which if I'm being honest has always confused me a little. And it includes some handy tips for graph crochet which I have tried and failed at previously, but something I am willing too try again now that I have this handy guide.
One of the first things about this book I loved was the hook conversion page. So many times I have found an American crochet pattern and had to run off to find the page online that converts the sizes to UK size for me. Having it in the book is perfect.
The pictures depicting the most common ways to hold the hook and yarn is invaluable too. My friend and I both hold our hooks and yarn completely differently, and the assurance in the book that there really isn't a 'wrong way' to hold them is comforting to newcomers to the craft.
All in this is a great book for the beginner, and I really wish I had this when I first started crocheting. But that doesn't mean I cant find it useful now, there is a whole section on gauge, including how to adjust if your gauge doesn't match the pattern. Which if I'm being honest has always confused me a little. And it includes some handy tips for graph crochet which I have tried and failed at previously, but something I am willing too try again now that I have this handy guide.
March 28, 2015
I got this book for free from Net Galley and I know I will use this book for many years to come. It is a great reference guide with easy to understand illustrations, for right and left handed crocheter, it will answer pretty much any question you might have, form different hooks, to yarn, patterns and stitches. This book would be great for any beginner or somebody like me that needs a bit of a refresher from time to time, plus I am always on the lookout to master new stitches and this book has it all. A wonderful gift for anybody who loves to crochet.
May 20, 2015
I got a how-to crochet book for Christmas which was simple to understand and helped me get started quickly. However, I found myself getting stuck. I found this book helped fill in the gaps of my knowledge and was also really inspiring, because not only does it cover the basics, it also provides some really advanced advice and techniques; ones I am nowhere near ready to try yet but which I could aim to achieve in the future.
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