A to Z of Crochet: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Crocheter

by Martingale

Whether you're a new crocheter or just want to try new techniques, this must-have resource offers all the know-how you'll ever need. And it's now in paperback! Walk step-by-step from basic to advanced methods Learn the easy way with more than 1000 close-up photographs featuring real hands holding real yarn Fix mistakes, shape garments, and find the answers to almost any crochet questionAvailable to customers in the U.S. and Canada only.

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

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Also known as, and publishing works under the author, That Patchwork Place.

Focusing on works about quilting, sewing, knitting, and crochet.

In 2007, the company's founders, Nancy and Dan Martin, retired from Martingale and sold the company to the employees who now write and publish ongoing works.

From their site, "We empower makers who use fabric and yarn to make life more enjoyable.

At Martingale, we love inspiring you to create a beautiful quilt, or a sassy bag, or an adorable pair of baby booties. But more than that, our goal is to inspire a beautiful life. It's an immensely fulfilling side effect of creating with confidence."

Reviews

[♥ Joy Joy ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book for those already familiar with crocheting, but not for complete beginners despite what the title may lead you to believe. As a complete beginner who just started this month learning to crochet - the pictures are lovely and the first 25pages are great...but everything else was lacking in instruction and knowledge. I spent more time looking things up on youtube and the internet trying to figure things out from the book versus actually working through the book.

Would not recommend buying. You'd be better off just searching free resources and videos.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got myself this book because I wanted to have a reference guide for any project I am doing. I know how to crochet but I am always looking for new techniques or ideas, or refresh my memory. I do agree that if you are new to crocheting this might not be the best book to start with, but I liked it for myself. To be honest if I am trying out a new stick I find myself checking it out online first but I do like to have it in writing as well just so I don't have to watch the whole video again. I am glad I added this book to my library and I am sure I will get plenty of use out of it.

[Fi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see this being helpful once I know a bit more, but as a complete beginner I was super confused. It's kind of hard to see what is happening in the pictures. I do think that the conversion charts will be super helpful though!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic reference book in my library.

[Erika Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay but I don't think the images really show how to do the stitches. There is still a lot of jargon which for a newer crocheter it is not the A to Z but still informative.

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Shows you step-by-step, with actual photos, what to do.

[IdahoGirl4ever · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay if you're a beginner who needs picture instructions.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need all the help I can get

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference book with step by step pictures and detailed descriptions of techniques ranging from single crochet to fancy finishes. It will be wonderful help as I learn to crochet.

[C2015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed step-by-step. Many cool things including flowers. No stars.

[Laura Salopek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely helpful to a beginner crocheter. I will definitely check it out again. Lots of great photos and easy, clear instructions.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about a year into my journey of crocheting, so I picked up this book as a way to expand my horizons. Previously, I've focused on making things per patterns that I find for "easy projects" but I think my next project will be to create samplers of all of the stitches in this book. There are a lot to choose from – this book is hefty! The pictures, layout and organization of each example stitch is great for learning how to do it. Additionally, there is a lot of information on the history of crochet, the materials and tools, such as hook size and type.

I do have some problems with the style of print for the book. I think this would be much easier to use and follow if the book was printed spiral bound, so that it would lay completely flat on a table. As it is, the pages need to be weighed down in order to access them, otherwise the book closes right back up. I was also expecting there to be at least a few basic patterns, up to one per stitch, to show you how to take the stitch from a few rows in a tiny square to a full-sized piece.

This book serves as a great reference book/textbook for crochet but isn't great if you're still trying to learn the basics. There is a lot of info on the history of crochet and materials needed, plus the pictures and instructions are clear for each stitch. However, there are no patterns to follow, an essential for learning basic crochet.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still a bit confused but I don't think this book is at fault. It's me.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, I wish I would have found it when I was beginning crocheting rather than now. It certainly would have been more useful then than it is now.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

very visual book of stitches

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful. Nice patterns.