Crochet is such a popular pastime and getting more popular every day because the word is getting out that it’s no longer classed as ‘an old people’s thing’ … As more people become aware of the beautiful, colourful and modern crochet projects that can be made there is a definite trend towards learning this beautiful craft. This Best Crochet Book Guide will help you choose the right book to learn to crochet, learn new crochet skills or choose the right gift.
I’m always being asked which is the best book to buy to learn how to crochet, so with that in mind I’ve put together this list of some of the best ones on the market today in this crochet book guide… I will continue to add to this list as I become aware of new ones on the market.
These crochet books aren’t just for people that have never done crochet before, it’s also for people that want to learn something new with their crochet… Different techniques, different patterns, styles and crochet stitches… There will be something for everyone here. These type of books make fantastic gifts and I’m sure if you buy a crocheter a book (or someone that wants to learn crochet) then they would be thrilled with it. 😀
Crochet is one of the most relaxing things you can do… Once you’ve learnt how to do it… So I really would encourage you to give it a go, and I bet before long you’ll be hooked 😀
Beginner’s Guide to Crochet: 20 crochet projects for beginners
This is my top recommendation for a complete beginner
Product Details:
Paperback: 128 pages
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Author: Sarah Shrimpton
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Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 1.3 x 30.5 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 1446305236
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ISBN-13: 978-1446305232
If you are a complete beginner then this is the book for you.
If the thought of using patterns and charts is a bit overwhelming for you then this book will show you that there really is nothing to be afraid of and it explains all the scary looking stuff.
This book will have you from being a none starter to crocheting your first project in no time at all as it gives easy to follow instructions for each stitch and then a project, which means you can put your newly learned stitch into practice straightaway.
500 Crochet Stitches: The Ultimate Crochet Stitch Bible
This is my top recommendation for learning new stitches
Product Details:
Hardcover: 288 pages
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Author: Erika Knight
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Product Dimensions: 22.3 x 2.5 x 28.4 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1250067308
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ISBN-13: 978-1250067302
“500 Crochet Stitches is both a stitch guide and a how-to-crochet primer, all in one volume. You get all the information needed to get started, including how to choose yarn and needles, read patterns, work basic stitches, how to check gauge, increase and decrease, join pieces and finish projects and care for your crochet items.”
This is an excellent book for both intermediate and experienced hookers, but it also works really well for absolute beginners.
Each stitch is clearly explained with a photograph and a symbols chart, which is fantastic as most often books have either the written information or the chart, the fact that this lovely book has both makes it very clear how to work the stitch. If you have several crochet books in your library, I think you would find this is a book you most often refer to. This is an excellent book and one I can highly recommend.
My First Crochet Book: Learn To Crochet
This is my top recommendation for teaching children to crochet… Great for adults too
Product Details
Paperback: 48 pages
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Author: Alison McNicol
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.3 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK, but US terms also given
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ISBN-10: 1908707259
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ISBN-13: 978-1908707253
This is a fantastic way to get the youngsters started with crochet! It’s full of bright colours and lovely projects to make. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just for kids… This is an excellent book for complete beginner adults to learn from too. I’ve heard from many adults that have tried other books to learn to crochet, but with no luck, then I’ve recommended they give this one a try and hey presto get it!!
Projects include toys, mittens, scarves, accessories, granny squares and more!
Animal Amigurumi to Crochet
Product Details
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Paperback: 40 pages
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Author: Teri Crews
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.3 x 24.3 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1596357762
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ISBN-13: 978-1596357761
“Instructions on crocheting a bear, bunny, cat, dog, elephant, giraffe, hippo, and monkey delve into how to assemble the animals, and notes and tips on the crochet techniques used are included. These fun, intermediate-level projects are created with worsted-weight yarn and stuffed with fiberfill. The book details how to add finishing touches, such as 12- or 15-millimeter safety eyes, and the finished dolls range in size from 12 to 18 inches tall.”
This is a great book for anyone wanting to try Amigurumi for the first time, or even if you have done them before but want a bit more cuteness in your crochet life.
There are 8 animals to crochet and all super cute, although their little faces look a bit sad so you might want to put a smile on their faces ?
The patterns are all well written and very easy to follow.
Corner-To-Corner Lap Throws for the Family
Product Details
Paperback: 20 pages
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Author: Sarah Zimmerman
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.3 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1590127870
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ISBN-13: 978-1590127872
As you can see this is a very thin book of only 20 pages, so perhaps should be called a booklet or pamphlet rather than a book, but if you know that in advance then don’t let it put you off buying this one.
“Corner-to-corner crochet is a terrific technique. It allows you to begin in the corner of a crochet project, typically a crochet blanket or afghan square, and work towards the other corner in a way that produces a finished project that looks like a textured, layered version of the classic granny square. It’s a unique technique but it builds upon basic crochet skills so it’s very easy to learn. By following a pixel graph instead of a written pattern, you can incorporate virtually any character or image you want into a crochet blanket. This great book includes how-to instructions and step-by-step photos for 5 throws. All designs are made using #4 worsted-weight yarn.”
If you’re into C2C (corner to corner) style crochet, then this is a lovely little ‘pamphlet’ with 5 patterns. The one on the front cover is a lovely one to make and I’ve seen several that have been made up and all have looked excellent. So remember that this is more of a pamphlet than a book before you decide to buy it. (I know there have been quite a lot of disappointed people that didn’t realise that until it arrived)
Crochet Answer Book
An Excellent Book For Newbies and The Most Advanced
Product Details
Paperback: 400 pages
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Author: Edie Eckman
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Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 3.2 x 15.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1612124062
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ISBN-13: 978-1612124063
“In this significantly updated edition, crocheters will find answers to all of their questions about their craft. They’ll also find bonus features, such as illustrations for left handed crocheters; additional reference material, including internet resources; a larger section on unusual techniques like Tunisian crochet; and new questions on broomstick lace, linked stitches, crochet cables, and more. Crocheters of all levels will love having Edie Eckman’s expert answers handy as they work on all of their projects.”
In my humble opinion this is a must have in any Hookers library.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced Hooker this book is sure to be helpful for you, it’s packed full of helpful information. It’s excellent for people that have had a break from hooking and need reminding of a few things.
It explains with diagrams how to do things for left or right handed people. It shows you how to increase on circles with the right amount of stitches. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about crochet, I bet this book can teach you something else ?
This is a little book that packs a mighty punch, it’s small enough to carry around inyour crochet project bag, but is a mine of information when you need it.
Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs
Product Details
Paperback: 160 pages
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Author: Sandra Eng
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Product Dimensions: 21 x 1 x 27.6 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1632506130
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ISBN-13: 978-1632506139
Along with a collection of 100 fresh motifs, this book includes a complete guide to choosing yarn colors, what order to put them in, and how many to include. Plus, get five home decor and accessory patterns including a table runner, pillow, and rug from crochet designer and author Sandra Eng. You can shift shapes and shades to make the perfect piece for your home.
This book is a great source of inspiration for colour combinations, motifs and patterns…It’s one of those books that you can get enjoyment out of by just looking through it, but it also has lots of lovely patterns ?
Crochet Step by Step: 20 Easy Projects. More than 100 Techniques and Crochet Patterns
If you particularly want to learn crochet with UK terms then this could well be the one for you
Product Details:
Hardcover: 224 pages
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Author: Sally Harding
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Product Dimensions: 20.2 x 2.1 x 24.1 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 9781409364184
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ISBN-13: 978-1409364184
With more than 100 clearly photographed crochet stitches and techniques, plus advice on how to read crochet patterns, this foolproof guide will help beginners get started and more experienced crocheters to refresh their skills. 20 beautiful and contemporary projects show you how to crochet everything from granny squares and crochet flowers, to beanies and baby toys.
This is a fabulous book for beginners and also works well for intermediates.
If you particularly want to learn crochet with UK terms then this could well be the one for you… Or if you have already learnt the UK terms and you want to continue with them in your books, then this would certainly do the job.
There are loads of patterns and clear instructions so well worth buying.
The only down side I can see with this book is that some of the writing is quite a light in colour, so can be difficult to see sometimes.
Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Dk)
This is my top tip for buying as a present
Product Details:
Hardcover: 320 pages
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Author: Tracey Todhunter, for DK
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Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 2.8 x 27.7 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK, but also gives a chart for US conversion
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ISBN-10: 1409334678
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ISBN-13: 978-1409334675
“From Granny squares to gorgeous garments- a mix of classic and modern crochet projects
Crochet is the go-to crochet compendium, with more than 80 crochet projects, from simple flower blankets to crocheted baby bonnets and chunky scarves.
Crochet uses step-by-step techniques and photography to cover basic stitches, such as chain stitches and treble crochet, and includes helpful practice projects to build your confidence, before embarking on more adventurous and impressive crochet patterns. Beginner crocheters are clearly led through every stitch or if you are already familiar with knitting and other crafts you can pick up a great new skill quickly to create beautiful crochet projects, such as cute gifts, things to wear and items for the home.Crochet is the perfect guide for crocheters of all levels of ability.”
This is a truly wonderful crochet book, in my opinion it’s certainly worth paying a little bit more for a book like this as it is a thing of beauty and quality. This gorgeous book covers so much for beginners and intermediates, it’s full of useful tips, clear photographic step-by-step instructions on some great projects.
Crochet Therapy: 20 mindful, relaxing and energising projects
Product Details:
Paperback: 144 pages
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Author: Betsan Corkhill
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Product Dimensions: 22.3 x 1.1 x 22.6 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 1845436423
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ISBN-13: 978-1845436421
“Crochet Therapy is a unique and accessible craft book designed to combine the art of crochet with practical mindfulness techniques to bring moments of calm to your everyday life. The rhythmic skills and colorful repeating patterns created by crochet help to both relax you and encourage greater focus on the present―a vital element of mindfulness theory, which improves mental wellbeing.
Patterns include beautiful crocheted mandalas with zen-like circular designs as well as other simple motifs designed to help engage you in a series of meditative exercises. Alongside these patterns are further mindfulness activities, designed to compliment the therapeutic effect of crocheting and boost your health and well-being. With the help of this book, crocheting can become an effective tool to manage stress on a daily basis, whilst also allowing you to impress family and friends with your creations.”
I really do think that crochet is good for our mental health and can certainly help with relaxation, however, I think if you are a complete beginner to crochet then whilst you’re learning from scratch it perhaps won’t be quite so relaxing until you have mastered it a bit as you will find that you have to concentrate on the crochet in hand. Once you have got it, then the relaxation part of it will come in.
Edward’s Crochet Imaginarium: Flip the Pages to Make Over a Million Mix-and-Match Creatures
I Highly Recommend This Book For Doing Something ‘Different’
Product Details
Hardcover: 96 pages
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Author: Kerry Lord
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Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 1.9 x 28.6 cm
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Crochet Terms in:
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ISBN-10: 1910904589
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ISBN-13: 978-1910904589
“Design your own crazy critters with this amazing book of mix-and-match crochet patterns. Choose the body parts that you like the look of from our fantastic selection and use your favourite colours. Add stripes, spots or scales, and then turn to the sew-on extras section to select hair, eyes, horns, wings or tails…The flippable pages make it easy for you to follow the patterns in any combination. With 30 heads, one basic body, and 30 different pairs of hands and legs, projects are crocheted in one go from the top down. With step-by-step instructions for all the basic crochet techniques that are needed, this is perfect for beginners. In additional to the flip pattern pages, there are 30 pages of colour photography showing a selection of finished creatures to inspire you.”
This is a delightful book! If you’re looking to make something different than the usual blankets and scarfs, then this could well be the book for you! If you have children in your life, then they will be putting their orders in for their own unique critters. I love this book for the fact that you can make something truly unique with any type of yarn and different body parts!
An excellent book for making something modern and unique that children and adults will love… I adore this book!
Every Which Way Crochet Borders Spiral-bound
An Excellent Book For Borders
Product Details
Spiral-bound: 208 pages
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Author: Edie Eckman
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Product Dimensions: 19 x 1.3 x 24.1 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 9781612127408
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ISBN-13: 978-1612127408
“Step-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these 100 creative new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photographs, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagramed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource.”
This book is very clearly written, with lots of quality pictures and lovely patterns for borders. It has written instructions as well as charts, and also some great pictures of the borders. It gives lots of helpful information on how to read crochet patterns, charts symbols and stitch placement. You’ll never have that mind block again when it comes to adding a border if you have this book to hand.
Great for novices and also the more experienced.
Granny Square Flair UK Terms Edition: 50 Fresh, Modern Variations of the Classic Crochet Square
A Really Good Book For New Granny Square Patterns
Product Details
Paperback: 108 pages
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Author: Shelley Husband
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.7 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 0648349705
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ISBN-13: 978-0648349709
“Granny Square Flair is a collection of 50 variations on the classic crochet square. With innovative techniques and inventive combinations of basic stitches, Granny Square Flair is an essential addition to every crochet reference library. Inside you’ll find…50 crochet square patterns in both chart and written format. At least 3 colour options for each of the 50 patterns. Hints and tips for seamless crochet and how to make your crochet sing. Joining options. 11 projects you can make with everything explained. Guidance on making your own projects from choosing patterns to planning layout as well as choosing yarn and calculating yarn requirements. Glossary of all stitches and techniques used with full explanations.”
This is a fab book to widen your repertoire of Granny squares, it’s packed full of great patterns, and it would be lovely to make a blanket with all the squares!
Mandalas to Crochet: 30 Great Patterns
Product Details:
Paperback: 128 pages
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Author: HaafnerLinssen
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Product Dimensions: 22.2 x 0.9 x 22.2 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 1782213899
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ISBN-13: 978-1782213895
“Crocheted mandalas are having a moment! And it is no wonder the mandala is in vogue: one evening is often enough to begin and finish something eye-catching. This book celebrates the sheer fun of making and showcases HaafnerLinssen’s modern colour schemes and patterns. With full patterns and inspiring photos, a review of crochet techniques that helps you create a perfect circle, a discussion of materials, colours, finishing techniques, and lots of project ideas, this book is a guarantee for many hours of happy mandala-making.”
If you are a lover of mandalas and also love to crochet, then this is a must have book. It’s well written and has some really helpful tips and information. This is a good book for novices and more experienced crocheters. The only problem is… Which one to make first ?
12 Months of Crochet with Redagape: Your Creative Planner for Year-Round Crocheting
Product Details
Paperback: 128 pages
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Author: Mandy O’Sullivan
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Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 1.8 x 18.4 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 9491643223
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ISBN-13: 978-9491643224
The theory behind this book is to crochet through the seasons with 12 patterns (one for each month)
“The book presents a kiwi cushion for summer, a leaf tote for fall, a heart blanket for winter, flower embellishments for spring, and much, much more! Each season has plenty to offer, to make the most of all the happy and cozy moments that make that time of the year unique.”
This does seem to be a good book with some lovely projects in, and is suitable for beginners.
But bear in mind that it doesn’t have many patterns in it, compared to a lot of other crochet books.
Celtic Cable Crochet: 18 Crochet Patterns for modern Cabled Garments & Accessories
This Is A Really Good Book For Learning Celtic cable Crochet
Product Details
Paperback: 128 pages
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Author: Bonnie Barker
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.6 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 1632503530
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ISBN-13: 978-1632503534
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at crochet cables then this is the book for you. It’s certainly not for the complete crochet beginner, but it is made easy with step-by-step instructions and includes a visual stitch dictionary that takes the guesswork out of each pattern.
It shows you how to crochet sweaters, ponchos, shawls, hats, scarves, and gloves along with a hip messenger bag with a contrasting fabric liner.
“From start to finish, this all-in-one guide will get you hooked on crocheting contemporary, Celtic-inspired stitches.”
New Methods for Crochet Socks (Annie’s Crochet)
This Is An Excellent Book For Learning To Crochet Different Socks
Product Details
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Paperback: 40 pages
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Author: Rohn Strong
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Product Dimensions: 22.2 x 0.6 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 157367771X
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ISBN-13: 978-1573677714
“If you love crocheting socks, you will love this book. Included are 12 patterns, all using Premier (R) Yarns Deborah Norville Serenity Sock and Serenity Garden Sock yarns. A variety of techniques such as lace, colorwork, Tunisian and cables are used to present a collection of beautiful and functional designs. Instructions include tips for working socks with different stitch patterns, sizing the socks, and getting the correct gauge. There are a variety of heel and toe patterns that can be used interchangeably. Skill level: easy to intermediate.”
If you want to make socks, or already make them, then this is the perfect little book for you. Socks are a fab idea to make for gifts and this book helps make them in the right sizes and gives some great techniques.
Not only do the socks make great presents, but this book is also a great gift idea.
Round and Round the Crochet Hook: Patterns to Inspire and Admire
Product Details
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Paperback: 128 pages
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Author: Emily Littlefair
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 1 x 27.9 cm
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Crochet Terms in: US
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ISBN-10: 6059192300
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ISBN-13: 978-6059192309
“Working in the round has never been so easy or enjoyable. From quick projects, to ones that wow, this crochet book has it all. No matter your experience, or the size of project you’re looking for, this book has something for everyone; from doilies and table runners to garlands and cushions. These timeless designs allow readers to personalize each pattern to suit them with step by step instructions and detailed charts.”
This is a really helpful book with lots of ideas and great photos. It uses written instructions as well as charts.
Tunisian Crochet: From Absolute Beginner to Advanced
This Is An Excellent Book To Learn Tunisian Crochet
Product Details
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Paperback: 84 pages
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Author: Dijana Warrender
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Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.5 x 21.6 cm
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Crochet Terms in: UK
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ISBN-10: 1976934052
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ISBN-13: 978-1976934056
“A comprehensive guide to Tunisian Crochet written especially for the complete beginner. All you need to get started – a detailed section on Tunisian Crochet stitches with instructions and photographs. English crochet terms and spelling. Workshop style projects – clear step-by-step instructions allow you to build on skills and techniques. The book also includes intermediate and advanced design ideas with a wide range of stitches and contemporary projects to inspire and encourage your new skills.”
If you’ve been doing traditional crochet and feel that you want to move onto Tunisian crochet then this is the book for you. I wouldn’t say it’s a book for someone that has never done traditional crochet before as some basic stitch knowledge is required.
It’s very detailed with clear photographs showing exactly how to work each stitch step-by-step. It has lots of lovely projects for you to make and a clear winner for me if you want to start this lovely art of Tunisian crochet.
I hope this crochet book guide has been helpful for you!
If you think there are any other books that should be added to this list then please feel free to leave a comment below with the reasons why and I’ll have a look and do a review for them.
I hope you have lots of fun with your crafts.
