4.13

4

Nov 27, 2017

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. 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. ...more

5

Mar 13, 2013

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 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!!!!!!!!!!!!
...more

5

Oct 13, 2019

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.

5

Mar 14, 2017

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

4

Dec 31, 2015

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.

3

Feb 04, 2016

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.

5

Nov 05, 2012

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.

2

Apr 03, 2013

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.

5

Feb 23, 2016

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