Cover Image: Crochet

Crochet

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The graphics in the book are beautiful as always for DK. I found the stitch graphics really easy to follow and there were great tools and tips throughout the book. I highly suggest this to anyone who is interested in learning crochet or improving their craft. I learned a few things. I think this book would be best in print due to the colorful images, but I'm sure it would be lovely on a tablet as well. Happy stitching!

Thank you to Netgalley and DK Publishing for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A great reference guide! There are patterns to go with the different lessons, so that a novice can put what they learn to use. It's also easy to find information if you are not a novice but just need to double check how to do something. There are also a lot of stitches, and motifs, so that you can really work on your craft.

Was this review helpful?

I've used a couple different visual crochet books, and this one was one of my favorites. The instructions were easy to follow. I love that the book includes a guide on the different hooks, as well as other tools. I also love the color guide. I look forward to trying these fun projects!

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautifully photographed book and perfect for beginner crocheters. It is very comprehensive with a lot of different styles of crochet including stitches and patterns. The only problem for me was that the book is only for UK crochet, which is written different that US crochet. I would love to see this converted to US crochet.

Was this review helpful?

Extremely didactic. The book is very helpful for crochet techniques, with very detailed graphics and appealing and inspiring photographs. The book offers a comprehensive explanation in each of the chapters to aid users of all skill levels.

Was this review helpful?

This book has really great crochet patterns. I didn't actually make any of the projects yet, but the patterns appeared to be well written. It includes easy patterns, but it also has patterns for more advanced crocheters. The only suggestion I have for improvement is to mark the patterns with the American hook size (A, B, C etc).

Was this review helpful?

I own a lot of craft books but not very many crochet books because so many of them are either very basic or have too few patterns I think I'll actually make. That said, this book is going in my collection!

When I discovered patterns in crochet that were made up of symbols instead of abbreviations it opened up the craft for me--reading written-out patterns is significantly more difficult for me to follow. As I paged through and saw that this book included symbols as well as written-out instructions for the stitch patterns, that immediately piqued my interest. While unfortunately the project instructions don't include charts, it's still good to see the stitch patterns in symbols to help understand their structure.

The number of techniques covered is impressive and the variety of the patterns, many of which are classic in shape and style, means that this is a resource that will be used for years to come (unlike most of the books from the 1960s and 1970s I collected when I first became interested in crochet).. The projects range from home dec to clothing for all ages, as well as the perennial baby booties and toys.

The book is divided into sections that make sense logically, which make it easier to find techniques and patterns. The glossary and index are very useful and definitely features I appreciate.

Despite its somewhat unassuming cover, this is one of those rare crafting books I will reach for again and again.

Was this review helpful?

This book is good for what it is, but I was thrown by the use of UK crochet terms, which are different from US terms. I feel like that needs to be clearer.

Was this review helpful?

If you're interested in crochet, this book is a good place to start. It discusses tools, techniques and yarn weights and uses.
Great pictures help in the learning process. The stitches are shown clearly and reading a pattern is explained.
There are projects for each level, also beautifully illustrated. I wish I had read something like this when I first started, I struggled with the concept and had no idea that the weight of the yarn as well as the hook size greatly influence the outcome of your project.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

Was this review helpful?

Super helpful book for any level of crocheter. The pictures were of great quality and easy to understand. This would be great to keep on a reference shelf!

Was this review helpful?

This book is a beautiful instructional on how to crochet. It takes the reader from the basics to advanced. The instructions are clear and the pictures are beautiful. This will definitely be a book that my library buys to share with our community.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the colorful, attractive photos & diagrams. Both the written Instructions and photos were easy to follow. I especially liked the section on reading charted patterns, it was thorough but concise, making it easy to learn.

A great book for a beginner who wants to learn without all the fluff and extra comments in the average beginner's book as well as a seasoned needleworker who wants to refresh their knowledge. The patterns included are simple but practical and modern.

Was this review helpful?

"Crochet: Over 130 Techniques and Stitches" is a really thorough guide into the the techniques used in crocheting. The books starts off by going through the different tools and materials needed when crocheting and I feel like it did a really great job of explaining everything from the different types of yarn you can buy to hook sizes and yarn weights. I was especially glad to see a section that discussed yarn labels and the means behind the different symbols you'll find on yarn labels.
The book then moved through the different crochet stitches and techniques and teaches readers how to read crochet patterns. I thought they did a really great job of laying out basic step-by-step instructions and they provided really clear pictures for each step. After each new step or technique the book actually provides a project that the read can accomplish using the technique they just learned.
The techniques section was really great because it goes into everything you could possibly imagine. I was really impressed to see that they had a whole section, including projects, on filet crochet (laces), and even on crocheting with beads and using unusual yarns.
The second half of the book is a projects section that includes everything from blankets, apparel, children's apparel and toys, and housewares. The projects do really great job of building upon the techniques learned and the patterns and instructions were really easy to understand.
I've been crocheting for over 10 years and I found this book to be incredibly helpful and there were things in this book that I didn't know how to do =, such as crocheting with beads. I would hands-down by this book for anyone looking to learn how to crochet or anyone who already knows how to crochet because it's a great reference book. I am thoroughly impressed!

Thank you to NetGalley and DK Publishing for providing me with an e-arc of "Crochet: Over 130 Techniques and Stitches" in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Great resource for the new crocheter! The book covers tools, types of yarn and how to choose colors and then moves into stitch instructions and patterns. The patterns begin very basic and as the difficulty increases, additional stitches and techniques are clearly explained as needed for the patterns. These instructions include reading crochet charts, adding embellishment and edgings. With a good variety of techniques and clear instruction, this is the perfect book for someone just starting out or wanting to move beyond the basic stitches.

Thank you to DK and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Awesome book! I've been wanting to learn crochet for a long time but I've never found a book that I could understand and this book is the best one I've seen! It explains lots of different techniques and projects and they all look easy to do. I'm very excited to start making my baby's clothes using this book. 5 stars! I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and DK for this ARC.

I have the current DK Crochet book that was published in 2014. I just got it for Christmas last year. When I saw there was a new crochet book coming out, I absolutely had to request an ARC and was prepared to get yet another crochet book.

While this is a fantastic reference for both beginners and experts, it's pretty similar to the book I already have. I liked the step-by-step instructions and quality photos. There's a good variety of projects. I like the way certain projects are introduced after the techniques used for those projects are explained. I did wish there was a bit more information about Tunisian crochet.

Overall, if you already have the 2014 book, it's not entirely necessary to buy this one in the fall. Many items appeared to be the same and most of the included projects have not changed, If you're a beginner or someone who was thinking about buying a crochet book and don't already have the 2014 version, it's worth the purchase if you're willing to wait a few more months. However, it's very important to note that the book I have is written in US terms, while this one is written in UK terms, which confused me at first. For example, what was called a treble crochet (UK term) is what I know as a double crochet. That may or may not make a big difference for you, especially if you are a beginner.

Was this review helpful?

Great book for those trying to learn crochet, as I am. Gives you step by step pictures as well as great instruction. Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Ideal for the beginner and intermediate crochet lovers, this book covers all the basics and then some! Easy to follow instructions, great advices, and simple yet lovely patterns to try out everything you learn. I will start a few of these proyectes very soon! I’ve been crocheting for years but I still found it an excellent resource and I know I will consult it several times in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I was fortunate enough to be able to review this title before publication. I wasn’t sure what to expect, given that the cover doesn’t give much away. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. There’s a wealth of information contained in this 320 page book, suitable for everyone from someone who has never picked up a hook before all the way to someone who’s been crocheting for decades. I will note that the book is written using UK terminology, something that isn’t mentioned until the abbreviations given on page 81. It is here that it gives US crochet terms and abbreviations.

The book is divided into sections, such as Tools, Techniques, and Projects. The Tools section is the smallest, although it manages to cover a surprising variety of items, from yarn of all different fibers to basic color theory to hooks of all shapes and sizes, as well as the additional notions that might be needed. These pages are well illustrated and include CYC standards for yarn weights, what the different wash and dry symbols found on yarn labels are, and both metric and US hook sizes.

The Techniques section is extensive and goes into wonderful detail on everything from how to hold a crochet hook and yarn, how to make basic as well as advanced crochet stitches, where to insert the hook into a stitch, increasing and decreasing, etc. These techniques include photo tutorials and are extremely detailed, giving step by step instructions on forming the different stitches. Sprinkled throughout this section are patterns that serve to reinforce a stitch or a technique just given, which will be especially useful to someone new to the craft. Colorwork, edgings, and embellishments are also covered in this section.

The final section, Projects, is comprised of crochet patterns. These are subdivided by type:
Blankets and cushions
Home and gifts
Hats and Scarves
Gloves, socks, and slippers
What to wear
Toys
Bags

As noted at the beginning, the editor manages to fit a wealth of information into these pages. Someone with no knowledge could pick up this book and be able to crochet a basic project in no time at all. If they worked their way through the book and included patterns, they’d end up able to handle advanced projects easily. The book finishes with a glossary and then an index, making it easy to check a definition or identify a page. I have no hesitation in recommending this title.

The book is available for preorder, in both hardcover and paperback, from Amazon. The hardcover is listed for $39.47 and the paperback for $21.60.

Was this review helpful?

I have been crocheting for about four months now and have done both easy and difficult patterns/projects, mostly by teaching myself through guides and videos. I was interested in this book because I wanted to see if it had both educational value as well as provided projects I would be interested in,

As far as the educational value, this book exceeded my expectations. There were very in-depth descriptions of each of the basic stitches as well as very advanced stitches only needed for very specific projects. Because of that, I felt like this book would not just be beneficial for beginners but also for advanced crocheters to hold onto and to reference when learning something new. For me, I feel like it would be difficult to learn these stitches without watching a video, and it would have been nice if the book included ways to access video demonstrations. That being said, it would be very easy to look up a video on Youtube if needed.

When I looked at the projects, I liked how the book organized them according to the stitches being taught in each section. This is a great way for a beginner to ease their way into projects. I thought the patterns were well-written and descriptive. I did knock it down one star because personally I did not see myself making 90% of the projects in the book. They are definitely not geared for those interested in making more 'modern' projects.

Overall, I recommend this book to beginners and advanced crocheters alike. I would even recommend it to a friend wanting to start crocheting on their own!

Was this review helpful?