The Crochet Stitch Handbook

The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts

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Pub Date Oct 09 2018 | Archive Date Nov 27 2018

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Description

The Crochet Stitch Handbook fully explains over 200 stitches. A perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts, this book is a wonderful addition to the library of any crafter, crocheter, or knitter.

The handbook includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a continuous length of yarn, using a single hook. The word crochet itself derives from the French croc, meaning a hook (or crook); an old Scottish name for crochet is "shepherd's knitting." It is one of themost portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only a hook and some yarn. 

Master the basic techniques of crochet, and more, to create a fascinating variety of effects with The Crochet Stitch Handbook.

 
The Crochet Stitch Handbook fully explains over 200 stitches. A perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts, this book is a wonderful addition to the library...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780785836360
PRICE $14.99 (USD)

Average rating from 71 members


Featured Reviews

What an informative book.
I am a constant winter crocheter, but by no means a professional and I found this book so informative and quite different to other crochet "Bibles" out in the world.
Lots of information as a new crocheter, also lots of information for experienced, like starting and ending colours, adding borders, changing colours, and quite a few new block and edging styles that I haven't seen before.
I will definitely be purchasing this one when released for all my crochet friends.
Thankyou for the opportunity to review this title and I will put it to good use.

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Learning to crochet has been on my 'to do' list as I get older and I have a hankering to crochet a tea cosy
This book was really interesting and very visual. It describes everything in easy detail with simple diagrams. It has lovely simple colourful pages showing different stitch patterns....who knew there were so many patterns to crochet. It also goes into what I would image would be more intricate/involved patterns (remember I'm a novice)
It shows a number of different square patterns, shapes and motifs, circles and others shapes.
I was hoping for some basic patterns, especially a tea cosy but then I realised the book was called 'The Crochet Stitch Handbook' and for that matter it fitted the title perfectly. Now I must apply some new found knowledge and make my tea cosy!
Thankyou to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read

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The Crochet Stitch Handbook is a lovely compendium for any crocheter. It features a wide range of stitches, all presented in an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow format. The large number of images, including a pictorial stitch index, is very welcome, as they give you an idea of how each stitch should appear when completed. It's also useful to have introductory information on crocheting for those picking up the book while still new to the craft. As a recent crochet-newbie myself, I am on the hunt for the best stitch handbook to add to my library, and having now viewed this one, it is definitely a strong contender for purchase, since I liked its clear, no fuss approach. The only thing I wasn't 100% keen on was the printing of the charts in colours. Some were fine, but others could be a bit tough on the eyes. Black, or at least darker shades, might have worked better. Also, in a few of the photos, the stitches aren't as clearly visible as in others. But those are small gripes, and in all other ways, this book provides an excellent resource.

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A handy reference of crochet stitches. Each stitch pattern is shown charted as well as including complete written directions. Basic crochet skills are also covered for those needing a refresher or new to the craft. One of the best parts is the visual list of stitches in the beginning. Each stitch is represented by a thumbnail photo making it quick to find the stitch you're looking for even if you don't know the name of the stitch without needing to flip through the whole book. All books of stitch patterns and project patterns should be presented this way.

Thank you to Betty Barnden, Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

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This was a fantastic source of information for keen crochet fans or for those just starting out. Lots of stitches I had never heard of I would definitely buy this book when it comes out

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The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden
First time author for me. I am a self taught published corchet designer of baby afghans so am excited to be able to find out more about crochet. I also knit and have many reference books on hand.
This book fascinates me because it's primarily set up in the same way as my knitting reference books-so detailed and orderly.
Lots of colorful pictures of patterns in swatches throughout the book that I love.
Table of contents where stitches and patterns are categorized for ease of finding what you are looking for.
Has so many resources including how to use the book, equipment and charts of sizes available and which to use and which yarns.
Diagrams show you how to do the stitches while words explain also how to do the stitch.
I only know about 6 different stitches but always willing to learn and use more of them. Stitch selector for me is the best part of this book.
Each swatch is shown with it's name and if you select one it will show you how to do the stitch pattern.
Love how the categories are color coorindated also. Like chevrons and can imagine them in infant charity afghans I make.
Each swatch is also shown in chart format if you are more familiar with working the stitches that way.
Some stitches seem challenging to me and I can't wait to give them a try especially because the directions are so straight forward.
What a treasure, A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
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A very good way to learn about the crochet stitch from A to Z. The book starts with an introduction of a basic and intermediate set of stitches. Then, the author added chapters like a catalog about the textures & patterns illustrated with colorful pictures and illustrations. One of my favorites features of this book is the clarity of the tutorials. The tutorials are easy to understand and replicate without a problem,

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I think this book is perfect for someone who is just learning and who wants to learn a variety of stitches. I love the detailed technical diagrams and how the different strands are multi colored so its easier to see. I also love how there is a black arrow showing which loop to guide yarn through.

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Excellent compilation of crochet stitches and techniques. The books is both well-organized and well-designed. The first section provides clear illustrations of basic and more advanced techniques. Using color rather than simple black and white illustration helps makes it easier to learn how the stiches are formed. The remaining sections are organized according to stitch group making it easy to see how stitch variations play off each other. Highly recommended for beginner and advanced crochetrs alike.

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Great reference book for all crafters! Been crocheting since young teens and wish I had this book over the decades as some things change (like crochet hook sizes) and some things stay the same (like broomstick lace). Appreciate the hand drawn images and photos as well as varying the color scheme to better visualize the stitches and avoid confusion. This book opened my eyes to new ways to crochet other than just single and double stitches. Time to get some yarn and start hooking!
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.

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There are so many Books on the market and its becoming harder to find a good Crochet book that's Crammed with so much information that will help a beginner to rochet and for someone who has been crocheting a long time. So Essential Handbook Of Crochet Stitches: Over 200 Traditional And Contemporary Stitches With Easy To Follow Charts by Betty Barnden was a great find.
Its wonderfully illustrated throughout with lots of information and "clear" instructions and guidelines how to do new crochets stitches. It's easy to follow and just love the Stitch Collection chapters with Photos of the crochet stitches with a diagram of the stitch with a great illustration on how to crochet it. The tutorials etc are easy to understand and follow without a problem.
This is a must crochet book and so much better than some of the expensive ones you can purchase out there......I just had to go and buy this myself!

I would highly recommend this book. Plus a great Christmas Stocking filler.......Just Excellent

Big Thank you to Netgalley for this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

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This is a great book with a very comprehensive collection of crochet stitches. Good simple directions and illustrations make it easy to follow. Good glossary and table of contents. Wonderful gift for the needleworker in your family. From simple to complex it has something for every level of crochet fanatic. I received a copy of this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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There were stitches in this book that I had never heard of or seen before. This book is American so the stitches are called slightly different things in Australian and English patters. I wouldn't suggest this book for beginners, although the detail is great there isn't enough if you are a beginner. I will be purchasing this book for myself.

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This is a great book for crocheters of all levels and abilities. Everything is described clearly and in so much detail with lots of useful and easy to follow diagrams. I have learnt some new stitches which I had seen before but never knew the names of before. A great book to keep close by especially for someone like me who has self-taught themselves to crochet.

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Excellent crochet stitch dictionary. The layout and illustrations helpfully guide those new to crochet in making new stitches. I just started crochet, and this book is a terrific resource.

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I read this book the moment that I received it. From cover to cover it shows how crotched stitches are supposed to look. It begins with descriptions and photos of types of yarn and what each should or should not be used for. I found that I knew very little about yarn before reading this.

​It followed with supplies necessary. While this is basic. I finally understood the importance of gauge.

​The remainder of the book showed stitches and how to make them. They went from the simple single crotched stitch to very beautiful and complicated stitches and patterns. I did discover that I was doing a basic stitch incorrectly.

​Aside from the things that I learned in reading this book, there was a lot of new information and stitch patterns. The pictures are colored and clear. It is delightful to pick out the one for your next project. However, there are so many to choose from (unlike similar books that only offer a few ideas) that like me you will probably change for mind at least once before deciding.

​A great source for new crocheters or a reference book for experts.



A received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I found this book very informative, the beginning was excellent with its stitch by stitch diagrams. The Stitch selector section was very encompassing but I did find some of the graphs a little hard to follow, but then I did rather read the instructions rather the use graphs.
This is a very good handbook for anyone one that wants to either create their own garment or one that want to understand the formation of patterns and how they should look.
It is a very impressive collection of stitches and textures.

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I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Chartwell Books for my unbiased opinion of the book. This book is a must have for any beginner and a great reference book for a seasoned crocheter. It has everything. I have never seen anything as comprehensive as this book. I will be giving this out as Christmas gifts. I can't wait to try all these stitches!!!

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This is a great stitch guidebook for crocheting enthusiasts at every skill level. Each stitch is shown three ways: a photo of the complete stitch, step-by-step written instructions, and charted instructions, so no matter what type of patterns you are most comfortable with, you are covered. It's nice to have a reference book like tgis.

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If you are brand new to crocheting this book is for you. It breaks down all the different types of stitches with easy to follow pictures. Illustrated images clearly display what the stitch looks like. This book also goes over some basic understanding, like incorporating a new color and how to stitch together a seam. Once you feel confident and comfortable with you can begin to follow the different patterns to create your desired design. This book is perfect for beginners, but also a great guide for intermediate to advanced.

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This is a very helpful guide to a whole lot of crochet stitches, from the most common ones to some more complicated ones. Both the language used and the charts are very clear and understandable, it's very easy to follow which is the biggest thing when it comes to books like this one.
I really enjoyed what it had to offer, I learned a few new stitches that I'm looking forward to use soon. I recommend it. It's a great guide for everyone, from beginners who have no idea how to start, to experts who need a refresher.

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This is a fantastic reference for any crocheter. There are over a hundred stitches including tunisian, granny squares and shapes such as lreaves and flowers. All of which have clear instructions. In the front there are illustrations of the basic stitches and techniques. It’s also enjoyable just to look over all the possibilities using crochet.

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The Crochet Stitch Handbook is a clearly-illustrated compendium of more crochet stitches than I would ever need to use, all with clear explanations. This useful reference guide has helpful arrows to show where the yarn and hook should go in each step of a stitch, as well as a swatch illustration for each stitch and also a stick drawing to summarize the components of each stitch. I learned that the thing I've been doing as half double crochet all these years is really extended single crochet, which is similar but not the same thing. The only thing that threw me was the abbreviation "yrh," which I quickly gathered was used where I would say "yo" but which I did not see explained anywhere in the text--and I could not guess what it stood for ("yarn right hand?" but why, when usually yo is from the left hand?) Apparently this is an abbreviation of a British phrase ("yarn round hook") for the same thing. Knowing of the UK origin now makes certain other things make sense, like calling triple crochet "treble crochet." A well-done reference book useful for both beginner and advanced users.

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The simple drawing and detailed descriptions of The Crochet Stitch Handbook are exactly what I look for in a crochet guide! I'm in love with the way this book is organized with stitches, variations and even photographs to see what a pattern will look like that guides you to the correct page for learning that stitch! This guide has so many different stitches included that it's really the only book you need!

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Prima für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene, nichts für Könner. Sehr schöne Einleitung mit den basics und farblich hübsch zu diversen Themen aufbereitet.

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I love to crochet and have been doing it for many years, but I've never run across a book quite as complete as this one. Very clear pictures of different stitches and page after page of stitch patterns. Just a wealth of information and in a very useable form. Will definitely be using this one a lot!

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Chartwell Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Crochet Stitch Handbook. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Beginners can use The Crochet Stitch Handbook as a starting point, although I did find the explanation of the shorthand used in charting the particular projects to be confusing. It may just be something to get used to, as this shorthand seems to be pretty standard. The introduction is quite helpful, as the author describes the different tool sizes and how to choose yarn and supplies. Page 15 is the most essential in the book for beginner, as the author describes the process of how to start.

This handbook is a handy reference guide, as the author painstakingly goes through every possible stitch and all of the fundamentals about crocheting. I particularly liked the pages called Stitch Selector (pp. 44-51) because the author shows the finished patterns/blocks with the associated page numbers, so that beginners can see what they are supposed to look like. I also love the practice pages, where crafters can learn the different crochet stitches.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook is designed for practice, as there are no projects to finish. I wish the author had included a simple project, such as a scarf or a hat, so that crafters may have something more than just practice pieces to show for their hard work. Overall, this handbook is ideal for crochet enthusiasts of any skill level, as it can serve as a reference to those experienced or practice for beginners.

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The Crochet Stitch Handbook - The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden is an awesome book. It has easy to understand diagrams from beginning stitches to special stitches. I have read many crochet books over the years but I would have to say that this is the most comprehensive one. Each of the 200 stitches has a key which lists the types of stitches used in that particular pattern/stitch. The directions are concise and clear and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book not only for beginners but for those who wish to extend their knowledge in the more detailed and specialty stitches. Well Done!
I would like to thank Betty Barnden, Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Loved this guide.
It is a great source of inspiration for new projects with an amazing collection of crochet stitches.
The instructions are easy to follow, and there are pictures of samples made of each point stitch.

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I have one book that I use as my go to guide already for crochet stitches, but now I have two with the addition of this fabulous collection! New stitches I have no tried yet, and great instructions make this a must have for any crochet lover!

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A wonderfully comprehensive guide for anyone who can or is interested in crochet.

From the basic stitches, to showing how to use them in far more complex way, this book is packed with colour photos and ideas. If you want to make a sampler blanket this book would be perfect. Applique and Tunisian styles also included. This would be a great addition to a crafters library.

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Ok, crafty people, pay attention! If you want, or need, to up your crochet game, then check out this book. There are stitch patterns in here that I’ve never even dreamt of. I haven’t been crocheting much in the last couple of years but I found all kinds of inspiration packed into this one. The book is organized with an opening section on the basics, as you would expect. I found the stitch illustrations were very well done and easy to see the required movements of hook and yarn. The rest of the book is divided into section by stitch type, such as, Textured Stitches, Openwork and Lace Stitches, and Clusters, Puffs and Bobbles. There’s also an entire section on Trims and Edgings, which I’ve rarely seen, and one devoted to making shapes of all kinds. Every pattern has written instructions, a color picture of a swatch, and a graph of the stitch. I was especially intrigued by the graphs because I’ve never been comfortable using them and practicing stich patterns seems like a great way to learn how to read them properly. Overall, I found this book to be well organized, well written, and packed with useful information. I highly recommend it.

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I’ve knit hundreds of socks, sweaters, shawls, mittens, hats, barnyard animals and angels. I’ve crocheted exactly one project, a Guatemalan tapestry crochet bag from a pattern in a twenty year old Piecework magazine. Recently, though, I’ve begun to see crocheting in a new light. Perhaps it doesn’t have to be all lacy doilies (although Pinterest and Ravelry really do have a lot of crocheted flowers…)

With that in the back of my mind, I requested The Crochet Stitch Handbook from Net Galley, pulled out some beautiful mercerized cotton I’ve had stashed, a few crochet hooks of various sizes, and away I went. Its been a fun adventure.

The Handbook gives very clear instructions for beginners, and it doesn’t take long to start. I’ve worked my way through the basics, and taken a deep dive into a few of the textured stitches. I’ll be avoiding the flowers, but there is plenty here for even the floral averse.

I heartily recommend the Handbook for curious cross-over handwork enthusiasts. It may change your mind about crochet!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A good supplementary guide for novices and pros alike. The number of stitches is pretty hefty so it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners at first, but it gives them a good basis and shows them things they may not have even thought of. It is also good for inspiring ideas in more seasoned crafters or reminding pros of forgotten stitches.

As with most good crochet guides, it starts with the basics before going into the stitches. The stitches themselves are nicely organized by type making it easy to filter through them. The author also includes sections on edging and appliqués among other things.

Overall, it is a well put together resource that is easy to read and use.

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This book is fantastic. I'm fairly new to crocheting and the visual instructions on how to do the different stitches is exactly what I need to improve. I definitely recommend this book if you're a keen crocheter.

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*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)

Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Oct. 10th, 2018

PROS
This is a true guide on how to do Crochet Stitches! I have never attempted it before, but I simply LOVE crafting, so I picked up this book to have a general idea of what I’d be doing if I started to do Crochet Stitches. I’ve been truly inspired and learned enough to want to carry on with this hobby =D

CONS
Crochet Stitches are harder than one would expect – if you blink at the wrong turn of the needle, the pattern dies. I honestly found this part very worrisome.

COVER ANALYSIS
Simple, clean and fresh: all the stuff that Crochet Stitch isn’t about make up for a perfect book cover. I wish I had a physical copy at my shelf…

RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers with a passion for DIY works!

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I had been looking for a crochet stitch reference book and this is a great one! I find it so easy to easily master any of the stitches using the clear and easy guidance. If you have a crocheter on your gift list or have been looking for a book for yourself, you cannot go wrong with this one.

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Thank you NetGalley for my free copy!

I love crocheting! This book was perfect for any new crocheter or experienced crocheter. Images are super clear and instructions easy to follow! I would totally recommend this for anyone who wants to pick up a new hobby!

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I received this book in exchange for an honest review which has not altered my opinion in any way.

This was a very informational book that helped to show quite a few different details that I did not know when it came to Crochet. This book has convinced me that I should try and get better at Crochet, I have tried a few times, but I am not very good at it. This book has shown me what you can make and it's really quite cool to see.

I would highly recommend this book for any level of crocheter. The people who have gotten better at it can use the different patterns included as inspiration, while I use it as an inspiration to start.

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Thank you Quatro Publishing - Chartwell Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This book is a fantastic resource for different levels of crotcheters. I am a complete beginner who hopes to begin making a few simple squares and eventually a throw blanket or two. I have confidence that this book will help me to get started and continue to be a fantastic guide throughout my journey. There are plenty of move advanced stitches for the future if I progress well.

The stitches are shown with really well explained pictures guides. The book is laid out in an easy to understand manner.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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This book was different from the other crochet books I have read. Typically a crochet book would give instructions on several different stitches and then have detailed instructions on crochet projects (blankets, hats, toys). As referenced on the book cover, this book did not have any full project ideas.

This book focused more on the many different crochet stitches. It would be a great resource for an advanced crocheter. There were ten pages of what they called “stitch selector”. The stitch selector had full-color swatches of different stitches with a page number next to it so you could find the stitch to read the patterns for the stitches. It would be helpful to understand the crochet abbreviations for understanding the stitch patterns.

One negative aspect of this book is the yarn colors they choose. It would have been easier to see the definition of the stitches if they used more contrasting colors.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

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I am the proverbial part-time crocheter. And every year, come winter, I feel I have to learn the craft all over again. And I loved having this book this year. It saved a lot of trawling the net for demos etc and suffice to say this book is like my crochet bible and I don't ever want to part with it.

Easy to follow and understand I would highly recommend this to crocheters, beginners and intermediate alike. If someone bought me this as a present I would be over the moon.

An excellent guide and well worth having.

I reviewed this via netgalley and this would be an easy goto recommendation for people wanting an easy to follow and informative book on crochet.

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Great book with lots of things to make. Clear instructions easy to follow. I’m quite new to crochet and managed to follow the instructions.

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This is a fantastic learn to crochet/comprehensive stitch dictionary packed with information. The layout it beautiful, starting with an overview of the basics and then moving on to a wonderful color coded stitch dictionary, At the beginning of the stitch dictionary portion there is a "stitch selector" that shows little thumbnail pictures of each stitch so you can easily find what you're looking for. The swatches for each stitch type are crocheted in varied shades of the same color. Stitch types include basic, textured, fans and shells, mesh and filet, openwork and lace, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs and bobbles, tunisian stitches, multi color patterns, squares, shapes and motifs and special stitches. It's a jam packed resource that i highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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What a brilliant and informative book. I loved the format. It is so good to see all the stitches laid out like that so you can identify and choose the ones that appeal to you. The instructions are easy to follow and the book would make a brilliant reference addition to anyone's library. Great book thank you

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4 Stars!! This is the most informative book for crochet I have ever read! I’m a total beginner & this book has taught me quite a bit. The pictures/drawings were so helpful!!! That being said, I still can’t do it!! I’m so frustrated!! I don’t think I have the patients required to crochet! If I had an actual book & not the ebook version, I would have thrown it across the room! Haha! I can’t stand not being able to do something right on my first try!(or in this case, the 100th try! I might need an actual person to get me started.) Very helpful book & I definitely recommend it for anyone trying to learn to crochet!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*

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This is a handy reference book to have. It has an overall layout that starts from beginner and progresses to more difficult stitches. It is not a pattern book, but various stitches that can be used for a multitude of projects. It is strictly a reference guide that can be used to find that perfect stitch to use for a project or to learn something new.

I liked the book but there were a couple of drawbacks. The biggest problem is that this book only references the stitch names as they are referred to in the United States. I happen to live here so that is fine with me, but it is more commonplace to give the UK equivalent as well. By leaving those out, you effectively cut Europe out of your book!

The second drawback is the photographs. The amount of them was good and it gives you an understanding at each step of a particular stitch. The problem is the color choice of the yarn to use. It seemed to have a sheen on it and at times made it difficult to see what they were wanting you to realize. I think if a different color would have been utilized, it would have made it a tad easier on the eyes to distinguish the stitches.

All in all, I feel it is a good reference book to have at your disposal.

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Having been a knitter for over 55 years, but never having been able to crochet I was delighted to find this book. It takes you from the very beginnings (and I do mean beginnings) telling you how to hold the crotchet hook and the yarn. There then follows a comprehensive guide to working the basic stitches and techniques; a huge selection of stitch patterns along with detailed information on the symbols and clear pictures to show what the finished pattern should look like. This book is sure to become a firm favourite for reference as I begin my crotchet journey.

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Great book on showing you over two hundred diff crochet stitches, from the basics to openwork and lace, tunisian and more.

Good photography to explain the basic stitches, plus photographs of all the made up stitches so you can see what it looks like once made up.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review

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The book is perfect for both beginners and experts there are many schemes, very well explained with many images. Everything is explained with detailed instructions and simple diagrams.

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This book covers every stitch that I could think of and more! It is a priceless resource for anyone from a general crafter to professional crocheter. The beginning of the book covers all of the basics that is needed from tools and how to use all of the stitch patterns. The remainder of the book is filled with an enormous selection of stitches and directions complete with photos of a swatch for each one.

With this valuable resource, you will be creating something unique and beautiful in no time at all.

I was provided a digital copy from the editor and author in exchange for my honest review.

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A great read for beginner crocheters or those looking to learn a new stitch or two. Pictures are well illustrated and I found the instructions easy to follow. Some good ideas for those looking to learn.

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The Crochet Stitch Handbook The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

If you crochet, you likely have one or two books like this somewhere in your home. A guide or handbook that offers the basics of a variety of stitches, yarns, and techniques.I happen to have three- mostly because one went missing for a bit and two quickly made their appearance, and then the wayward book reappeared. I often flip through these books when I want to make a new afghan, scarf, or other project and am looking for something more than a basic stitch. Sometimes I am looking for a certain texture or square that I could use to build something unique, or a special edging for an extra touch. Or just to try and hopefully master something new.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook is a solid example of this style of book. I was excited to see little things included that often fall by the wayside, like the extended single stitch. Many of the instructions, stitches, and motifs were familiar or similar to ones that I have seen before, which is expected. I like that there is a key on the edge of each page to give the reader information on the stitch. The only thing I was missing was the information on the way the finished stitch drapes, which another book I have offers- and that often aids in my decision making process for choosing a stitch. However, the instructions and images were well paired and very easy to follow. I would not recommend it for fresh beginners that have just started out and are still learning all of the language and abbreviations, but anyone that has the basics down would do well with this book as their go to guide for stitches and inspiration.

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I found The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden to be an excellent book in the Crochet Book world. She is thorough and helpful with a written pattern and a “picture” pattern. My teenage daughter could not put this down. She just kept working through more and more stitches and they were beautiful. There is so much inspiration and ongoing options to choose from and I just can’t say enough about this book to all our friends in the crafting world. If you’re a fellow crafter in the crocheting world, you’re going to want this physical book in your library!
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


****Amazon, B&N

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I found this book to be one of the most helpful books for crocheting. I have bought many of books, but the instructions are not that clear and I would also end up with a huge mess. This book really taught me some stitches that had pretty simple instructions that I actually understood.

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A well put together and clear book of different stitches. Great reference for learning different stitches.

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