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Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia: 300 Stitch Patterns, Edgings, and More
Visual instruction for 300 crochet stitch patterns This visual encyclopedia features step-by-step instructions for 300 gorgeous crochet stitch patterns, from basic stitches to cables, lace, textured stitches, mesh and filet crochet, fans and shells, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike stitches, colorwork, and more. Each pattern is accompanied by a full-color photo and a chart. Every crocheter needs a book like this on her shelf—the content is timeless and will have a place next to the crochet hooks for many years to come. Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia gives crocheters quick visual access to a comprehensive collection of stitch combinations that enables them to create their own designs or modify existing patterns with ease. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced crocheter, Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia is a book you'll turn to again and again.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2011
222 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 5, 2014
مرجعي المفضل للغرز من سنوات، جربت غيره لكن ما أعتمد غير عليه
March 8, 2012
I love crochet style books with lots of stitch patterns to help me design projects. Crochet Stitches Visual™ Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula is an excellent addition to a crocheter's library.
Each of the patterns is laid out in both International crochet diagram symbols and written patterns in American terminology with a very clear color photo that shows the finished item with great stitch definition. So if you're more comfortable with written patterns, but want to learn how to follow crochet diagrams, or if you're very comfortable in diagrams but would like to learn how to follow written patterns, following one while noting the corresponding row or round in the other version of the pattern will help you learn.
There is a logical progression to the book that makes it very clear and easy to find the stitch type you need for your idea.
Chapter 1 is the simplest stitch patterns, based around one stitch +chain stitch, with variations like front and back loop. Each technique new technique is explained. A few types of foundation rows are also shown as an alternative to a straight chain foundation. These are staple stitch patterns which would work well in a lot of projects. The chapter ends with a few patterns that use a couple stitch types, in easy repeats.
Chapter 2 is textured patterns. There is so much texture available for crocheters! This chapter uses stitch combinations and stitches worked around the posts of the previous row for lots of texture and interest. These are the stitches for dishcloths, sweater vests and other things you want to have texture. This is also the chapter that will really help improve your crochet skills if you're looking for more advanced techniques. Patterns like the Popping Circle stitch which creates circles in double crochet that come of the flat surface of double crochet fabric are a fun challenge to learn.
Chapter 3 is basic lace patterns. The light, airy crocheted lace that's so perfect for stoles, shawls, fashion scarves. This has shells, clusters, lattices, waves and pineapples.
Chapter 4 is more advanced lace patterns using knot stitches, short rows and filet crochet. It also has beautiful partial motif patterns which are a great option for a lot of applications. I like them for summer fashion scarves.
Chapter 5 covers colorwork. While most stitch patterns can be worked in different colors, this chapter specifically covers stitch patterns that work best using different colors. These are great effects for any crocheter to have in her repertoire. The diagrams are shown in different colors to show where you change color. It also has surface treatments like slip stitch over a colored background.
Chapter 6 is Tunisian stitch patterns, which show the amount of variation possible in Tunisian stitch, including laces and cables.
Chapter 7 is square and hexagonal granny square style motifs. These are the foundation of so many great projects like afghans, potholders and fashion crochet. The motifs are worked in the round and use bobbles, colors, and chain spaces to create visually interesting motifs that easily tessellate for projects.
Crocheted using acrylic yarn switching colors every round.
If you have a pattern for a vest or other motif project that you'd like to customize, this chapter has some good options, including some fantastic lacy, intricate designs which work up fast.
Chapter 8 is flower and snowflake patterns and information on joining motifs using methods like slip stitch, single crochet and a very visually interesting V stitch seam. The motifs are small, they would be great for joining as motifs, but also just by themselves as decorations or tawashi (Japanese scrubbing brush or dishcloth).
The last chapter is edgings, which are so important in so many projects. A basic granny square or simple mesh shawl becomes a lot fancier with the right edging, and edgings can be used to dress up all sorts of things. The edgings range from the very solid Spike Cluster Edging which works well for non-frilly projects to the lavish lace effect of the Mystic Edging.
It's a great collection for crochet designers and people who want to learn a lot more stitches. It's not a book for a beginner. There is a glossary of terms and a table of stitches at the end of the book to help follow the diagrams. It's absolutely a book that I can recommend.
One of my favorite tv watching projects is sampler style bottle cozies for summer hikes. I use cotton yarns and just stitch stitch patterns every time I get bored with what I'm doing. It's a good way to practice new stitches, and this book will be beside me as I work on them.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
Each of the patterns is laid out in both International crochet diagram symbols and written patterns in American terminology with a very clear color photo that shows the finished item with great stitch definition. So if you're more comfortable with written patterns, but want to learn how to follow crochet diagrams, or if you're very comfortable in diagrams but would like to learn how to follow written patterns, following one while noting the corresponding row or round in the other version of the pattern will help you learn.
There is a logical progression to the book that makes it very clear and easy to find the stitch type you need for your idea.
Chapter 1 is the simplest stitch patterns, based around one stitch +chain stitch, with variations like front and back loop. Each technique new technique is explained. A few types of foundation rows are also shown as an alternative to a straight chain foundation. These are staple stitch patterns which would work well in a lot of projects. The chapter ends with a few patterns that use a couple stitch types, in easy repeats.
Chapter 2 is textured patterns. There is so much texture available for crocheters! This chapter uses stitch combinations and stitches worked around the posts of the previous row for lots of texture and interest. These are the stitches for dishcloths, sweater vests and other things you want to have texture. This is also the chapter that will really help improve your crochet skills if you're looking for more advanced techniques. Patterns like the Popping Circle stitch which creates circles in double crochet that come of the flat surface of double crochet fabric are a fun challenge to learn.
Chapter 3 is basic lace patterns. The light, airy crocheted lace that's so perfect for stoles, shawls, fashion scarves. This has shells, clusters, lattices, waves and pineapples.
Chapter 4 is more advanced lace patterns using knot stitches, short rows and filet crochet. It also has beautiful partial motif patterns which are a great option for a lot of applications. I like them for summer fashion scarves.
Chapter 5 covers colorwork. While most stitch patterns can be worked in different colors, this chapter specifically covers stitch patterns that work best using different colors. These are great effects for any crocheter to have in her repertoire. The diagrams are shown in different colors to show where you change color. It also has surface treatments like slip stitch over a colored background.
Chapter 6 is Tunisian stitch patterns, which show the amount of variation possible in Tunisian stitch, including laces and cables.
Chapter 7 is square and hexagonal granny square style motifs. These are the foundation of so many great projects like afghans, potholders and fashion crochet. The motifs are worked in the round and use bobbles, colors, and chain spaces to create visually interesting motifs that easily tessellate for projects.
Crocheted using acrylic yarn switching colors every round.
If you have a pattern for a vest or other motif project that you'd like to customize, this chapter has some good options, including some fantastic lacy, intricate designs which work up fast.
Chapter 8 is flower and snowflake patterns and information on joining motifs using methods like slip stitch, single crochet and a very visually interesting V stitch seam. The motifs are small, they would be great for joining as motifs, but also just by themselves as decorations or tawashi (Japanese scrubbing brush or dishcloth).
The last chapter is edgings, which are so important in so many projects. A basic granny square or simple mesh shawl becomes a lot fancier with the right edging, and edgings can be used to dress up all sorts of things. The edgings range from the very solid Spike Cluster Edging which works well for non-frilly projects to the lavish lace effect of the Mystic Edging.
It's a great collection for crochet designers and people who want to learn a lot more stitches. It's not a book for a beginner. There is a glossary of terms and a table of stitches at the end of the book to help follow the diagrams. It's absolutely a book that I can recommend.
One of my favorite tv watching projects is sampler style bottle cozies for summer hikes. I use cotton yarns and just stitch stitch patterns every time I get bored with what I'm doing. It's a good way to practice new stitches, and this book will be beside me as I work on them.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
November 8, 2011
(Full disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Wiley to review on my blog.)
I was very excited when I received my review copy of Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia: 300 Stitch Patterns, Edgings, and More by Robyn Chachula from Wiley. Robyn is a structural engineer by training and is known for using stitch symbols with her designs. I'm a stitch guide junkie (I have reviews of over 20 stitch guides on my blog and Amazon), and had really high expectations of this Encyclopedia. I fully expected the book to include the stitch symbols Robyn is known for as well as the detailed photos that you always find in books published by Wiley's VISUAL imprint. My excitement about the book kept building during the 14 stop blog tour which ended last week.
Summary
The Encyclopedia is organized into nine chapters, which are further subdivided into different types of stitches:
Chapter 1: Simple Stitch Patterns includes Slip Stitch Patterns, Single Crochet Patterns, Half Double Crochet Patterns, Double Crochet Patterns, Treble Crochet Patterns, and Combined Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 2: Textured Stitch Patterns includes Simple Texture Patterns, Bobble Texture Patterns, and Cable Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 3: Lace Stitch Patterns includes Chain Space Stitch Patterns, Shell Stitch Patterns, Cluster Stitch Patterns, Wave Stitch Patterns, and Pineapple Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 4: Unique Lace Stitch Patterns includes Filet Stitch Patterns, Short Row Stitch Patterns, Brussels Stitch Patterns, Loop Stitch Patterns, and Partial Motif Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 5: Colorwork Stitch Patterns includes Mosaic Stitch Patterns, Embroidery Stitch Patterns, and Charted Color Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 6: Tunisian Stitch Patterns includes Simple Stitch Patterns, Textured Stitch Patterns, Lace Stitch Patterns, and Color Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 7: Square and Hexagonal Granny Squares includes Classic Granny Squares, Hexagon Motifs, and Lacy Motifs,
Chapter 8: Flower, Snowflake, and Joining Motifs includes Flower Motifs, Circular Motifs, Snowflake Motifs, and Joining Motifs, and
Chapter 9: Edgings includes Simple Edgings, Shell Edgings, and Special Edgings.
There is also an Appendix which includes a key to the standard crochet pattern abbreviations and symbols, and written descriptions of different standard stitches.
What I liked about the book
Each stitch includes both pattern abbreviations and stitch symbols.
Robyn made an effort to include stitches that are less common in U.S. crochet stitch guides, including Brussels (Bruges) stitches, Tunisian crochet, and joining motifs. If you are interested in one of these techniques, there are stitches here that you are unlikely to already have in your collection.
There is a close-up picture of the swatch for each stitch. The swatches are made using a variety of yarn colors, which makes the book "eye candy."
The book is highly organized, making it easy to find a stitch you liked again after closing the book.
The book is a hardcover. This is great because stitch guides tend to see a lot of wear, so it makes the book more durable. It also makes it easier to hold the book open while you are crocheting.
What I didn't like (or what's missing)
There are no photo or illustrated tutorials in this book. I was quite surprised by this, especially since Wiley's VISUAL imprint is known for great step-by-step photos. Most stitch guides I own include a small section with illustrations or photos of forming the basic stitches and/or less common techniques (e.g., Tunisian crochet, working in the round, etc.). This means that you essentially can't use this book unless you already know all of the basic stitch techniques, are quite adventurous and don't mind many stitch failures, or you have the ability to learn from written technique descriptions. Alternatively, you could use other sources to find out how to do Tunisian crochet, for example, and then come back to this book for stitches - but that means this book isn't a "one stop shop" of stitches.
I find Robyn's way of describing some of the less common stitches confusing. This is probably not her fault, but due to the fact that there isn't a common language for these stitches. For example, I worked on a swatch using a Brussels crochet stitch for yesterday's post, and had to rework it several times before the meaning was clear. I think if there was a small tutorial (see point above) introducing new techniques, these stitches would be much easier to follow.
It is not always clear where the hook is inserted from the stitch symbols. I use several Japanese stitch guides, and I am fairly comfortable with stitch symbols. However, at times the stitch symbols in this book are sort of floating and it isn't clear if the stitches are worked into the previous row or a space between stitches. I think using a larger size for the stitch symbols would help. In many cases, there was a lot of "white space" on the page, so a larger size for the symbols would have been possible.
The stitch symbols don't have a "start" and "end" symbol. This is challenging in some sections with more complicated symbol charts since every row isn't numbered during a pattern repeat.
Overall rating
In some ways, I held this book to a higher standard than most stitch guides based on the author and the publisher. My expectations weren't entirely met. In particular, I was disappointed by the lack of tutorials/illustrations and the issues described above with the stitch symbols. I think a newbie to stitch symbols would find this book very challenging.
On the other hand, the book is beautiful to look at and has a very thorough approach to a range of stitches. I was pleased to see many new (to me) stitches, and I own more than 20 stitch guides! If you've been following my blog, you know that I usually host a giveaway for my review copy when it is provided by the publisher. In this case, I kept my review copy - so I was generally pleased with the book obviously.
I think an intermediate through advanced crocheter would love this book for the design possibilities. A beginner through intermediate crocheter, or a stitch symbol or pattern reading newbie, would probably find this book much more challenging than the other comprehensive stitch guides on the market.
I was very excited when I received my review copy of Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia: 300 Stitch Patterns, Edgings, and More by Robyn Chachula from Wiley. Robyn is a structural engineer by training and is known for using stitch symbols with her designs. I'm a stitch guide junkie (I have reviews of over 20 stitch guides on my blog and Amazon), and had really high expectations of this Encyclopedia. I fully expected the book to include the stitch symbols Robyn is known for as well as the detailed photos that you always find in books published by Wiley's VISUAL imprint. My excitement about the book kept building during the 14 stop blog tour which ended last week.
Summary
The Encyclopedia is organized into nine chapters, which are further subdivided into different types of stitches:
Chapter 1: Simple Stitch Patterns includes Slip Stitch Patterns, Single Crochet Patterns, Half Double Crochet Patterns, Double Crochet Patterns, Treble Crochet Patterns, and Combined Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 2: Textured Stitch Patterns includes Simple Texture Patterns, Bobble Texture Patterns, and Cable Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 3: Lace Stitch Patterns includes Chain Space Stitch Patterns, Shell Stitch Patterns, Cluster Stitch Patterns, Wave Stitch Patterns, and Pineapple Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 4: Unique Lace Stitch Patterns includes Filet Stitch Patterns, Short Row Stitch Patterns, Brussels Stitch Patterns, Loop Stitch Patterns, and Partial Motif Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 5: Colorwork Stitch Patterns includes Mosaic Stitch Patterns, Embroidery Stitch Patterns, and Charted Color Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 6: Tunisian Stitch Patterns includes Simple Stitch Patterns, Textured Stitch Patterns, Lace Stitch Patterns, and Color Stitch Patterns,
Chapter 7: Square and Hexagonal Granny Squares includes Classic Granny Squares, Hexagon Motifs, and Lacy Motifs,
Chapter 8: Flower, Snowflake, and Joining Motifs includes Flower Motifs, Circular Motifs, Snowflake Motifs, and Joining Motifs, and
Chapter 9: Edgings includes Simple Edgings, Shell Edgings, and Special Edgings.
There is also an Appendix which includes a key to the standard crochet pattern abbreviations and symbols, and written descriptions of different standard stitches.
What I liked about the book
Each stitch includes both pattern abbreviations and stitch symbols.
Robyn made an effort to include stitches that are less common in U.S. crochet stitch guides, including Brussels (Bruges) stitches, Tunisian crochet, and joining motifs. If you are interested in one of these techniques, there are stitches here that you are unlikely to already have in your collection.
There is a close-up picture of the swatch for each stitch. The swatches are made using a variety of yarn colors, which makes the book "eye candy."
The book is highly organized, making it easy to find a stitch you liked again after closing the book.
The book is a hardcover. This is great because stitch guides tend to see a lot of wear, so it makes the book more durable. It also makes it easier to hold the book open while you are crocheting.
What I didn't like (or what's missing)
There are no photo or illustrated tutorials in this book. I was quite surprised by this, especially since Wiley's VISUAL imprint is known for great step-by-step photos. Most stitch guides I own include a small section with illustrations or photos of forming the basic stitches and/or less common techniques (e.g., Tunisian crochet, working in the round, etc.). This means that you essentially can't use this book unless you already know all of the basic stitch techniques, are quite adventurous and don't mind many stitch failures, or you have the ability to learn from written technique descriptions. Alternatively, you could use other sources to find out how to do Tunisian crochet, for example, and then come back to this book for stitches - but that means this book isn't a "one stop shop" of stitches.
I find Robyn's way of describing some of the less common stitches confusing. This is probably not her fault, but due to the fact that there isn't a common language for these stitches. For example, I worked on a swatch using a Brussels crochet stitch for yesterday's post, and had to rework it several times before the meaning was clear. I think if there was a small tutorial (see point above) introducing new techniques, these stitches would be much easier to follow.
It is not always clear where the hook is inserted from the stitch symbols. I use several Japanese stitch guides, and I am fairly comfortable with stitch symbols. However, at times the stitch symbols in this book are sort of floating and it isn't clear if the stitches are worked into the previous row or a space between stitches. I think using a larger size for the stitch symbols would help. In many cases, there was a lot of "white space" on the page, so a larger size for the symbols would have been possible.
The stitch symbols don't have a "start" and "end" symbol. This is challenging in some sections with more complicated symbol charts since every row isn't numbered during a pattern repeat.
Overall rating
In some ways, I held this book to a higher standard than most stitch guides based on the author and the publisher. My expectations weren't entirely met. In particular, I was disappointed by the lack of tutorials/illustrations and the issues described above with the stitch symbols. I think a newbie to stitch symbols would find this book very challenging.
On the other hand, the book is beautiful to look at and has a very thorough approach to a range of stitches. I was pleased to see many new (to me) stitches, and I own more than 20 stitch guides! If you've been following my blog, you know that I usually host a giveaway for my review copy when it is provided by the publisher. In this case, I kept my review copy - so I was generally pleased with the book obviously.
I think an intermediate through advanced crocheter would love this book for the design possibilities. A beginner through intermediate crocheter, or a stitch symbol or pattern reading newbie, would probably find this book much more challenging than the other comprehensive stitch guides on the market.
May 21, 2019
There are some wonderful stitch patterns here with clear photos (for the most part). The diagrams are detailed and the instructions for each stitch are written clearly.
This is another crochet book that emphasizes stitches (organized by type) and does not have any projects. There is some info on which patterns may work best in certain types of yarn or thread.
People who love intricate crochet patterns will enjoy this book, as will people who crochet garments. As my eyesight can no longer read really intricate stitch diagrams or follow long stretches of stitch instructions, I'm glad I checked this out from the library rather than buying it online.
This is another crochet book that emphasizes stitches (organized by type) and does not have any projects. There is some info on which patterns may work best in certain types of yarn or thread.
People who love intricate crochet patterns will enjoy this book, as will people who crochet garments. As my eyesight can no longer read really intricate stitch diagrams or follow long stretches of stitch instructions, I'm glad I checked this out from the library rather than buying it online.
December 18, 2018
There are several stitches offered, yet the greatest drawback for me is that the photographs are both small, drab colors, and unclear as to their stitch definition. They appear to be lit from beneath which offers a terrible view of the details. I would give it a much better review if the pictures were improved. The selections are a step-up from the basics; a quarter of the patterns are motifs. The diagrams could be larger, and in a bolder print for ease of reading.
August 16, 2024
Colorful volume and pretty to look at. Stitch patterns are varied, interesting. This is not a beginner's book. It's probably best used as a reference and pattern planning tool. You won't find patterns here--look elsewhere for that inspiration. Maybe if you dream it, you'll actually do that next project.
Read
December 24, 2023Bought this to replace a very old stitch guide. Not quite as easy to see as the old book, but a good substitute none the less.
Read
March 1, 2026Great visuals for learning basic stitches
August 14, 2012
Got some mixed opinions when I asked about this on Ravelry. People seemed to prefer other stitch dictionaries better and said that this one was too motif-heavy, but I loved it!
I am not a super-experienced crocheter, but there was a lot here to inspire me. I thought the encyclopedia was pretty comprehensive. Yes, there is a large section on motifs, but there are fairly large sections on different stitch types as well. I think my favorite section was the one on colorwork. After looking through it, I have a better idea of how I want to go about learning these skills.
I am not a super-experienced crocheter, but there was a lot here to inspire me. I thought the encyclopedia was pretty comprehensive. Yes, there is a large section on motifs, but there are fairly large sections on different stitch types as well. I think my favorite section was the one on colorwork. After looking through it, I have a better idea of how I want to go about learning these skills.
January 30, 2014
Great book! There are a few stitches that are great for beginners, but this books seems to be geared toward those who already know basic stitches.
The lace stitches are nice, there are many that I haven't seen in other books, nor online.
Their is a granny square/shape section, which is good, but not too extensive. There is also a few pages that talk about how to connect the square, which I loved.
There is also a section on borders, but it isn't a huge selection.
The lace stitches are nice, there are many that I haven't seen in other books, nor online.
Their is a granny square/shape section, which is good, but not too extensive. There is also a few pages that talk about how to connect the square, which I loved.
There is also a section on borders, but it isn't a huge selection.
August 7, 2023
Large collection plenty of ideas
Large collection plenty of ideas. Maybe the selection of colours and styles for the patterns are slightly dated or not sufficiently attractive to figure out how they would become 2023 projects. But all in all this is a very good and vast collection of samples covering a wide range of crochet techniques.
Large collection plenty of ideas. Maybe the selection of colours and styles for the patterns are slightly dated or not sufficiently attractive to figure out how they would become 2023 projects. But all in all this is a very good and vast collection of samples covering a wide range of crochet techniques.
January 20, 2012
I love the sheer breadth of stitch pattern types represented in this very inspiring book!
June 15, 2012
Really fabulous book. Tried a few new stitches. Definitely will get years of use from this. I can see using it more and more as my skill level increases.
November 21, 2012
this and the stitch n bitch the happy hooker are some of the books i just read again and again
May 8, 2013
From what I have seen of this book its really fabulous! It covers a lot of great stitches. I think this is a book every crocheter needs in their bookshelf!
Read
February 24, 2014An excelant recsouse
October 29, 2014
This is my go-to book whenever I am designing crochet patterns. I can't imagine my crochet library without this book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews