Teach Yourself Visually Crochet

by Cecily Keim, Kim Piper Werker

The visual way to get hooked on crochet The art of crocheting is timeless-and its popularity is evident in the surge of modern, sophisticated techniques like amigurumi and Tunisian crochet. So if you yearn for the skills to join this crafting revolution, this easy-to-follow guide is for you!With new patterns and even more techniques explained step by step, this updated edition is your go-to guide for learning how to crochet.Concise, two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review Detailed color photos demonstrate each step and helpful tips provide additional guidance New patterns, more techniques, and refreshed interior design Packed with tons of step-by-step instructions and fun, innovative patterns, Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet, 2nd Edition, gives you the tools you need to create one-of-a-kind crochet projects that will add handmade flair to your home and wardrobe.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Knitting, How To

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been crocheting since I was in elementary and I have been teaching my daughter. I purchased this book so that she could do some independent learning as well. This book is awesome! I read the whole thing in one sitting and it has so many helpful tips.

The diagrams make it very easy to visualise what you're supposed to do and it walks the reader through all stitches needed to make any pattern imaginable. It includes row crochet, crochet in the round, basic design for hats, sweaters, blankets/scarves, shawls, borders, and amagurumi. It teaches you how to read a basic written pattern with an index of every instruction abbreviation and their meanings and it even goes into granny squares, filet crochet, and Tunesian crochet.

The only thing this book didn't cover was mosaic crochet but that's still somewhat obscure in the crochet circles I've been around so I wouldn't knock a star off for that.

Even though I'm an advanced crocheter, I'll probably return to this book for references from time to time. I'm really glad I got it in print. I typically reserve all book purchases for my kindle, but this is one of those books I wanted to have a physical copy of.

For those of you who want to teach yourself Knitting, their teach yourself visually knitting design book taught me how to knit my own patterns 15 years ago. I still prefer crochet, but their knitting books are great too! Highly recommended!

[Karen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this e-book as I am trying to teach myself to crochet. I am left-handed so not every book works as well for me. Although there were pictures in it because of its format I wasn't able to see them as well as I would have liked so I broke down and ordered the print copy of this just so the pages would be full size. From what I have read I can tell that this book is going to be a great help.

I just received the paper copy. The illustrations are large, clear and in color. Highly recommended.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked at many Crochet books before picking this one out. I think it's the best learn to crochet book out there. It's not easy to teach yourself to crochet but this book really makes it possible. The pictures are very good. I keep this book nearby and refer it often in case I forget how to do something or want to learn a new stitch. I've found that most of the mistakes I first made when starting was from not reading the text of the steps close enough.

[Barbara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners. This combined with YouTube videos helped me in my ability to properly learn & differentiate between stitches & read patterns which is crucial for any crochet project.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice crochet picture manual that is good for people with some crochet knowledge and those needing a refresh on some specific information. I like it better than using online videos to relearn crochet. No rewinding to the part you missed! I wasn’t overwhelmed by the basic patterns included in the book. It is better to look for a separate book with the specific type of patterns you want to make.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't ever read this cover-to-cover, but I own a copy at home and it's my first stop every time I get stuck-- and as crochet is not my primary fiber-craft, I get stuck pretty much every time I attempt a new pattern. Lay-flat binding would be preferred, as it's difficult to hold it up, reference the photos or instructions, and also follow the pattern, but no other instruction book is as useful for my brain.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm upping my rating to 4* because it’s good for a beginner or someone wanting to increase their knowledge of various stitches. The title pretty much says it all: “Teach Yourself....” It is a good reference book for beginners and those wanting to try something new.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good photos, lots of pattern options. Pretty clear. Only a brief note on left handed crochet instructions. (I found a magazine at the library with left handed instructions that was much easier to follow).

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "for Dummies" series is better known, but for visual learners like me, this "Teach Yourself Visually..." series is exactly what we need. The abundance of full-color photos eliminates the wondering, "Am I doing this right?"

[Jodi Geever · Rating 3 out of 5]

Occasionally, I pretend I am crafty. I am not.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The section with stitch patterns is very helpful. I'm working on a patchwork sweater with different stitches for each color of yarn, and I'm going to try a few of these patterns.

[Stephanie Peacock]

Could be a good bit better

[Judy Nappa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the library because it had some information on amigurumi crochet but I think that it's not really going to be as helpful to beginners.

[Suzanne Deneuve Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent instruction. I love the Teach Yourself series. Top notch.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am technically still using this book, but I feel like I've gotten a good enough idea of its merits as an instructional manual to write something about it. I think for anyone who learns well through trial and error, this book will be extremely helpful. The pictures could be better, i.e., they could more clearly demonstrate the precise step being discussed, but the "plain english" instructions are great and quite illustrative. If you're the kind of person who likes having a teacher handy, someone to get you out of a mess, to clarify what's confusing you, this book may be helpful but you'll still want to seek out actual instruction. I'm the kind of gal who likes to lock myself in a room and just try this stuff solo, over and over again, figuring out by myself what I've loused up, so this book did the trick - I've already created a number of crocheted items and feel more comfortable with it every day. Learning styles are so different, I wouldn't recommend this to just anyone, but for the book-learners out there I would recommend it without hesitation.

[Lisa Topp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for everything from beginning stitches to more complex ones, from fun flowers and curlie cues to easy afgans and wraps. Photos and directions are great. I played around with the afgan stitch and making flowers and curlies last night.
The book covers everything you need to know about getting started, from types of yarn and their care, to selecting hooks, and how to read patterns. This copy is from the library, and I would definately like my own copy to keep on hand. It is an invaluable crochet resource.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for beginner crocheters or those that want to brush up on their skills. I have never been good at interpreting crochet shorthand, and I've always been a better visual learner, so this book was ideal for me. It gave you basic and advanced stitches, in addition to techniques, stitch variations, combining stitches, how to follow a pattern, stitch patterns, and troubleshooting. It also shows how to make different shapes/flowers/creatures, blocks and motifs, edgings, and patterns for everything from hats, socks, sweaters, coasters, handbacks and belts. I think I might buy this one.

[Lyndz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, but I thought there would be more pictures you definitely have to read the instructions as well as look at the pictures. I had ZERO experience at crocheting before this book, but I am now doing several of the basic stitches with ease. I plan on moving on to some more difficult ones soon.

[Hafidha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook on my kindle app isn't always in sync in terms of text and photos, but this book is great. I love how everything is broken down by small chapters so you can easily find what you need in the table of contents. The language is very clear and direct. The instructions are broken down step by step. Great for the ADD person, in my opinion.

[Jamie Mauldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library last week. An excellent primer for beginners. It makes the basics a lot less consfusing, and even provides advice for beginner lefty crocheters such as myself on how to adapt to patterns designed for right-handed people. I'm still technically using it to learn, but I feel as if I've read enough of it to see how great it is.

[Holly Booms Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most useful intro to crochet book I ran across while learning to crochet this spring. Great illustrations and explanations. I bought this as my reference guide and have referred to it several times already. Highly recommended to novice crocheters.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to turn this in because it was on request. Bummer because I still wanted to learn more stuff in it. I actually taught myself to crochet with this. I knit, but had never crocheted before. I recommend it if you want to learn.

[Ceanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I've been crocheting for more than 20 years I still like to look over the teaching guides around. Some times there are new spins on this old favorite of mine. This book also has some nice patterns I'm going to try.

[LG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource.

Something I could see referring to quite frequently.

I taught myself the single crochet and the double crochet.
This book got me to experiment with circular patterns, flowers, and balls.

[Margaret Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very inspired by this book. It is chock full of projects and different stitches to learn. The full color photographs and step by step instructions are very helpful. The only improvement would be if I could hold my piece up to the book and it would tell me what I'm doing wrong. lol

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very detailed and well-written. I got it from the library, but I am very tempted to buy it for future reference. I've been doing single stitch crochet for many many years, but thanks to this book, I know multiple stitches, and finally created something other than a straight line.

[Mzfitz]

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[Sonya Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, I'm a dork but this book really helped me to learn how to crochet, easy to understand and follow. Good Pictures.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. Great for those who like to design their own stuff.

[آية مجدي · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such an idiot like me, it was great :D
It learned me how to crochet. I had no experience crocheting before, but it was a great guide for me. I'll use it more and more.