Getting Started Crochet

by Judith L. Swartz

Neophyte crafters learn how to wield a crochet hook with skill and grace, enter yarn stores with confidence, and recreate their favorite crochet trends in this invaluable guide. Seemingly complex crocheting jargon and techniques are demystified with step-by-step photographs and instructions. Clear diagrams demonstrate how to hold a crochet hook and yarn, and form basic stitches to create a simple scarf. More advanced skills--such as shaping, working in rounds, motifs, and edging--lead into sophisticated projects, including an evening bag, a pillow, and an edged camisole. Designed for the extreme beginner, the manual also contains an index, a list of additional resources, and helpful charts.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good beginner’s manual to guide you through the basic crochet stitches, along with terminology, different yarns and tools. Diagrams to help as well. Then wrapped up with some patterns to practice your new found skill, ranging from a basic scarf through to more complicated projects. However, it’s written for a mainly American audience so some of the terminology is confusing if you’re not based there.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good basic book to start. good pictures and clear descriptions

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good illustrations, simple patterns, excellent explanations of various stitches with step-by-step hook work. As the woman who recommended it to me said, it's also, "More hip. Some Granny, but not TOO Granny." Includes instructions on basic stitches, finishing, gauge, and several patterns ranging from very basic to more technical. A good first book for a new hobbyist.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good "how to" book featuring detailed instructions and some very nice items to make!
I learn more by doing, so I actually had to have a friend demonstrate the diagrams for me. Can't wait to try some of these stitches!

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book that has numerous patterns to peruse. This book starts at the very beginning of learning to crochet from your first trip to the yarn store to learning basic stitches and applying them to practical and fun patterns. Easy to read and has many pictures and diagrams.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent crochet book with some patterns that a person living in this decade would actually make and wear.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reference book. I've made the scarves in this book and they came out really nice.

[Nara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basics for begginers... but nothing too cool for young ladies like me... hehehe

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starter book with some tips that helped me such as blocking, magic circle, and simple embroidery stitches. Doesn't do any advanced or compound stitches - only goes up through treble crochet.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugly patterns and instructions for beginners weren't very clear.

[Jackdaw ☄ Bronteroc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is only for beginners. How to choose yarns and hooks, basic stitches and a few decent patterns.