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The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs: 500 Classic Original Patterns
A classic of stitchwork, The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs has now been updated with all-new diagrams and full-color photography, and showcases 500 designs?from traditional favorites to originals found nowhere else. There are soft and lacy patterns; some that mimic knitting, weaving, or patchwork; and others that use large openwork and popcorn stitches. And every stitch design features a photo, reader-friendly instructions, and a diagram showing each stitch and its placement?so it’s easy to understand the entire design at a glance. The guide also includes a pictorial index, which displays the complete pattern, and directions for all basic crochet stitches. Both beginners and experienced crocheters alike will turn to this invaluable reference for years to come. A Main Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 27, 2017
Definitely encyclopedic! Is this the right crochet reference book for you? It depends on what you make and possibly your skill level.
Pros:
- Wow! 500 stitch patterns!
- Clear illustrations of common stitches
- List of crochet symbols
- Photo index in the front. Tiny photos (after all, there are 500!), but sooo much better than having to page through!
- Provides a close-up photo above a symbol diagram of the same stitches. Really helpful for seeing what's happening. Written-out instructions too. Covers all bases!
- Includes some quite large patterns.
- Did I mention 500?
Cons:
- Some really useful and commonly-used stitches are not included such as magic circle and standing stitches
- Shows only one method for picots. This is why so many people hate picots.
- Patterns are only given numbers, no names. Many of the classic patterns included do have names and it would have made sense to include the name.
- No instructions for increasing or decreasing. If you want to make something that isn't a square or a rectangle you are left completely on your own on that.
- Assumes you are working in rows with turns at the end. If you are making a hat, cowl, doily, etc. without turns, many of these stitch patterns won't work as written.
The book includes very little narrative, such as discussions of yarns and techniques. For me, that's a plus because it would most likely be pretty cursory and not add anything to what I already have. Others may miss it.
I found some great ideas here, but I'm not sure how much I'll end up using it because of the amount of shaping I'm doing in my current projects. Maybe when I move on to something else I'll find it more useful.
Pros:
- Wow! 500 stitch patterns!
- Clear illustrations of common stitches
- List of crochet symbols
- Photo index in the front. Tiny photos (after all, there are 500!), but sooo much better than having to page through!
- Provides a close-up photo above a symbol diagram of the same stitches. Really helpful for seeing what's happening. Written-out instructions too. Covers all bases!
- Includes some quite large patterns.
- Did I mention 500?
Cons:
- Some really useful and commonly-used stitches are not included such as magic circle and standing stitches
- Shows only one method for picots. This is why so many people hate picots.
- Patterns are only given numbers, no names. Many of the classic patterns included do have names and it would have made sense to include the name.
- No instructions for increasing or decreasing. If you want to make something that isn't a square or a rectangle you are left completely on your own on that.
- Assumes you are working in rows with turns at the end. If you are making a hat, cowl, doily, etc. without turns, many of these stitch patterns won't work as written.
The book includes very little narrative, such as discussions of yarns and techniques. For me, that's a plus because it would most likely be pretty cursory and not add anything to what I already have. Others may miss it.
I found some great ideas here, but I'm not sure how much I'll end up using it because of the amount of shaping I'm doing in my current projects. Maybe when I move on to something else I'll find it more useful.
March 20, 2013
I am like a woman possessed with my chochet This book is outstainding because it shows so many different variations on basic stitches. I particularly love the index of stitches front of the book. You can decide which you are interested in attempting and find it quickly! Again, directions are clear and concise. All stitches are shown in photograph form and all in white yarn- really makes it easy to see the detail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3-19-13 Just finished a throw using one of the larger lace patterns and it was easy to follow and the pattern came out beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
3-19-13 Just finished a throw using one of the larger lace patterns and it was easy to follow and the pattern came out beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 13, 2019
Wonderful book for the Crocheter whether beginner or expert! The amount of designs gives you so many options with your work! I am a beginner and found it so helpful with making a sweater (easy pattern) that I wanted to change the edges. I recommend this one to any and all who do yard crafting.
May 31, 2018
Great resource for serious crocheters.
October 20, 2020
I have had this book for years & use it daily in winter & frequently the rest of the year.
March 14, 2017
This book is a great resource for a huge variety of crochet stitches. The instructions and pictures are clear and easy to follow.
January 1, 2016
Not the most exciting book in the world, but an essential reference for the avid crocheter who likes to make their own patterns. Well-written instructions and clear diagrams. My only quibble is that I wish the photographs showed the edges for each piece. Paired nicely with Eckman's much more colorful Around The Corner Crochet Borders book to make a unique scarf. Highly recommended for adults who love to crochet.
August 8, 2016
Not a sit-down-and-read-cover-to-cover novel, but this is rather an encyclopedic reference for crochet stitches. Shows you ends results with various yarns. Good index in the back. Grouped into categories so you can pick a style if you're deciding or look one up if you're learning how to do a particular one for a pattern you already have.
May 16, 2013
Great compendium and nice to see each stitch design in the same color. This is the updated version which is great, but a bit surprised to read the author's notes (check the bit about forgetting how to crochet). At any rate it's a large and comprehensive stitch bible.
April 8, 2013
I wasnt really inspired by this book to jump up and dive into a project. Yeah, it has like 500 stitch designs but its just that. No real projects or suggestions for what to do with them. I guess its more for free form working, which I'm not into yet.
August 27, 2008
I LOVE this book. Great for inspiration. Very easy to follow.
August 6, 2011
Prob need to buy this its so good.
January 14, 2013
Excellent reference
August 27, 2013
Not really sure how to rate this... a great reference really
May 14, 2017
Helpful. Nice patterns.
February 23, 2016
Great collection of stitches to get your creative crochet design juices flowing.
August 8, 2010
About as complete a learning book as you will ever find.
October 11, 2016
Really great reference on other crochet stitches and how to do them.
November 6, 2017
Maybe I just don't get as excited about crochet as I do knitting, but I was hoping for more drama here. Maybe it was just the yarn choice.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews