Simple Crochet

by Erika Knight

Simple Crochet brings a modern twist to a traditional craft. Using a stunning range of natural materials—some unexpected—Erika Knight shows how to produce 20 elegant pieces for the home, ranging from cushions, throws and slippers, to boxes and baskets. What is more, you need no previous experience! Simple Crochet uses only a couple of basic stitches and step-by-step instructions give you all the know-how you need to master them. The appealing and original designs are worked in a contemporary color palette based on neutrals with touches of vibrant color, and will fit easily into modern interiors as well as more traditional ones. Simple Crochet is a must for anyone who wants to use their creativity to make simple but beautiful textiles for their home.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Knitting, Reference, Sewing

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2003

About the author

Keep it simple, chic and contemporary! So says Erika, textile designer and fashion design consultant, whose trademark has been the traditional with a twist. Coming into knitting via fine art training, she is highly regarded in her field and works for many international companies designing ready-to-wear ranges. Author of Comforts of Home (Martingale), her latest book is Simple Knits for Cherished Babies (Collins & Brown).

Reviews

[MonikaG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful designs in gorgeous colours.. but not much detailed help with the patterns, and the designs are somewhat expensive to make, if you were to use the yarns recommended in the book.

I call it 'Aspirational crochet'! (As opposed to practical, affordable and realistic!)

I love to savour the pictures whenever I need some design inspiration, but its basically a beautiful coffee table book. I wouldn't recommend it for its helpful advice.

[Donna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

These beautiful, useable projects feel very doable. I’ve made one and was able to adapt it to my own needs without too much trouble.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book - great crocheted totes, slippers, uses string, leather, etc. It made me think outside of the box.

[Vanessa Opal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cozy crochet book; the patterns are simple, the style is very clean and the fabrics & colours chosen are perfectly minimalist-chic. The photos make you want to crochet for Pottery Barn.

[Expollutions · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not for beginners. You need to understand the basic stitches before stepping into crochet with this book. This will go step-by-step on how to make the basic stitches but the images do not match what the text states. The images are nice, but they are not very user-friendly. I borrowed Kids Learn to Crochet from the library. This kids book will highlight the particular stitches for each step. Some steps say do not count the stitch on the hook, but when they say stick the hook through the second stitch, they mean the stitch right next to the hook. So they ARE counting the stitch with the hook?? This has great info but any beginner will need supplemental information. I use YouTube. I would supplement pattern reading too. If you only have this book to learn from, you may have a hard time figuring out the exact syntax paired up to the stitches. The system seems a bit awkward. This is a book for anyone that is a hobbyist or above. In that context, very good info.

[Jodi Geever · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Gabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, simple projects using yarn and other materials.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple really does mean simple here. I got this from the library because I wanted to make those slippers, and that's still the only pattern that interests me.

[Alice Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flipped through this in the store and immediately saw the section on yarn texture and color. Easy to understand and attractive! Brought it home and devoured it! Yarn shopping today!

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book before I learned to knit. It's a beautiful book of really interesting patterns, unfortunately I didn't get far in learning crochet before I learned to knit and fell in love with it and gave up crochet all together. I passed the book on to my aunt.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has great pictures, but it just shows snippets of the crochet projects. I want to see the FULL project, not just a corner of it. Instructions are easy to understand, and I made copies of a few of the patterns I hopefully will make. This is a book I would love to own.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some beautiful and functional projects in here. Life with her knitting book, I won't ever be able to afford the yarn, but as a new crocheter, it gives me an idea of where the craft can go.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great, simple ideas. Not that I can make any of the things yet but I'm slowly learning :)

[Kahri Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique patterns and I love that the patterns use more than just standard materials....leather, rags, etc are crocheted with. Items made would be useful as well.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

terrible B&W instruction photos but some lovely projects

[Mablaze · Rating 3 out of 5]

she's very beige. not bad. but the patterns are very modern home and beige. I have read better.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for people who are just learning.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book. Great looking projects. Have not tride projects yet, but patterns look like they would be good.