200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets: An Indispensible Resource of Technical Know-How and Troubleshooting Tips

by Jan Eaton

The basics of crochet are very quick to master, but feeling confident about how to move beyond the basics and create a stylish, professional finish for all your crochet projects is a common dilemma faced by many crocheters. Presented in an easy-to-use format arranged by topic and cross-referenced, so you can dip in and out as needed for advice, this book offers hundreds of answers, fixes, insider tips, and secrets to help you along the way. Divided into sections that cover a multitude of topics such as: choosing the right hook for you, putting gauge measurements to work, fool-proof ways of turning, quick fixes for uneven edges, shaping with increases and decreases, how to make neat corners, marking essentials, dealing with yarn ends, choosing the right seam and even how to look after crochet garments, 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets contains a wealth of technical knowledge and handy tips. Aimed at all crocheters, from the beginner to the more experienced, this book is a valuable addition to any craft library.

Genres: Crochet, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2007

About the author

JAN EATON is known internationally for her specialty in needlecraft and textile designs. Since finishing her training at Goldsmiths College in London, Jan has worked as a freelance designer showcasing her embroidery, crochet, knitting, and textile painting designs in various UK and European magazines. Past works include the new edition of Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, Country Crochet and Knitted Lace, and 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans. (ref: http://us.macmillan.com/author/janeaton)

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what the title indicates; you'll find no patterns here. It would be a great book to own, to refer back to as you started in on a pattern, or if you're wondering about a particular tool/stitch/whatever. On its own, it is not particularly helpful, although I did use it to try out a trellis lace stitch and a filet swatch, which was new and interesting. I'd say it would be great for a beginner, but only in conjunction with an actual project. Otherwise, it's sort of like reading a dictionary without needing to look up any words (which I have also done, and find it to be not nearly as satifying as when I have a specific intention).

[Betty Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good ideas! This is a valuable book for a library

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and useful book. I am a beginner and found lots of useful tips. Good pictures and clear descriptions.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm undecided about the usefulness of this book. It's a good reference book for a number of skills and techniques, but not nearly as comprehensive as I would like. However, there are a few tutorials that expand on the information in two of her other pattern books that would have been helpful to have when I needed them -- i.e. I don't like the idea of having to have a SECOND book to help me with concepts that should have been included in the pattern book.

There is some information regarding reading crochet symbols, including a lot of uncommon ones (e.g. bobbles, clusters, popcorn and puff stitch patterns). However, I much preferred Blueprint Crochet Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter for a more complete and logical treatment of how to "read" crochet symbols.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

To qualify my two-star rating: I'm sure that this book would be very helpful for an intermediate or advanced crocheter. First, it is a bit odd, because it simultaneously relies on you already being very comfortable with crochet, and also explains to you how to read patterns, what kind of hook to choose, etc. Secondly, it's frustrating that there are no patterns for all the beautiful projects portrayed. Perhaps this book is better in tandem with her other book, 200 crochet blocks, which does contain patterns.

I'll say this - it's beautifully photographed and definitely has a lot of useful material. Just don't rely on it as your primary book.

(Also, it costs $30, way more than it's worth. Get it used or from the library.)

[Grey853 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly one of the best books about crochet that I've ever read. It's got photos with instructions for the stitches and lots of good tips about how to deal with crochet problems and projects. It doesn't include patterns, but it does show how to work those basic and less common stitches you might run across.

[Cayenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginning crocheters like me. The pictures and explanations were very helpful. The arrangement was a bit odd, but it's supposed to be a reference book, not a read-from-front-to-back book, which is how I read it. I am sure I'll use this book every time I attempt to do some crochet.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find the description of the more difficult crochet stitches very helpful. I was trying to this book as a reference to learn cdch but found the pattern explained it way better. The order of the whole book seemed confusing too and it's definitely geared towards people who crochet clothes. I suppose it'd be helpful for that but I really don't need to know about pockets or zippers.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like wet cold dark winter days to bring out the crocheter in me - this winter, I found a wealth of books at my local library to aid me in my stash busting resolution. This book is chock full of interesting, clever and helpful tips for crocheters at all skill levels

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was ridiculously helpful in all kinds of tips for crocheters. I've been crocheting for over 5 years and learned a ton

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will take some time to learn all these new stitches.

[Nicole]

Even though I have been crochetting for years, I found this a very informative book.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

more of a book to have around if you know how to crochet and would like to further your knowledge/techniques

[Ruth E. R.]

No patterns in here, but this is a great reference for techniques outside of stitching

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buy this book

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

clear pictures of stitches and patterns