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Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes
Move beyond granny squares and get ready for crocheted circles, triangles, hexagons, and stars. Edie Eckman opens up the door to crocheting creativity with more than 140 motifs of every shape and size. Embellish your clothing, linens, housewares, and bags with colorful patterns as you put odd yarn leftovers to good use. Step-by-step instructions and color photographs provide the building blocks to limitless possibilities.
666 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2008
959 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Edie Eckman
46 books22 followersEdie Eckman has her hands in many aspects of the fiber artsteaching, writing, designing and editing. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines, yarn company publications, pattern leaflets and books. Her books include: Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, How to Knit Socks: Three Methods Made Easy, and The Crochet Answer Book. Her newest book, Around the Corner Crochet Borders, will be published in early 2010. Edie travels extensively teaching at conventions, shops and guilds. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 28, 2009
It took me quite a while to discover there was such a thing as a crochet pattern book. I learned granny squares as I suspect most have -- by watching someone else do it. The closest we got to a pattern was colour blocking graph paper to decide how to lay out the finished blanket. At least that was my experience. Since discovering that motif pattern books exist I've been on a quest to find and review as many as I can.
I find that this book of 144 motifs does not disappoint me. I can't guarantee I've sat and hooked through many of them. I confess I quickly loose patience with crochet patterns -- no matter what they are -- and go into it my way. That's what some twenty years of habit will do. I can say that each motif is portrayed in three marvellous ways. It begins with a photograph. The motifs are quite clear and the stitch definition is well defined. Colour changes are used to show potential variations and also to highlight differences in the stitches. At the label of each motif, each colour choice is clearly defined describing which rounds have that colour. Second there are written instructions for each round. These are "modern" instructions similar to what you might find in a crochet magazine. Lastly there are beautiful, what I'll call Japanese inspired, as that's where I first encountered them, charts.
Where I'm disappointed is in the tutorial on how to join motifs which just covers about two and a half pages. I would have liked to see more of it, but that's my personal desire.
I learned there are many more motifs than the traditional one I learned 20+ years ago (I think mine was closest to #109, though not really) and that with variations on yarn and colour there is no reason for it to look like the dated granny square I grew up with.
I highly recommend this book to anyone intrigued by the crochet motif.
I find that this book of 144 motifs does not disappoint me. I can't guarantee I've sat and hooked through many of them. I confess I quickly loose patience with crochet patterns -- no matter what they are -- and go into it my way. That's what some twenty years of habit will do. I can say that each motif is portrayed in three marvellous ways. It begins with a photograph. The motifs are quite clear and the stitch definition is well defined. Colour changes are used to show potential variations and also to highlight differences in the stitches. At the label of each motif, each colour choice is clearly defined describing which rounds have that colour. Second there are written instructions for each round. These are "modern" instructions similar to what you might find in a crochet magazine. Lastly there are beautiful, what I'll call Japanese inspired, as that's where I first encountered them, charts.
Where I'm disappointed is in the tutorial on how to join motifs which just covers about two and a half pages. I would have liked to see more of it, but that's my personal desire.
I learned there are many more motifs than the traditional one I learned 20+ years ago (I think mine was closest to #109, though not really) and that with variations on yarn and colour there is no reason for it to look like the dated granny square I grew up with.
I highly recommend this book to anyone intrigued by the crochet motif.
February 12, 2011
This is the MOST beautiful crochet motifs/shapes book I have EVER come across! First of all, it is spiral bound, which is GREAT to crochet with the pattern; having the book open on it's own to follow the pattern! The motifs/shapes are GORGEOUS! There are not 'just' squares. There are circles, triangles, hexagons, and more! I have read this book through a few times, and have looked longingly at the beautiful motifs, thinking about crocheting them. In EVERY crochet book, you ALWAYS learn something new, and this book is no exception! I have crocheted for years now, and I've learned a LOT of new things I never knew! The directions are very easy to follow, and it also includes directions for following a chart while crocheting! Following a chart can be very difficult, and this book makes it so easy! I have never come across this in a crochet book, having directions in words and directions to follow a chart as well! The illustrations are very clear and concise to see the different stitches, for beginners, as well. If you had no photos, the words for the directions for the charts alone are as easy to follow just by themselves. I am VERY glad I bought this book! This book is definitely a KEEPER! It will stay in my Library for years to come!
April 16, 2019
So many choices! Picture, diagram, and directions, so it should be easy to create the designs.
January 3, 2020
One of my Favourite Crochet Books.
I have used this several times for my crochet projects and I found it very easy to follow and great illustrations throughout.
Highly recommend to have in my Crochet learning books
I have used this several times for my crochet projects and I found it very easy to follow and great illustrations throughout.
Highly recommend to have in my Crochet learning books
July 26, 2011
I'd love a copy of this book. The written instructions and symbol charts are both clear and easy to read. The book is coil bound, so its lays flat and makes it that much easier to read. The general beginning instructions have information that most crocheters can learn from.
The motifs are interesting and can be adapted to larger projects with a little trial and error. I tried out quite a few of the motifs and flipped through it looking for more. I created two different hats using different circular motif patterns, and several flowers (to attach to the hats) from both circle and hexagon motifs.
I learned some new joining techniques from this book to, which I have used in all kinds of different crochet projects - including thread projects. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to design their own projects and patterns. I need to get one of these for my very own :)
The motifs are interesting and can be adapted to larger projects with a little trial and error. I tried out quite a few of the motifs and flipped through it looking for more. I created two different hats using different circular motif patterns, and several flowers (to attach to the hats) from both circle and hexagon motifs.
I learned some new joining techniques from this book to, which I have used in all kinds of different crochet projects - including thread projects. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to design their own projects and patterns. I need to get one of these for my very own :)
January 14, 2012
As other reviewers have stated, this is much more of a reference guide than a project guide. But anyone past the beginner crocheter should be able to come up with a project for these interesting shapes. Eckman's patterns are fantastic to follow. I love the fact that she has diagrams with every pattern, as I follow along much better visually than with all of the written garbage (just my preference). There are tons of interesting shapes and I have even started on a series of hexagons for an afghan. Granny squares have always seemed too dowdy to me, but a hexagon pieced blanket has just the right amount of edge and beauty. Highly recommended for anyone who needs another great crochet reference guide (I like to have it along with my trusty harmony guides).
January 10, 2011
This book pretty much took the granny out of granny square. There are more motifs than you could probably get to in a lifetime of casual crafting. The instructions and diagrams are really helpful/well written. The color combinations are bright, bold and modern (something famously lacking in most crochet pattern books). You are inspired to grab your hook knowing it'll look great, rather than creating 3-4 different swatches with fingers crossed that the pattern CAN look up-to-date with different colors. The beautiful layout of this book makes it a keeper/must buy.
September 14, 2012
Yay - has both instructions and picture instructions! Lots of options. Good reference book.
May 29, 2020
A big granny square fan, I was delighted to find this book online, a serviceable pattern book with more than just squares, a variety of motifs most new to me.
Grannies are the easiest thing to crochet for the beginner. The elite hooker yearns to go beyond the simple square and this book fills that niche. There are unusual squares featured that will work up larger or smaller depending on hook size along with yarn size. But what caught my attention is the triangles, circles, hexies and odd shaped motifs. The patterns are laid out in text and diagram, are easy to follow and expand upon; stitching together how to's and other techniques are well articulated. And the colour combos the designer has chosen make me want to find the same in my stash and get busy!
While not a new book, published in 2008, it's new to me and compliments the handful of other granny themed books in my craft library. During these Covid-19 times, grannies offer a comfort, and like a good book, an ideal way to get happily distracted.
Grannies are the easiest thing to crochet for the beginner. The elite hooker yearns to go beyond the simple square and this book fills that niche. There are unusual squares featured that will work up larger or smaller depending on hook size along with yarn size. But what caught my attention is the triangles, circles, hexies and odd shaped motifs. The patterns are laid out in text and diagram, are easy to follow and expand upon; stitching together how to's and other techniques are well articulated. And the colour combos the designer has chosen make me want to find the same in my stash and get busy!
While not a new book, published in 2008, it's new to me and compliments the handful of other granny themed books in my craft library. During these Covid-19 times, grannies offer a comfort, and like a good book, an ideal way to get happily distracted.
February 3, 2019
Great book. Worth 10 times what I pd for it.
I've been crocheting for over 50 years and I have learned many things from this little book. Even a beginner with just a basic knowledge of crocheting will love this book. Every detail is described perfectly. It has both written and diagrammed instructions. I prefer the diagrams and my granddaughter prefers the written instructions. We both love it. Thank you!
I've been crocheting for over 50 years and I have learned many things from this little book. Even a beginner with just a basic knowledge of crocheting will love this book. Every detail is described perfectly. It has both written and diagrammed instructions. I prefer the diagrams and my granddaughter prefers the written instructions. We both love it. Thank you!
May 7, 2018
Excellent!
For once every thing you need to work these motifs! Charts, pictures and written instructions! Having a bag full of crochet thread in different textures and pastels can actually see a project for these!
For once every thing you need to work these motifs! Charts, pictures and written instructions! Having a bag full of crochet thread in different textures and pastels can actually see a project for these!
January 20, 2019
I found lots of new patterns. The author is very enthusiastic and encouraging. This book has both written and graphic instructions for each motif. This is an excellent resource for both the novice and experienced crocheter.
April 28, 2020
Beautiful and well organized reference of crochet motifs. The short beginning "workshop" section in the front of the book is a great explanation of reading chart, technique, and tips. The bright and coordinated color palette makes this a delight to flip through.
February 7, 2021
A must own for every crocheter!
A very well written, easy to understand and helpful book. Not only does it have an excellent pattern section, but it contains some wonderful how-to material including how to read crochet graphs!
A very well written, easy to understand and helpful book. Not only does it have an excellent pattern section, but it contains some wonderful how-to material including how to read crochet graphs!
August 27, 2024
five stars for the magic ring
I have been struggling with magic rings for awhile now. I attempted the authors way of doing it and by George it worked! I haven’t even finished the book yet but I’m excited to see what else I can learn.
I have been struggling with magic rings for awhile now. I attempted the authors way of doing it and by George it worked! I haven’t even finished the book yet but I’m excited to see what else I can learn.
August 5, 2018
Great book
It has everything in this book. So much inspiration. Lots of ideas and detail instructions. I would recommend this to all crcheters
It has everything in this book. So much inspiration. Lots of ideas and detail instructions. I would recommend this to all crcheters
January 2, 2019
Outstanding
This is an amazing book for beginners to learn from and for seasoned crocheters to enjoy and use for planning new projects. It's a very well written reference.
This is an amazing book for beginners to learn from and for seasoned crocheters to enjoy and use for planning new projects. It's a very well written reference.
June 29, 2019
Of you are new it has a lot of beautiful options with easy to read instructions
July 2, 2019
Great motif collection, includes diagrams and joining recommendations.
December 3, 2019
Nice ideas for basics.
July 19, 2020
Great! Some unusual shapes for crochet! Easy to try!
July 19, 2021
Tersepona sama warna-warni benang yang dipake. Polanya juga bagus-bagus. Dapet beberapa trik crochet baru yang selama ini cuma denger-denger sekilas.
August 19, 2025
Looks very handy, haven't actually used it yet though.
December 28, 2011
(This review is part of a series of reviews of books in my granny square collection. For these reviews, the # of granny squares refers to the number of patterns for squares that are crocheted in the round, not the total number of patterns in the book.)
Summary: An exploration of crochet motifs in geometric shapes, including squares, circles, hexagons, and triangles, with tips for working in the round, joining, and changing colors. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols. (This book is also on my list of must-have beginner crochet books.)
# of granny squares: 33
What I like:
The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat so you can read and crochet at the same time.
The layout and design are excellent - there is plenty of white space and samples are in striking colors and beautifully photographed.
All patterns include both U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The book opens with a "workshop" section which includes multiple techniques for starting a motif (sliding loop, slip knot, and chain ring), joining, working with multiple colors, and edgings. This section includes plenty of text and also some step-by-step photos. This chapter is something you can skip over and just dive into the patterns, but it includes the types of tips and tricks that can make your work look more polished.
While the book includes some classic designs, many of the patterns are different from those you'd find in other collections. There is a nice range of shapes (even though this review focuses on squares).
There is a small section in the back which describes how to form each of the stitches used in the book (even the basics like chains), so it is definitely beginner friendly.
There are some graphs included in the back so you can design your own international stitch symbol charts.
What I didn't like or what's missing:
I'm not a fan of the cutesy 7 page section of illustrated ideas for how to use motifs. I know, I know, it would be totally unreasonable for Edie to make samples and patterns for the hundreds of project ideas in the illustrations. It's just, well, I wish she did.
While there is an illustrated sample in the back with joins for the non-square motifs (e.g., triangles), a sample might help crocheters visualize these ideas better. (Again, this is isn't really a problem with the book - more like my wishlist for Beyond the Square Part II!)
Type: Spiral bound hardcover book.
Overall rating (out of 5 stars): 5
Summary: An exploration of crochet motifs in geometric shapes, including squares, circles, hexagons, and triangles, with tips for working in the round, joining, and changing colors. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols. (This book is also on my list of must-have beginner crochet books.)
# of granny squares: 33
What I like:
The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat so you can read and crochet at the same time.
The layout and design are excellent - there is plenty of white space and samples are in striking colors and beautifully photographed.
All patterns include both U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The book opens with a "workshop" section which includes multiple techniques for starting a motif (sliding loop, slip knot, and chain ring), joining, working with multiple colors, and edgings. This section includes plenty of text and also some step-by-step photos. This chapter is something you can skip over and just dive into the patterns, but it includes the types of tips and tricks that can make your work look more polished.
While the book includes some classic designs, many of the patterns are different from those you'd find in other collections. There is a nice range of shapes (even though this review focuses on squares).
There is a small section in the back which describes how to form each of the stitches used in the book (even the basics like chains), so it is definitely beginner friendly.
There are some graphs included in the back so you can design your own international stitch symbol charts.
What I didn't like or what's missing:
I'm not a fan of the cutesy 7 page section of illustrated ideas for how to use motifs. I know, I know, it would be totally unreasonable for Edie to make samples and patterns for the hundreds of project ideas in the illustrations. It's just, well, I wish she did.
While there is an illustrated sample in the back with joins for the non-square motifs (e.g., triangles), a sample might help crocheters visualize these ideas better. (Again, this is isn't really a problem with the book - more like my wishlist for Beyond the Square Part II!)
Type: Spiral bound hardcover book.
Overall rating (out of 5 stars): 5
April 30, 2010
A new book that I got with a Christmas gift card--so excited to have some quick/small crochet projects to try! Astra, this is all because of you!
I have by no means "finished" with this, but hope to dip in and out over the next few months.
I was waiting to put this in the "read" column until I took pictures (and hopefully posted them on my blog) of the two motifs I made from it--but it was February when I made them, it's April now, and pictures have yet to be taken.
I really liked the book overall--I think it could be even more useful to more experienced crocheters who can take these ideas and make their own patterns. One downside is that I find the "sliding loop" method that the book recommends for most starts to be pretty tricky--I feel like I have to get to the third round before I can stop worrying about the first round and just concentrate on the pattern. This is actually why I bought The Crochet Answer Book, and I was using them simultaneously. Except for that, I find the directions clear and relatively easy to follow.
One other comment is that I found it easier to photocopy the pattern I was working on rather than try to work with the book open in front of me.
I have by no means "finished" with this, but hope to dip in and out over the next few months.
I was waiting to put this in the "read" column until I took pictures (and hopefully posted them on my blog) of the two motifs I made from it--but it was February when I made them, it's April now, and pictures have yet to be taken.
I really liked the book overall--I think it could be even more useful to more experienced crocheters who can take these ideas and make their own patterns. One downside is that I find the "sliding loop" method that the book recommends for most starts to be pretty tricky--I feel like I have to get to the third round before I can stop worrying about the first round and just concentrate on the pattern. This is actually why I bought The Crochet Answer Book, and I was using them simultaneously. Except for that, I find the directions clear and relatively easy to follow.
One other comment is that I found it easier to photocopy the pattern I was working on rather than try to work with the book open in front of me.
July 27, 2016
I had this book on my Wish List for a while and I finally decided to go ahead and purchase it. I’m glad I did! This book contains 144 patterns for making a variety of crocheted motif shapes, which include:
• Circles
• Hexagons
• Triangles
• Squares
• Unusual Shapes
The book is beautifully illustrated. The full-color photos demonstrate how each motif should look when finished. The patterns are easy to follow, even for the novice crocheter. The glossary of basic crochet stitches is invaluable for anyone learning or brushing up on their crochet skills.
I’m sure crafters will find tons of uses for these motifs. Potholders, blankets, clothing accessories and home décor items come to mind. I do a lot of art journaling and purchasing these kinds of motifs to include in my pages can get expensive. Making your own art journal embellishments is much more economical and can be easily coordinated to a page. I’m even planning to attach some to my canvas art.
At just 12.84, this book is an excellent value. The spiral binding makes it convenient when following patterns. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, http://diymomblog.blogspot.com
• Circles
• Hexagons
• Triangles
• Squares
• Unusual Shapes
The book is beautifully illustrated. The full-color photos demonstrate how each motif should look when finished. The patterns are easy to follow, even for the novice crocheter. The glossary of basic crochet stitches is invaluable for anyone learning or brushing up on their crochet skills.
I’m sure crafters will find tons of uses for these motifs. Potholders, blankets, clothing accessories and home décor items come to mind. I do a lot of art journaling and purchasing these kinds of motifs to include in my pages can get expensive. Making your own art journal embellishments is much more economical and can be easily coordinated to a page. I’m even planning to attach some to my canvas art.
At just 12.84, this book is an excellent value. The spiral binding makes it convenient when following patterns. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, http://diymomblog.blogspot.com
August 19, 2009
Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs has the ideal text-to-pattern ratio. I like reading a healthy bit of instructional material and Edie Eckman included a comprehensive chapter ("Crochet Motif Workshop") that introduces some important concepts before heading to the patterns/motifs. I love the way the book is organized: a generous chapter each of Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Unusual Shapes. There's also an Appendix, Index (must-have but so often overlooked) and Stitch Key. The biggest surprise were the reproducible graphs in the back of the Appendix. This is a must-have book for the crochet motif aficionado. I love the full-color illustrations of what to do with these marvelous motifs -- they remind me of Maira Kalman's illustrations. The book retails for under $20 and I would have been happy to pay more.
August 1, 2013
Filled with simply tons of patterns for crocheted motifs, this is a good-sized spiral bound pattern book that uses beautiful pictures and diagrams, throws in a decent amount of basic info, and arranges all those gorgeous motifs nicely, enabling you to find "similars" should you wish to combine a few in a likely-to-be-gorgeous afghan. Plus she offers very good color interchanges, showing how many of the motifs can change their appearance drastically - and very interestingly, too - simply by changing the colors.
BOTTOM LINE:
Tons of fun for the adventurous (or just fascinated) crocheter, catnip to those of us who already make far too many afghans (you know who you are...) and a tremendous resource to keep in your own crafting library. I had to return my copy to the library, alas, but it's a positively *sumptuous* book! I want one of my very own, yep!!!
You need never be bored with working Granny squares again! Warning: this book is likely to send your mind racing along endless "possibilities".
BOTTOM LINE:
Tons of fun for the adventurous (or just fascinated) crocheter, catnip to those of us who already make far too many afghans (you know who you are...) and a tremendous resource to keep in your own crafting library. I had to return my copy to the library, alas, but it's a positively *sumptuous* book! I want one of my very own, yep!!!
You need never be bored with working Granny squares again! Warning: this book is likely to send your mind racing along endless "possibilities".
August 14, 2009
April 20, 2009
I absolutely love this book and plan to buy a copy for my library.
Basically, a motif is a shape: a square, triangle, circle, hexagon, etc. A crocheted motif is a shape that's been crocheted.
This book goes beautifully beyond the basic shapes, to a world I'm immersing myself in with abandon.
If you can do the basic crochet stitches, read crochet patterns or charts, you can make any of the motifs in this book.
Even if you don't crochet, if you like looking at lovely handmade items, get this book just to see the pictures.
_____________________________________
Aug. 14, 2009
Got this one again. Really need to buy this one!
I absolutely love this book and plan to buy a copy for my library.
Basically, a motif is a shape: a square, triangle, circle, hexagon, etc. A crocheted motif is a shape that's been crocheted.
This book goes beautifully beyond the basic shapes, to a world I'm immersing myself in with abandon.
If you can do the basic crochet stitches, read crochet patterns or charts, you can make any of the motifs in this book.
Even if you don't crochet, if you like looking at lovely handmade items, get this book just to see the pictures.
_____________________________________
Aug. 14, 2009
Got this one again. Really need to buy this one!
February 4, 2014
Check it out! A 100% useful pattern book! Some books may have one or two patterns that are useful to you. This one is filled with fun and easy to make motifs.
This was my first book I got after I learned how to form stitches. And used it to learn new stitch and practice what I knew. I still turn to it when I'm working on motifs.
The only down side is the spiral notebook like binding that I've always disliked but thats just me.
I give it 5 stars for useability, wide range of shapes and clear patterns. I think its something that would be useful to almost any crocheter regardless of level.
This was my first book I got after I learned how to form stitches. And used it to learn new stitch and practice what I knew. I still turn to it when I'm working on motifs.
The only down side is the spiral notebook like binding that I've always disliked but thats just me.
I give it 5 stars for useability, wide range of shapes and clear patterns. I think its something that would be useful to almost any crocheter regardless of level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews