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Crochet Master Class
What if you could take a class with a master crocheter? Or finally learn how to Tapestry Crochet, Irish Crochet, or Free Form Crochet from the very best needleworkers around? Well, now you can. Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss, masters in their own right, introduce you to the world’s finest crocheters, who explain their craft, provide sample projects to practice on, and enchant you with a gallery of magnificent photographs of their work. While other crochet books emphasize the projects, this guide places the emphasis on the people who create them and the skills they’ve perfected. Find out how the experts got started and eventually focused on refining a special skill. Most importantly, let them teach you how to become a master crocheter, too.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2010
149 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 22, 2011
Crochet Master Class is one of the few crochet books I have seen recently that has really excited me. The structure of the book includes a bio of each master crocheter with her or his "crochet biography" as well as a description of the specific connection to a particular technique or skill.
For me, the book works on many levels. First, it introduces you to many skills (which I promise to outline below). Second, it introduces (or reminds you of) many masters. Third, it presents some great photos and a sample project for each skill/technique.
I've been crocheting for about 27 years and teaching crochet for the past four years. At this point in my own crochet life, I'm not as psyched by following patterns. I'm a bit more intrigued by design. What I like about this book is that there is a pattern for each skill/technique, but there is also some discussion about how to do the technique in case you are more interested in learning the skill than you are in reading a pattern collection. I have already used it in my crochet classes and whenever it is passed around, the students get very excited about the possibilities of crochet.
Here is a list of chapters and the relevant skills and masters:
* Woven Crochet with Jenny King
* Hairpin Lace with Jennifer Hansen
* Tapestry Crochet with Carol Ventura
* Aran Crochet with Jane Sneeden Peever
* Entrelac Crochet with Joyce Wyatt
* Fashion Crochet with Margaret Hubert
* Tunisian Crochet with Julia Bryant
* Filet Crochet with Hartmut Hass
* Double-Ended Crochet with Darla J. Fanton
* Tassels with Nancy Nehring
* Bullion Stitch with Bonnie Pierce
* Overlay Crochet with Melody MacDuffee
* Bead Crochet with Lydia Borin
* Bruges Crochet with Tatyana Mirer
* Painted Crochet with Ferosa Harold
* Free-Form Crochet with Prudence Mapstone
* Irish Crochet with Maire Treanor
* Wire Crochet with Nancie Wiseman
As many of the reviewers have already mentioned, the book doesn't provide you with enough detail on each topic to master the skill (particularly if you are a beginner crocheter). Instead, this book introduces you to many of the creative things you can do with crochet which aren't generally featured in the standard pattern books. By introducing you to a master in each field, you are also given some hints about where you might find further information (e.g., on the master's website).
This is definitely a book that can bring your crocheting to the next level, or give you a creative "kick in the pants." I recommend it to crocheters of all levels. Beginners will get to see all that you can do with crochet, intermediates will be introduced to some interesting techniques and patterns to walk them through the technique, and experts will get to see some beautiful crochet pieces and learn more about the inspiration of many great designers. I consider it a "must-have" for any serious crochet book collection.
For me, the book works on many levels. First, it introduces you to many skills (which I promise to outline below). Second, it introduces (or reminds you of) many masters. Third, it presents some great photos and a sample project for each skill/technique.
I've been crocheting for about 27 years and teaching crochet for the past four years. At this point in my own crochet life, I'm not as psyched by following patterns. I'm a bit more intrigued by design. What I like about this book is that there is a pattern for each skill/technique, but there is also some discussion about how to do the technique in case you are more interested in learning the skill than you are in reading a pattern collection. I have already used it in my crochet classes and whenever it is passed around, the students get very excited about the possibilities of crochet.
Here is a list of chapters and the relevant skills and masters:
* Woven Crochet with Jenny King
* Hairpin Lace with Jennifer Hansen
* Tapestry Crochet with Carol Ventura
* Aran Crochet with Jane Sneeden Peever
* Entrelac Crochet with Joyce Wyatt
* Fashion Crochet with Margaret Hubert
* Tunisian Crochet with Julia Bryant
* Filet Crochet with Hartmut Hass
* Double-Ended Crochet with Darla J. Fanton
* Tassels with Nancy Nehring
* Bullion Stitch with Bonnie Pierce
* Overlay Crochet with Melody MacDuffee
* Bead Crochet with Lydia Borin
* Bruges Crochet with Tatyana Mirer
* Painted Crochet with Ferosa Harold
* Free-Form Crochet with Prudence Mapstone
* Irish Crochet with Maire Treanor
* Wire Crochet with Nancie Wiseman
As many of the reviewers have already mentioned, the book doesn't provide you with enough detail on each topic to master the skill (particularly if you are a beginner crocheter). Instead, this book introduces you to many of the creative things you can do with crochet which aren't generally featured in the standard pattern books. By introducing you to a master in each field, you are also given some hints about where you might find further information (e.g., on the master's website).
This is definitely a book that can bring your crocheting to the next level, or give you a creative "kick in the pants." I recommend it to crocheters of all levels. Beginners will get to see all that you can do with crochet, intermediates will be introduced to some interesting techniques and patterns to walk them through the technique, and experts will get to see some beautiful crochet pieces and learn more about the inspiration of many great designers. I consider it a "must-have" for any serious crochet book collection.
December 6, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up because it's comprehensive.
It would have been 4 stars, except it's light in teaching the techniques. With these advanced techniques, it would have been useful to have step by step instructions for the new stitches over a brief explanation. If you are looking for a book to teach you each technique in detail, this book is not for you. If you are an advanced crocheter than can pick up most techniques with concise instructions and a pattern example, this is a great book. If you're interested in seeing a variety of new techniques and aren't an advanced crocheter, this is a great book. If your an intermediate crocheter that can figure out a lot from a pattern and explanation, but not necessarily things which don't quite build on your previous skills, you'll probably find parts of this book frustrating. The patterns in this book are nearly all very complicated and complex, though they don't necessarily all need to be. I found learning about the techniques interesting and it was surprised to find how many of them, with quite a bit of practice, are truly within my reach since those are heavily based on basic stitches. I will need to seek extra help on learning any of these techniques outside this book, but it was definitely worth the read and sparked a lot of ideas.
It would have been 4 stars, except it's light in teaching the techniques. With these advanced techniques, it would have been useful to have step by step instructions for the new stitches over a brief explanation. If you are looking for a book to teach you each technique in detail, this book is not for you. If you are an advanced crocheter than can pick up most techniques with concise instructions and a pattern example, this is a great book. If you're interested in seeing a variety of new techniques and aren't an advanced crocheter, this is a great book. If your an intermediate crocheter that can figure out a lot from a pattern and explanation, but not necessarily things which don't quite build on your previous skills, you'll probably find parts of this book frustrating. The patterns in this book are nearly all very complicated and complex, though they don't necessarily all need to be. I found learning about the techniques interesting and it was surprised to find how many of them, with quite a bit of practice, are truly within my reach since those are heavily based on basic stitches. I will need to seek extra help on learning any of these techniques outside this book, but it was definitely worth the read and sparked a lot of ideas.
May 15, 2013
Interesting to look at and see further possibilities in crochet with a small introduction to various advanced techniques. The profiles of various designers are interesting as well. However, while there are photos of many designs for each type of crochet there is only one pattern given for each type. This book is more of an inspiration book or a good explanation of techniques that you may have seen used in other books. Nothing in it I want to actually make.
July 23, 2014
Serves as an introduction to lots of advanced crochet techniques. Things are well explained generally. If I got into a particular technique, I would need to explore it further via books devoted to just that type of crochet. Still, I'd like to own it.
March 20, 2025
I'm a novice crocheter and was interested in the topic of free-form crochet, and when I searched my library this was one of the few books that came up.
Overall this was an eye-opener for me: I didn't know how much variety there was to crochet (my experience is mostly the simple stitches (sc's, dc's, etc) and I know about more complex patterns like seed stitches, etc. This introduced me to lots more interesting techniques going beyond that even: bead crochet, painted crochet, laces, Aran cables (didn't know that could be done using crochet! thought it was knitting-only), etc, etc.
None of the patterns were super inspiring in and of themselves, though that's mostly my level of experience and desires coming into play for now. The free-form crochet one (a shawl with flower and leaf motifs) did look pretty interesting. Overall just reading through them, I would probably have appreciated a LOT more photos showing the intermediate state of the work. Again, could be a skill level thing. I wanted to know more, e.g. for free-form crochet, about how to do filler stitches and that's kinda hand-waved over, assuming the crocheter who tackles it will have the skills. Ah well.
Overall a book for a more experienced crocheter, though I don't regret picking it up to broaden my crochet horizons. But the patterns and instructions could have been better, even for a more experienced crocheter, in my opinion.
Overall this was an eye-opener for me: I didn't know how much variety there was to crochet (my experience is mostly the simple stitches (sc's, dc's, etc) and I know about more complex patterns like seed stitches, etc. This introduced me to lots more interesting techniques going beyond that even: bead crochet, painted crochet, laces, Aran cables (didn't know that could be done using crochet! thought it was knitting-only), etc, etc.
None of the patterns were super inspiring in and of themselves, though that's mostly my level of experience and desires coming into play for now. The free-form crochet one (a shawl with flower and leaf motifs) did look pretty interesting. Overall just reading through them, I would probably have appreciated a LOT more photos showing the intermediate state of the work. Again, could be a skill level thing. I wanted to know more, e.g. for free-form crochet, about how to do filler stitches and that's kinda hand-waved over, assuming the crocheter who tackles it will have the skills. Ah well.
Overall a book for a more experienced crocheter, though I don't regret picking it up to broaden my crochet horizons. But the patterns and instructions could have been better, even for a more experienced crocheter, in my opinion.
March 23, 2021
Not what I expected.
The good: The book profiles 18 crochet designers who are each experts in some crochet technique. It includes a bio and one pattern for each along with some tips. I was familiar with a couple of the designers’ work and it was interesting to see their photos and learn a little about them. I t also gave me information about a couple of techniques I wasn’t familiar with (but am not likely to try).
The not-so-good: The patterns in the book were disappointing. Surprisingly, they didn’t seem like very good examples of the designer’s work in many cases. There weren’t really any I was very interested in making.
But I did try part of one pattern because I wanted to see how a specific feature was achieved. It would be charitable to say the instructions were incomplete. Skill level indicated for the pattern was “intermediate”. That might be true if the pattern was clear, but some of the instructions are shown in the chart differently than they are worked in the photo and how they are described in the written instructions. Plus the written instructions cover only half of what you need to do and you need to use the photo to figure out the rest. That just seems like bad editing. Maybe it’s a good thing that there aren’t any patterns here that I really want to make.
The good: The book profiles 18 crochet designers who are each experts in some crochet technique. It includes a bio and one pattern for each along with some tips. I was familiar with a couple of the designers’ work and it was interesting to see their photos and learn a little about them. I t also gave me information about a couple of techniques I wasn’t familiar with (but am not likely to try).
The not-so-good: The patterns in the book were disappointing. Surprisingly, they didn’t seem like very good examples of the designer’s work in many cases. There weren’t really any I was very interested in making.
But I did try part of one pattern because I wanted to see how a specific feature was achieved. It would be charitable to say the instructions were incomplete. Skill level indicated for the pattern was “intermediate”. That might be true if the pattern was clear, but some of the instructions are shown in the chart differently than they are worked in the photo and how they are described in the written instructions. Plus the written instructions cover only half of what you need to do and you need to use the photo to figure out the rest. That just seems like bad editing. Maybe it’s a good thing that there aren’t any patterns here that I really want to make.
July 26, 2018
It's been a mighty long time since I picked up a crochet hook and completed a project. I've been poking away at various things from time to time when the mood strikes, but I haven't really had much heart in it. My oldest project is a single sock I started in 2007. I'm about halfway up the calf at this point, and if I finish, I will probably just frame them for posterity. I started the sock while I was waiting for a first date that wound up being a complete disaster. Perhaps that's why I don't pull it out of my project basket often.
But enough of the psychology of craft projects. This book inspired me. Freeform crochet -- now that's for me. Different colors, different stitches, no counting. I have died and gone to heaven. You wouldn't believe how much I've crocheted since putting this book down on Monday. I can't believe it myself.
That alone is worth four stars, but the other patterns and forms are amazing as well. There is something in here for everyone who crochets.
But enough of the psychology of craft projects. This book inspired me. Freeform crochet -- now that's for me. Different colors, different stitches, no counting. I have died and gone to heaven. You wouldn't believe how much I've crocheted since putting this book down on Monday. I can't believe it myself.
That alone is worth four stars, but the other patterns and forms are amazing as well. There is something in here for everyone who crochets.
January 24, 2023
A series of write ups about different crochet artists, and the kind of crochet they like to specialize in, with a project to try that technique out. It was interesting to see what could be done with different techniques, and I got some inspirations from reading this book. Especially the section on Irish crochet, where it explained that instead of using a starting chain, a thread is laid down and the first row of sc is done over that. I'd like to experiment with that idea for different kinds of crochet as well. Also there was an interesting section for Tunisian crochet, and for double-ended hooks as well.
September 11, 2018
Very nice overview of more advanced crochet techniques. My only complaint is that the projects were a bit on the simple side (the "Master Class" moniker seems to apply to the techniques rather than the projects themselves), but this is likely a flaw in my expectations and not in the book. I will say that the Painted Crochet technique impressed me, and I particularly loved the description from the designer of the Hearts and Roses Centerpiece: "I didn't choose to make this design; it chose me."
March 19, 2023
Nice to have a book detailing a variety of crochet techniques - it's an older book though, so don't expect popular modern techniques like brioche and mosaic. However in almost every case the single project pattern in the book for each technique was simplistic or old-fashioned/frumpy. The other designer example images (patterns not provided) were more interesting across the board.
The sole exception for me was the overlay mandala pillow depicted in the cover image.
Disappointing.
The sole exception for me was the overlay mandala pillow depicted in the cover image.
Disappointing.
December 24, 2021
Beautiful collection
A beautiful collection of patterns and techniques to work to one day master and become proficient at. These are works that you see, wish you could do and never thought someone would even think about teaching you. Thank you ladies for giving us all a shot at it!
A beautiful collection of patterns and techniques to work to one day master and become proficient at. These are works that you see, wish you could do and never thought someone would even think about teaching you. Thank you ladies for giving us all a shot at it!
August 13, 2018
A really nice introduction (including project patterns) to numerous advanced techniques in crochet. Many of the projects are not my cup of tea (as is typical for crochet pattern designs, tbh), but the discussion of techniques is generally very nice, especially for introductory discussion.
September 14, 2017
Enjoyable techniques, and helpful.
August 9, 2019
great ideas and patterns
August 26, 2019
Lot’s of techniques to learn. I loved the painted crochet technique, which wasn’t paint. Above my skill level, but I’m hoping to try in the future.
April 26, 2020
Well written
Very clear, fun facts about individuals making marks on the craft. Love these patterns! Scrumbles might be my new favorite craft word.
Very clear, fun facts about individuals making marks on the craft. Love these patterns! Scrumbles might be my new favorite craft word.
December 11, 2021
Read this and learn!
A fascinating treatment of all kinds of crochet and people who are masters of them. Just lovely!
Just what is needed.
A fascinating treatment of all kinds of crochet and people who are masters of them. Just lovely!
Just what is needed.
March 15, 2025
Definitely a good way to learn and practice different crochet techniques, but nothing in here is my style.
February 22, 2011
This was a completely different kind of crochet book for me. Within the pages, I learnt more about a certain designer that is popular for a special kind of technique. For example, in the section on Tartan plaids, there was a very brief blurb about Jenny King, who specialises in this technique. This blurb about the designer is followed by a short, two page tutorial on how to do the technique, then a "pattern". This pattern, on several of them, are difficult for me to read. Some of them are written out really well, and others I had to look at several times to realise it was even a pattern.
If you are into learning more than patterns, and don't mind a challenge when you set your hooks to work, this book may be for you. I'm certainly finding it interesting to learn about the 18 different techniques that are picked out and compiled into this book, but I'm definitely not going to become proficient with these directions. I think of it is as good fuel for the creative fires, instead.
If you are into learning more than patterns, and don't mind a challenge when you set your hooks to work, this book may be for you. I'm certainly finding it interesting to learn about the 18 different techniques that are picked out and compiled into this book, but I'm definitely not going to become proficient with these directions. I think of it is as good fuel for the creative fires, instead.
March 26, 2013
While not a good beginner's book, this book provides a good overview of many crochet techniques that aren't mentioned in a lot of pattern books. If you're looking to branch out in your skills or are simply looking for inspiration, this is the book for you. In addition to covering some of the lesser known techniques, this book includes a blurb on famous crocheters of each technique and a pattern. The book won't teach you to master the skills in the articles, but it will give you an introduction to them.
This book has an articles on:
- woven crochet
- hairpin lace
- tapestry crochet
- aran crochet
- entrelac crochet
- fashion crochet
- tunisian crochet
- filet crochet
- double ended crochet
- tassels (really fancy ones like the kind you find for curtains)
- bullion stich
- overlay acrocet
- bead crochet
- bruges crochet
- painted crochet (subtle color changes, not actual paint!)
- free form crocet
- Irish crochet
- wire crochet
This book has an articles on:
- woven crochet
- hairpin lace
- tapestry crochet
- aran crochet
- entrelac crochet
- fashion crochet
- tunisian crochet
- filet crochet
- double ended crochet
- tassels (really fancy ones like the kind you find for curtains)
- bullion stich
- overlay acrocet
- bead crochet
- bruges crochet
- painted crochet (subtle color changes, not actual paint!)
- free form crocet
- Irish crochet
- wire crochet
March 12, 2019
Sometimes I check out a stack of books from my library for inspiration (also because library budgets are determined by circulation, at least in part, and I want my library to have a large budget) - anyway, thisbook is full of fun inspiration. Lots of designers indifferent areas of crochet tell their stories - how they came to their specialty, why they love it, etc. and then a pattern or two from each designer. Cool techniques covered - overlay, bead crochet, wire crochet, hairpin lace, to name only a few - and good clear instructions.
Second read - very good tutorial on crocheting with a double ended hook by Darla Fanton.
Second read - very good tutorial on crocheting with a double ended hook by Darla Fanton.
May 9, 2011
Somehow I thought this would be a class on learning crochet; really it is a class on learning specific crochet techniques as used by certain designers. It was too advanced for my crochet skills.
That said, I enjoyed just flipping through it. The multi-color crochet lace item featured on the cover is amazing--but the pattern would only be accessible to "expert"-level crocheters.
That said, I enjoyed just flipping through it. The multi-color crochet lace item featured on the cover is amazing--but the pattern would only be accessible to "expert"-level crocheters.
February 18, 2012
This was an interesting book...but there isn't anything I particularly want to make in it. It explained thing very well. It had good pics and clear instructions. The items it featured were dated, though.
April 1, 2013
Inspirational!!
May 4, 2013
Great directions and interesting projects for that person looking for a challenge! Loving the book!
March 28, 2019
No projects found
September 1, 2014
Really neat book of unique patterns that are more for the skilled crocheter. Great tips, directions and photos. There was a couple of simpler patterns and one that I am going to try.
May 29, 2015
Add to collection
December 17, 2012
Always on the hunt for new ideas.
April 5, 2017
Advanced forms of crochet with a project for each one. Exciting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews