How to Crochet: The Definitive Crochet Course, Complete with Step-By-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries, and Projects for Your Home and Family

by Pauline Turner

“A complete crochet course presented as a series of workshops...that cover not only standard crochet but also Tunisian, broomstick, and hairpin crochet. Each workshop features an illustrative project, full-color illustrations of techniques, and step-by-step instructions....Public libraries will want to add this title to their short list of essential crochet books.”— Library Journal.

Genres: Crochet, Nonfiction, Crafts, Knitting, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Betty Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book to read, but more of a textbook to learn from. A comprehensive book to walk through projects increasing in difficulty. Fully illustrated with photos and diagrams. Creates opportunity for successful outcomes.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro to crochet including relatively simple patterns, drawings of actual working of stitches, and basic techniques. I appreciated the instructions for interpreting written patterns as well as stitch diagrams.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe this author is one of the best at explaining how to do the basic and more advanced (complicated) stitches. Good writing, photos and diagrams make this book a keeper!!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been crocheting for decades since my step-mother, Stella, taught me. In the past few years though I have taken to crocheting for others, making gifts and such. I picked up this book at my local library (Rochambeau) when I spotted it on the shelf.

It covers a wide variety of stitches that I personally don't see very often such as Afghan stitch, Broomstick Lace, Tunisian and Filet. If it weren't so easy to access from my library I would purchase this book for my collection.

There are lovely and well explained patterns for a variety of items including mittens, hats, bags, pillows and a lovely camisole.

There are lots of color images as well as examples of graphed patterns and sketched designs and how to follow them. There are also plenty of line drawings showing hand position for stitches for both right and left-handed crocheting.

It's a very useful stitch guide for crocheters who are just beginning on up to those of use who are old pros at basic stitching and want to try something new and different.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book needs a LOT more pictures of what's going on with your hook and the thread. As I went through, I found myself asking a lot of questions and didn't know how to find answers in the book. In some cases, it would also refer to things it had not yet defined. (somethings, I'm not sure if they ever were.) I don't think this is a great source to teach yourself how to crochet. However, it looks like it has a lot of good info, for someone who already has rudimentary crocheting knowledge, so I'm unwilling to give it just one star. Maybe I'll come back to this once I know the basics and try using it again.

[Baseballs4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good crochet book. The styles are a little dated and more color photos would have improved it, but the techniques and stitches are still valid.

I had the honor of taking Polish Star crochet course from Ms. Turner. She knows her fiber arts, and is happy to share them and stories with all that are interested.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this one out at the library and really like it. It is a good reference books as well as a good book of projects to try out. I wish it had more pictures of projects in progress though as that would have been helpful when trying projects for the first time.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for learning how to crochet. I haven't crocheted very much, I am mostly a knitter, but I have definitely referred to this book when the need arises.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not necessary a good beginners book...

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this until I finish my afghan...

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book for learning crochet. Easy instructions and great graphics.

[Donaji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for a beginner but it needs a lot more pictures on the stitches specified. The images are great! clear and big...good patterns too!

[Sian Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my favourite with step by step instructions, i had the knitting book same idea and was for ever looking through it if i needed help

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, finely crafted resource.

[L. Beth McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best "how to" craft book I've ever read. The beginning tutorial on getting started was good - but then the rest, well, meh.

[Natalie]

Didn’t see anything I wanted to make...