Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches: Portable Stitch Companion: Textures, Colorwork, and Fancy Edgings

by Melissa Leapman

Genres: Crochet

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

AKA Melissa Leapman Blowney

Reviews

[Chrissy Santillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this ebook!

I’ve been crocheting for about two years and I found this book so helpful! I have been wanting to learn more than single or double crochet and I really liked that there is written instructions and the stitch diagram, I’m still learning to read patterns like that and it helps to have it written out as well. The book is beautifully put together, there are so many fun new stitches I can’t wait to try. I will be getting myself a physical copy of this book to keep on hand in my craft room.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been crocheting for over 40 years and I still love a good stitch dictionary. Just spending time looking at stitches and stitch combinations can bring joy and inspiration--gets the ideas moving. This is an excellent resource for those relatively new to crochet, those with decades of experience, and everyone in between. For newer crocheters, there is plenty of useful information contained in this compact volume, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. For those with more experience, there are excellent photos of fabrics created with various stitches and stitch combinations to spur design ideas. Each stitch pattern includes a photo, written instructions, and stitch charts. The stitches are grouped in chapters as follows: textured patterns (including cables), colorwork (including mosaic crochet and spike stitches), and fancy edgings. The book begins with an introduction that contains useful information about measuring for gauge and what to look for when substituting yarns in commercial patterns. The book ends with a chapter titled Resources, which explain international crochet symbols, tips on reading charts, techniques, instructions for basic stitches with illustrations, stitch variations, and tips on working with color. I've taught crochet to individuals and in a local yarn shop and I would definitely recommend this book to those wanting to go beyond the bare basics, those building on existing skills, and those who just want to have stitchy inspiration at their fingertips.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a companion to Essential Crochet Starter Stitches: Portable Stitch Companion: Solids, Shells & Fans, Openwork & Lace, and Simple Edgings and provides the same excellent stitch dictionary but with more advanced stitches. As someone who's only recently started learning, most of these are a bit out of my range but I loved looking through the pretty designs and appreciated the clear instructions and resources section.

I'll update my review when I've gotten skilled enough to actually try some of these but I'm excited to see how many different options there are. I've done cables in knitting and it's fun to see similar options for crochet. Definitely would recommend for folks who are familiar with the craft and want to try something new.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to the book in return for an honest review.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Essential Crochet Starter Stitches, I received an e-ARC of Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches! As a beginner in crochet, it’s wonderful to have this follow-up guide to help me advance my skills.

Like the first book in this series, Next-Level Stitches is beautifully laid out, easy to navigate, and organized to help you find exactly what you need. The instructions are clear, and the accompanying images make each technique easy to follow. Covering textures, colourwork, and fancy edgings, this book is a fantastic resource for crocheters looking to take their skills to the next level.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to expand their crochet repertoire and add flair to their projects. I’m especially excited to try some of the advanced stitches and edgings to finish off my own creations with style!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry | Quarry Books for providing me with an e-ARC of Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches in exchange for my honest review.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished the prequel to this book, Essential Crochet Starter Stitches, and this volume is very much the same except that it concentrates on textures, colorwork, and edgings. This is a pocket-size reference book, perfect for keeping in your current project bag. The range of stitches is fabulous, there are lots to choose from. (For me, it confirmed what it is that I actually like the best.) Directions are written out row-by-row or charted using standard crochet symbols. Photography is clear and professional, although sometimes I wished I could see a larger swatch of the crochet fabric. The best part is the very back section of the book, the Crochet Techniques where simple illustrations show exactly how each stitch is created. Melissa Leapman is such a prolific and masterful author and her books are never a disappointment. But this is one of many crochet dictionaries on the market and is stands in the middle of the pack.

[Melissa Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books from Melissa Leapman are a pair of stitch dictionaries for beginner to advanced crochet artists. She provides patterns that can serve as the starting point for designing patterns, or for personalizing others' designs. The patterns offer a range of complexity, but they are broken down into easy to use steps, both charted and written. In the back of the books are detailed drawings of the various stitch techniques (for those of us old-school enough to prefer drawings over online videos!)

I'm a lifelong knitter, with only basic crochet skills, but I found these books intriguing and accessible. I see a pile of sampler/dish cloths in my near future!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a new crocheter and this book made me realize how much more I still have to learn - wow there are so many stitches, options for bordering etc. I loved how this book broke down with photos, step by step instructions and an intensive index that breaks down how to read patterns and examples on how to do stitches step by step. Highly recommend. Also super loved the up close photos so you can compare your work to the example stitch. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Essential Crochet Starter Stitches, I think this book is a terrific follow-up. More of what made the first book such a good resource - with even more stitches that I have never encountered before but cannot wait to try. I am especially intrigued by some of the textured stitches ( hello, cable stitches!). Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing, for a copy of this book which I know I will be turning to time and time again for reference.

[StylesPlenty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has easy to read collections featuring textured stitches, colorwork, fancy edgings to help make any pattern extra special.  I really like how the book included both text and symbol diagrams. This would be a great addition to have for crochet lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry/Quarry Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner crochet artist looks to expand their skills and looks at more complicated patterns, this book is an invaluable resource. I'm teaching several classes and my students are now ready to expand their skills. Melissa Leapman has given clear guidance in an easy to follow format. The stitches can be combined in any manner to create beautiful mementoes for friends and family

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book with great anticipation and was not disappointed. Well described guide to an advanced level of the crochet art including edgings and different textures, all explained in detail. A great addition to any crafter's library.

[RecycledWords · Rating 5 out of 5]

The instructions and crochet charts were easy to follow and there were several stitches I haven't come across before and would like to try. I will definitely be purchasing this book in print format once released so that I can have fun creating larger projects with lots of variety.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches is a good resource to learn how to add textures and edging to your work.
It also has a section on how to read charts that will be a great help to beginners.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

What a great stich book for more advanced crocheters. The pictures show what you're trying to achieve and the instuctions are detailed.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this handy little guide for the more intermediate crocheter. Full of beautiful pictures, crochet diagrams, and written instructions for every pattern, this book gave me so much inspiration! I received a digital arc of this book, but I plan to buy the book for easier reference.

[Leslie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

As someone still starting out in crocheting this is a very informative book and is laid out in a way that is easy to understand.

**Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry | Quarry Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches is a step-by-step guide to crocheting more complex patterns. It's a detailed guide that is helpful in creating intricate designs.

[Athena · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Essential Crochet Next-Level Stitches" is a fantastic little companion for any crocheter looking to expand their stitching skills! This book showcases 100 beautiful advanced stitch patterns in a format that's easy to follow. Each pattern comes with a clear photo, written instructions, and stitch diagrams, so you can learn whatever way works best for you.

The book is organized neatly into three sections: textured patterns (including some beautiful faux cables!), colourwork, and classy edgings that'll give your projects a professional finish. What makes it special is how it manages to make complex-looking stitches feel achievable, whether you're a beginner who's mastered the basics or an experienced crocheter seeking fresh inspiration.

The resource section at the back is like having a mini crochet mentor, complete with tips on how to read charts, and working with colour. If you're ready to level up your crochet game and add some wow to your projects, this book is worth adding to your crafting library.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

This book has the same look as the starter crochet version. Again, the photos were clear, as were the instructions. There is a good amount of variation in the stitches presented, and included faux cables, which were new to me. I think the only thing I didn't love about this book were the yarn color choices used in the colorwork section. The book does such a good job otherwise of making everything aesthetically pleasing, yet put colors together that didn't work or just used colors that were lackluster. But, of course, that's just a superficial criticism that doesn't change the clarity of the stitch pattern.

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion. book to Leapman’s *Essential Crochet Starter Stitches*, and introduces more complex and challenging ones. As with the other, there are both written patterns and pattern diagrams, as well as clear images of what the fabric should look like up close. You’ll also find useful tips for how to join yarn and change colours, how to keep side edges neat, and at the end of the book, crochet edgings.

Both volumes are highly recommended.

Thanks to Quarry Books and Edelweiss for early access.