Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers

by Judith Copeland

"Pullovers never go out of style, and some of the designs are truly beautiful, even today. The stitches are all basic, which makes the work go quickly. In the end, you are only limited by your own imagination. Highly recommended." — Any Good Book
Crocheting has never been faster and easier ― and the design possibilities have never been more exciting. This simple but innovative technique makes creating sophisticated-looking pullovers as easy as crocheting a scarf. All modular crochet garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. You can make an infinite number of styles by varying the size of the rectangles, the type and color of yarn, and the stitches. What's more, you can customize each garment while it's being made for perfect-fit pullovers in any size, silhouette, and style ― and you'll never have to follow traditional written instructions again.
Nearly four decades after its initial publication, this guide remains among the most revolutionary and revered books on freeform and improvisational crochet. Even beginners can use its innovative method to make pullovers, turtlenecks, vests, ponchos, caftans, and other items. Easy-to-follow diagrams accompany each original design, in addition to 40 large full-color photos.
"One of my favorite craft books of all time! Teaches you the basic building blocks of crocheted apparel and shows you how easy it is to create your own patterns." — Tehanu's Books

Genres: Crochet

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2015

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly the fashion and content is very dated but modular crochet as a way of working without a pattern was new to me and very relevant to the way I like to work with craft. Interesting, I may come back to it at some point if I decide to have a go at making one of their jerseys

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a crochet book from 1978. This book shows basic crachet technigues with plenty of detailed photographs to demonstrate how to crochet clothing using modular crochet techniques. The garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. Yarn, color, size, and stitches used can turn the basic format into a variety of finished projects.


Modular Crochet is a technique that I have never really used, having taught myself to crochet via internet instructions and a few fantastic books while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is just shy of 9). The idea is sound, and has been around for awhile, since this is a republication. I have to admit that I am intrigued and might be testing out the method when I finish up my current project. The technique is described well, and the photographs used do a good job of illustrating the technique. However, I will admit that I found the book to be dated, which is not completely unexpected. I think anyone that has the basic crochet stitches mastered, but is still intimidated by patterns and clothing could use this book to help master freeform or improvisational crochet. Not a bad guide, but definitely dated, although I guess we could just call it retro?


Modular Crochet is a well done guide, and would be useful to those wanting to try making clothing without using a prewritten pattern. The diagrams, instructions, and photographs work together to explain everything very well. My only complaint is that the book does not seem to be updated from the 1978 version in this publication.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I enjoy knitting and, although I did crochet when a teenager, I’ve never used crocheting to make any garments. With this book, however, that could easily change! It gives step by step guidance on crocheting and doesn’t give the usual ‘patterns’ to follow but teaches readers how to do the different components to enable them to create their own designs and garments. The photographs throughout are superb and demonstrate the variety of different possibilities brilliantly. A superb book for anyone interested in designing and making tops for anyone - young/old, male/female, long/short - the choice is yours by following the modular designs to help guide you. Superb for the total beginner and the expert alike, what a great book - no wonder it is being reprinted! Congratulations to the publisher for re-releasing this dateless inspiring book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the ebook edition of this book, hearing about it somewhere online that it was a great reference for designing your own crochet garments. Well, I must say I was disappointed. My experience is that these very square designs create very unflattering garments. There is no additional fabric at the side seams for ease nor is there a gusset of any sort under the armpit. Because of the blocky shape, the fabric will bunch at the front and back of the arm and be uncomfortable. So much for "revolutionary." I thought it funny that the author instructs you to continue making all these rectangles (between 6-8) when, after figuring out your gauge, you could practically crochet your piece from one cuff to the other. Retro photos were fun to look at. Geez, what we thought looked great back then. We have come a long way, but this book won't get you there.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really incredible book, just so easy to follow and makes the reader think about knitting rather than just following a pattern. I found that half way I was starting to think - if I added some more stiches or more/less rows I could do this and found myself reaching for a notebook to draw up some designs that I could achieve. Lots of food for thought with this book. This book will certainly be used again and again

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book demonstrates a basic idea of crocheting, which can then be elaborated on in countless customize-able ways. Overall, a practical, if sparse, example of creating customized crocheted clothing.

The many photos are very detailed and show many different versions of what can be crocheted using the book's main idea. The straight-forward idea is easy to grasp from the photos.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please see full review at: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com and/or our Facebook page "5 Girls Book Reviews"

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This crochet book shows a few patterns and many models of the patterns.

[Hayzbaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful easy idea. I have always been put off making clothes because of tension and trying to follow a pattern. But this makes it so easy to make cushie comfy jumpers. I am making a big soft cuddly one as my movie jumper.

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another dated book that should be given a modern makeover instead of just being republished