Design Your Own Crochet Projects: Magic Formulas for Creating Custom Scarves, Cowls, Hats, Socks, Mittens & Gloves

by Sara Delaney

You love to crochet, but you’re tired of the granny square and other predictable projects. Let celebrated crochet teacher Sara Delaney help you expand your skills while showing you how to create custom-fit wearable accessories. Delaney’s unique, flexible formulas let crocheters of all levels easily design scarves, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks. With fill-in-the-blank templates and a stitch dictionary, you can use your favorite yarn and stitch pattern, and make accessories that fit perfectly. Delaney offers a starter course in the technique with 18 of her own original patterns, along with the formulas she used to create them.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction

256 pages, Spiral-bound

Published October 31, 2017

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this advance review copy.

I read this book on the kindle, but I understand that in hard copy it is spiral bound, which is great for using when doing your projects. I find normal books really difficult to keep open whilst doing my crochet and I keep losing my place. The spiral bound spine of this book would mean that it can be left open and there are no awkward moments of trying to work out where in the pattern you were!

This is a lovely book with some lovely clear illustrations and pictures. It gives instructions, not only on how to make and design your own project but instructions for some of their own patterns as well. There are blank templates to use for when you are designing your own pattern and instructions on how to work these out. They do say in the book that you are welcome to photocopy the blank templates as long as they are for your own personal use. It is a US version and there is no alternative UK stitch compatibility, but I’m sure most UK Crocheters have experienced this before – just remember to change the sc to dc, dc to tr etc etc. – you know how it goes! There are also instructions and pictures for the different stitches used within the patterns.

It includes patterns and instructions to make your own patterns for scarves, cowls, hats, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves and socks. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. For me, they are particularly useful for the glove patterns – I always found gloves tricky to follow and work out, but the clear instructions make it look a lot easier!

Well recommended for all you fellow Crocheters out there!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've crocheted with a free spirit, for nearly 50 years, and this will still be a great addition to my library. I've had my share of projects that just don't work, they don't fit, they fit until they get washed, and I can't even give them to Goodwill. I confess, I've made a lot of clothes that turn out to be wall hangings.

I've always said that if when they taught math in school, I would have paid more attention if they'd talked about stitches and warping looms. This book takes up that slack. Ms. Delaney has included space for all the important calculations that really should be done before you start your project. It's extra work, I hate swatches too, but, in the long run, this should be done.

Up front, she talks about yarn, spinning, gauging, but this isn't a book for folks who want to learn to crochet. It is a book for folks who want to make things fit, and who want to understand how fit is calculated. And there's a bonus, the projects (scarves, mittens and gloves, and socks) that she has to given to calculate to your own sizing needs are pretty nice, the pictures are colorful enough that you really won't mind doing the math.

I'm hoping there will be a version for sweaters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the pdf to review.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

A perfect supplementary tool for every crocheter. As a newer crocheter and visual learner, I appreciated the accompanying images and loved that they added in issues the user may run in to as well. Overall, I felt this was a well-rounded book. It doesn’t just show you stitches and how to create them. It also discusses the different yarn types as well, which is influential to any project. As someone who is a visual learner, this is a perfect accessory. I recommend it to anyone interested in crochet.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Design Your Own Crochet Projects - Magic Formulas for Creating Custom Scarves, Cowls Hats, Socks, Mittens and Gloves
Author: Sara Delaney
Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC.
Published: 10-3-2017
Pages: 256
Genre: Crafts and Hobbies
Sub-Genre: Home, Fashion; Crocheting; Needlecrafts & Textiles
ISBN: 978-1612126586
ASIN: B06XPRk2ZC
Reviewed For NetGalley and Storey Publishing LLC
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars


With a multitude of projects to choose there is bound to be one that appeals to you. Once the basic formula is learned crocheters can modify to put the personal touch to a project and indiviualize it for the intended recipient. The Spiral binding makes it easy to keep your tension on the thread as you work while being able to look over to check over the instructions. Pick up a copy for yourself and the ones who like to crochet in your family and cirsle of friends.


My rating of "Design Your Own Crochet Projects " is 4.5 out of 5 stars.


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[sidewalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently received this book from the publisher for review.

This book came so totally on time! My son just picked up his crochet hook again and is determined to make his sister and brand new brother in law some presents.
So my son and I reviewed this book together.

We both agreed, the patterns were quite nice. It had a few unisex and a scarf for men . Super plus points on that! Sometimes the gents in our life get overlooked in pattern books and not every girl goes wild over ruffles and lace. This book manages to have a nice mix of things.

We also both agreed that we hate spiral binding on books. Specially on workbooks. The pages can rip out so easily, specially if you use them often, which this book, with it's pretty projects does encourage. This book is spiral bound with a spine. Which means the book has to lay open at all times, you cannot just flip the pages around to the one you are working on. I just wish they had never thought of spiral binding for books. *sigh* but that is just a personal pet pieve and should not distract from your enjoyment of the book.

As an experienced needle woman, I found the book easy to understand and the instructions easy to follow. My son on the other hand, who is a beginner, had a bit of a hard time with it on his own. So I think I would recommend this book for an intermediate beginner. I definitely think this is something every crocheter should try though!
I love the freedom this book gives to it's readers. Having learned how to knit and crochet without patterns as a child, I am a big supporter of go for it and design your own needle art dreams! There is nothing wrong with a stunning pattern, but sometimes you have this idea and can't find anything matching out there. That's when it comes in handy to be able to make your own pattern.
I would recommend this as a must have in anybody's crochet library. Once you know the formulas, there will be no stopping you!

[Biljana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lovely (lots of beautiful illustrative pictures) and will be quite a resource for a crocheter who is ready to begin making their own designs.

As a relative beginner to crochet, I found this book to be full of useful information. Sara Delaney covered types of yarns, including how they should be treated and how they will feel (which is very useful when considering different projects). Although I had a fair idea of these details, it was a very useful summary to remind me of which yarns would be good for a given project. Delaney also makes a good argument (with visual examples to support her argument) that we should always swatch before attacking a new project.

In addition to providing a variety of crochet patterns, the book provides templates that walk you through the calculations needed when creating your own design. There are tips to help you work through various changes in stitches (increase, decrease, etc.). The most useful aspect is that the author includes the calculations behind the patterns that she provides, so that you can see how she had calculated the stitch changes and yarn amounts.

Finally, there is a handy visual appendix that shows the many stitches that are required for the many patterns that are included in the book. Not only was this book attractive, but it would make an excellent resource that I could imagine turning to again and again.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun crochet book for beginners to advanced. The book lists formulas for making scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, and socks. Included are also worksheets so you can determine how many skeins of yarn you’ll need, what stitch works best with which yarn, and so on. The author gives advice on how to combine techniques to create accessories. She walks you through the different kinds of fibers, yarn weights and recommended hook sizes. As you go through the book, you will learn pattern-free crocheting, but there are also traditional patterns at the end of each chapter. You will need to already be familiar reading patterns, or read through the book to figure it out before trying to do a project, but the stitches used are explained at the back. This is a great book where the author walks the reader through how the author created patterns and explained how to keep notes on what you did to create and share patterns. Included are tips, abbreviations, pictures, and a stitch dictionary at the end. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys crocheting or wants to learn.

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great guide for the crafter who likes to both be original and plan ahead. The templates are really helpful for determining how much yarn you will need for a project, how many chain stitches for the foundation row, how many rows, etc. The also serve as a ready-made place to keep notes about any glitches you encountered or cheats you come up with to get the desired result in a finished project. The author generously encourages the reader to make copies of the template pages as needed for their adventures in pattern and project design.
Each chapter offers up a number of patterns, each one used as an example of how to use the design template to create the pattern specifications. Photos show each item in a "still life" presentation, as well as being worn by a live model. The appendices offer up a treasure trove of stitch instructions, generously illustrated so the crafter can see the loop count on the hook at each step.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinions in response. I really want a hard copy, too.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make a great library addition for anyone who enjoys crochet, regardless of experience. It includes some really lovely patterns for cowls, hats, mittens, gloves and socks, plus directions for recalculating the designs in your own choice of yarn and stitch pattern.

The “Magic Formula” is really logical and is fairly simple to follow using the provided templates.

You choose your yarn and stitch pattern and then, once you have prepared and measured your swatch and have the measurements for the item you wish to crochet, you complete the templates provided. They include all the information you will need to calculate how much yarn is required and the appropriate number of stitches and rows to work for your desired size.

I definitely want a copy of this book as it will allow me more readily to use up my handspun yarns without having to find a specific pattern.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a digital review copy.

[Penmouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Design Your Own Crochet Projects by Sara Delaney is probably a bit beyond my basic crocheting skills, but it is a book that I have found helpful too. Delaney gives good basic information covering the art of crochet including information about fibers, yarn construction, yarn weight (loved her chart showing the yarn weights), how to swatch and the need for it. She also covers basic information on how to measure and block your swatches. Later in the book she gives basic information on how to design your project and includes a chart where you can log your information based on project type.

In the scarves chapter she shows how to design the scarf, how to measure and weigh your scarf swatch to determine how much yarn to buy, and how to design the pattern.

While this book is a bit ahead of my novice crocheting skills, I did learn enough to help me along my journey in becoming a better needlework artist.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from Net Galley.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *

This is one of those books that you don't think you need until you read it. It's filled with really useful worksheets and calculators, as well as tips and ideas on how to work with them.

I liked the easy to dip into format of the book, the advice and tips on swatching and the useful (although brief in my opinion) stitch dictionary at the end. I have always been a bit of a free-form crocheter - it probably comes with being a left hander in a right handed world, but found this a great resource.

My one nit pick was the design layout and photos, which looked "cheap" in someway - I would have liked to see a little more flow in the styling of the whole book.

In all, this is a very handy book to have on your shelf.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Design Your Own Crochet Projects by Sara Delaney is an awesome addition to the library of anyone who enjoys crocheting! With its extensive coverage of project types, multiple patterns of their own within each project type, and formulas to determine how much yarn you need to complete the project of your choice with your choice of stitches, this book has it all!

I found the book easy to understand, the many pictures helpful, and the formulas to determine how much yarn you need for your own project unduplicated anywhere else that I know of.

If you love to crochet, no matter how long you've been doing it, this book is for you!! Five stars for FABULOUS from me!!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for allowing me to preview an ARC of this book!!

[Margaret Sholders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to go over the projects in one day. It has been a while since I have crocheted . I grew up sitting by my Nanny's feet watching her crochet. She crocheted Doiley and pictures. I have Nanny's 3feet by 4feet of Jesus in every shade of brown. I crocheted to sell Civil War era purses for the reenactors . I never had the patience to do your projects. I also crocheted blankets. I liked the projects here. Sara shows you how to start and then how to add your colors. I would advice you to check these patterns. I hope you enjoy these patterns! Enjoy! I volunteered to read and review this book!

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for a beginner or intermediate crocheter.
Along with the offered patterns is information handy for their use as well as being useful for other projects. For example; the uses for different yarns, measuring for your project, and blocking.
I was able to use the information to adjust the pattern for a larger item, I had no idea how to go about that before. I found the book to be very useful and recommend it as a must read for anyone learning as it upped my game.
I requested and received an ARC from Netgalley and plan to add this one to my craft collection,

[angeleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Design Your Own Crochet Projects" is a very useful book thoughtfully crafted by someone who knows a lot more about crocheting than I do! She takes a very technical and precise approach to a hobby I occasionally pick up for long car rides. I learned a lot about the technical side of crochet and how to get things just right by choosing the correct yarn, the correct weight, and planning your project out using a swatch to check the gauge - all things I do not do as a casual crocheter, but that my projects could certainly benefit from.

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those who wish to design their own crocheted accessories! There is a lot of information on measurements, and templates are provided for figuring out and documenting your exact pattern. Step by step up close photos help clarify stitches and patterns. The advice on how much yarn will be needed based on size is presented in an easy to calculate way.

Included are patterns for scarves, hats, cowls, mitts, mittens, gloves and socks.

*eARC Netgalley*

[Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Design Your Own Crochet Projects is s very informative, descriptive, and well organized book. The illustrations coincide well with the explanations. Everything can be followed along easily. There are templates to download so you can keep track of your own original designs. This is great book for anyone interested in the art of crocheting.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

I cannot recommend this book enough! I haven't been crocheting very long but everything is explained in such an easy way and with great quality photos that I now feel confident enough to have a go at couple of the projects in this book!

[Pia Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great boot. It teaches you how to read a pattern, how to choose yarn and what a swatch is.
You'll find formulas and advice on how to combine techniques in order to create great accessories.
You'll learn about fibers and formulas to design your own patterns from scratch.
It does give you basic patters to have as a base, for scarfs, mittens, gloves, socks, etc.

[Eileen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am determined that next year my New Year's Resolution is to learn how to crochet, as this craft has eluded me so far.
This very informative little book will go a long way in reaching my goal.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Storey Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great comprehensive guide to creating items that will fit correctly

[Davianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the instructions are clear and the pictures are beautiful. There's some really helpful spreadsheets included in the book that you can use to help in the designing process. E.g. swatches, yarn type, yarn weight, stitches used, gauge etc. Patterns are also included to help you along the way to designing your own piece of work. 5 Stars

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review

[SherleyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

aka. SherleyB.
A likeable book of ideas for new and old ideas in crochet.
Most helpful for your own patterns or if you get stuck...

[Judy Aulik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the very best, most useful book on the topic of crochet.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not find the premise of this book to fulfill my expectation. The info was just plain common sense to me.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good resource and reference crochet book, although the worksheets are a little confusing at first. Otherwise, it is a good crochet book.

[Sue Parker]

It was not possible to read the download of this book on my laptop.

[Caroline D’cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on my blog https://theyarnover.wordpress.com/202...

[Lovingbooks1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*

Introduction to the book was good and informative, as a person with good knowledge about crocheting I could recognise the challenges described by the author.

There was a very good descriptions of the different yarns and the usage of them. Book recommendations is also a bonus.

The very useful worksheets for swatching and for calculating the yarn use and pattern will be a great help when trying to make your own projects.

This was a well organised book and it’s easy to read and work with. This is a book I would have on my shelf.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I have been looking for! I really enjoy attempting my own patterns, but usually something just turns out a little off and ruins the whole project.

Design Your Own Crochet Projects has step by step instructions and guides for creating patterns and is helpful from beginners to advanced crocheters. The instructions are very clear and templates are even provided. Following these steps will provide success and that will build confidence to continue to try new ideas and add your own creativity to each project.

Imagine giving a gift and explaining that not only did you make it by hand, but you designed the pattern yourself!

I cannot wait to get a hard copy, because being spiral bound will be perfect to keep the pages open and accessible.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.*