Easy Afghans: 50 Knit and Crochet Projects

by Trisha Malcolm (Editor), Michelle Lo (Editor)

Celebrate the love for handknit and crocheted afghans with 50 of the best patterns from Family Circle Knitting. “For its wealth and variety of fetching designs, this title is highly recommended.”—Library Journal. “Guaranteed to win over any taste, any stitching experience, and any age.”—Booklist.

Genres: Knitting, Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

See also Vogue Knitting Magazine

Reviews

[Coral Pearce]

Does it have the pattern Autumn Splender in it thanks

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exceptional, but still a solid collection of afghan patterns. Pretty specific theme for a collection of patterns, but there's a good variety of styles and techniques represented. There's a handful of crochet patterns scattered through other chapters, then a whole chapter specifically of crochet patterns. While I wouldn't make all of these, there are a number I like and would be willing to cast on.

The pictures are clear, not "artsy" or distracting; some might consider it plain, but I'd rather have plain and straightforward any day. The instructions seem straightforward and easy to follow (which is good, since it's titled Easy Afghans), though I haven't made any of them to say for sure. There is a small technical notes section, but it's more about making afghans in general, and just a few specific techniques used in the book - it's not an extensive reference, so you should know the basics.

Overall, a solid little collection, definitely a good one for a library to have. As for a personal collection, it's a good one if you tend to make a lot of blankets, nice and classic patterns. I don't know if I'd've paid full price for it, but I'm glad I found it on the second hand shelf at my local thrift store.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some perfectly appalling designs here, and a couple of really nice ones - fairly par for the course with Family Circle, all photographed in a static manner, not very prettily but adequately. Instructions very clearly and concisely described, and the couple of designs I particularly liked were very nice indeed. Shows an unfortunate liking for a truly peculiar variant of mitered squares, though, and I certainly hope anyone coming upon that technique for the first time here doesn't give up on that design element - it's one of my favorites. There are better books out there for that technique, have a look at my "knit-crochet" shelf - I recently reviewed a book called "Domino knitting" that very nicely describes a much better style of working mitered squares.

The kitschy designs aside, this is a nice elementary book with a couple of really nice patterns. Good old Family Circle, they never completely let you down!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have made a few afghans from this book including my all time favorite one that I made for my dad and stepmom. It is a good mix of styles and skill levels. I have not tried any of the crochet patterns yet but there are some really cute ones in it.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spring Foliage (knit)

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book just disappointed me on all counts.

[Coquette Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to make "Rhapsody in Blue", "Snowflake Sensation", and "Weekend Sampler"