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Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects

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Looking for a quick crochet fix? Enjoy 42 sure-to-please patterns for wearables and home décor that can be stitched in a day or less—perfect for last-minute gifts! Softcover.

152 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2019

37 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Salena Baca

22 books7 followers

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5 stars
19 (21%)
4 stars
36 (40%)
3 stars
26 (28%)
2 stars
6 (6%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Ren.
1,290 reviews15 followers
December 24, 2018
I love craft books with quick projects! Crafters often want to make things for ourselves or others, but we don't always have a ton of time. Sometimes we just need a last minute gift. Here are 42 projects that can be completed in a day and there's a little bit of everything! There are the expected hats and headbands, but also wraps, mitts and other wearable items as well as a few bag/tote projects and items for the home. I love that the book includes a visual index. In my opinion, every craft books needs an index like this! Thumbnail photos allow the crafter to quickly find the project they want to make without needing to flip through the whole book. I love the Dreamy Poncho - perfect for a cool Spring day. I also love the simplicity of the Hexagon Centerpiece and Book Market Tote. Multiple photos are included for each project to show details and the colors chosen for the sample projects are appealing. Would I personally be able to complete all of these projects in only one day? Some yes, others likely not... but I'm a slower crocheter. Even as a slow crocheter, I think even I could complete the majority of these projects in just a day. Overall, this is a nice collection of projects utilizing a variety of crochet stitches resulting in a range of textures.

Thank you to Rowman & Littlefield and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cam.
1,217 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2019
First I would like to say bravo to these women.... they took something they loved and created a book for others to enjoy. In my honest opinion I would say majority of the projects are for beginners. These seem to be more on the crafty side. Head bands, socks, purses etc. Majority of it you can find on a utube tutorial and make in 30mins- 2 hours or a free crochet site. When I purchase a knitting or crocheting book I want deisgns that are unique. So I would never purchase this book. The pictures didn’t do much for me either. It looked as if someone grabbed their spouse and or children and threw something on them and said “Stand still so I can get a picture” with their iPhone.
Profile Image for Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini.
551 reviews
January 4, 2019
Crochet in a Day is a pattern book. There are no lessons for crocheting. There are wonderful patterns here for wearables, storage, home, decorating and so much more. The photos are good but could be more enlarged to show the item. The directions seem to be correct although I did not try all of the patterns for accuracy. If you are looking for some vintage as well as new inspiration this book fits the bill.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
366 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2022
I have been doing crochet for many years and am always on the lookout for a new book.
This book would be suitable for an advanced beginner. It is full of fun, quick projects including wearables.

I liked that most projects were for worsted weight (some bulky) and the suggested yarns were commercially available-making the projects accessible for most price points.

I also liked that there was a tunisian project (head/ear wrap) which would be a good introduction/small project to learn tunisian.
Profile Image for Raven Terry.
313 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2019
This was way more fun than I thought it would be and 1000 times easier! I did have to YouTube a few of the stitches, however that came from lack of experience and not lack of explanation. I do wish there were more pictures included, but I was able to complete a few of the projects as a beginner. Baca, Pink, and Truman have made a crocheter out of me! Thanks ladies for this awesome instructional book!
Profile Image for Rain.
632 reviews18 followers
July 13, 2019
A simple book filled with quick easy designs. As a crocheter, I love one day projects. Sometimes I don’t have patience for longer one. All of these projects are simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners or more advanced just looking for something quick. Not to mention, there is a wide variety of project beyond just the typical hats.
3 reviews
July 27, 2020
Great projects

This is a great book with lots of projects. I don’t usually buy this type of book because I never can find hardly anything I like. This book, I like almost all the projects in it. Most of the projects appear to be quick and easy to make. The challenge will be which one to start with.
Profile Image for Donita.
5 reviews
November 21, 2024
Unexpected gem!

I was really surprised at just how very pleased I was with the projects in this book. To be honest my past purchases of any crochet pattern books through Kindle have been lacking to say the least. This I've though was NOT one of those experiences, great patterns, easy to understand, and good variety! Thank you!
443 reviews
December 1, 2020
Even as a new crocheter, this collection was not particularly unique or memorable. None of the projects stood out as something I'd want to come back to, unfortunately.
Profile Image for Sarah.
9 reviews
September 19, 2025
patterns aren't very well written and are hard to follow. The book needs step by step images or something to understand what some of the parts of some patterns are referring to.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,736 reviews89 followers
December 7, 2025
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Crochet in a Day is a new project tutorial guide collection from Salena Baca, Danyel Pink, and Emily Truman. Due out 1st April 2019 from Rowman & Littlefield on their Stackpole imprint, it's 152 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

I generally have a few really long-term projects going at any one time. The one thing which helps me stay on target with those long and intricate projects is having a short 'instant gratification' project now and then to break up the long stretches. This book is packed with more than 40 short projects which can be made quickly. The projects are varied and attractive.

This is not a how-to-crochet book. There are no stitch diagrams or explanations (though the authors do refer beginners to the American Crochet Association's youtube channel for video instruction). The lack of beginning instruction doesn't detract from the book at all, the information can be found easily online if it's needed. What this book does have is lots and lots of projects.

The projects are arranged in chapters of similar projects: hats, accessories, totes, kitchen things, decorative items, etc. The yarns and materials used are easily sourced (mostly slanted to readers in the USA, but available worldwide with online retailers).

It would have been nice if the book had included a gallery of included projects with the table of contents, however, there is an visual gallery index at the back of the book with page numbers which is basically the same thing. There's also a one-page resource list and abbreviations list. The project instructions are written in standard abbreviations, but don't include the 'Japanese' crochet diagrams. I made the Windsor dishcloth (p. 112 and found it problem free and attractive).

Four stars. Worthwhile addition to the crafter's library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,908 reviews33 followers
December 25, 2018
All crafters revel in finding quick projects and this book is full of them! All 42 of these crochet projects can be completed in less than a day.

The book is well laid out and visually pleasing. Divided into six project sections (Hats & Headbands - 8 projects; Wraps and Other Wearables -12 projects; Bags & Totes -6 projects; Kitchen and Dining - 9 projects; Living -7 projects) and two reference sections (Standard Abbreviations and Yarn and Materials), there is bound to be something that catches your interest. Photos for each of the projects with clear, easy to follow instructions (including size variations where appropriate) make this a winner. It has a photo index of the projects as well, which I think is brilliant and wish all craft books had!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Stackpole Books for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Tracy Shephard.
863 reviews65 followers
June 18, 2019
What I loved about this this beautiful book of crochet, were the simple designs.

Perfect for beginners, but also ideal for accomplished crocheters, there are 42 projects that tests and advances your skills to make gifts, things for the home or just fun things to enjoy.

There is no stitch guide or tutorials in this book, but a website has given to be able to demonstrate the stitches needed.  The instructions are clear to understand, and the photography is amazing.  Crochet in a Day is brilliant for inspiration and ideas. 

This is a book that helps you create something beautiful, while at the same time encourages you out of your comfort zone and try new and technical stitches. The lacework items are stunning. I class myself as an intermediate crocheter and found the project I made to be quick and easy to do. 
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
364 reviews
August 21, 2019
Thank you Netgalley, Salena Baca, Danyel Pink, Emily Truman and Stackpole Books for the ARC! This one was released yesterday!

I’ve been crocheting for 15+ years and have always preferred shorter projects. Anything that takes months or years to make, isn’t for me, which is one the reasons I chose this book.

If you’re a beginner crocheter, I must warn you… this is isn’t for those you just getting started. However, if you’re looking for new stitches, fast projects at an advanced level, this could be a great resource for you!
Profile Image for Ann.
6,025 reviews83 followers
April 22, 2019
This is a good gift book for the newer beginning crochet crafter. It has 42 projects that are generally available. The pictures are colorful and clear, the instructions are simple and well explained and the book is organized and easy to use. The visual index at the end of the book is particularly useful. Many of the projects use 1 skein or less for the projects. The patterns cover many areas from hats, scarves, place mats etc. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Martha Avans.
331 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2019
Crochet in a Day is a great pattern book with a lot of cute items to create. There are something for everyone in this book. But it's not a book to show you how to crochet, so you will need to know how to read a pattern before you get this book.
The designers in this book have wrote clear patterns that are easy to understand. And the items are cute. A couple of the designers, I've used their patterns before.
So if you are looking for cute items you can create in a day, this is the pattern book for that.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the letting me read #crochetinaday
Profile Image for Debbie.
701 reviews
January 14, 2019
Disclaimer: I was provided a digital copy of this book by NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This volume is full of cute and quick projects. As a seasoned crocheter, I probably would not buy this book for myself because there were no truly unique ideas that really wowed me. I might give it as a gift to someone who is just learning the craft. With that said, there are no instructions on how to crochet. It is simply a book of patterns.
Profile Image for Jeanne Grace.
350 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Stackpole Books and Netgalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I've made Slightly Slipper Socks, Fine Wine Tote, and several Harbor Placemats. I love these quick crochet patterns, easy to follow directions and a great selection of projects for Christmas or any time of the year! This is a great book for an intermediate or advanced crocheter. I will be giving it as gifts to several of my crochet friends and making several items for gifts!
Profile Image for NerdieGurl.
72 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2019
Cute designs. As long as you have a basic knowledge off crochet you should be able to follow the directions to create these cute designs. From hats,gloves,and scarfs to Totes,baskets,and vests. There's something for everyone
Profile Image for Arlene Arredondo.
566 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2019
Fun projects to get inspired.
The instructions are a bit hard to follow for beginners, but workable.
Nice images and details.

Note: I received an ARC for review purpose and an honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Polly Krize.
2,134 reviews44 followers
May 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely book full of easy crochet patterns that are fast to make. Very well written instructions and photographs. I've already made the Feng Shui Wrap!!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
Author 13 books14 followers
December 29, 2018
Lots of new ideas for quick and easy crochet projects – hats and headbands, phone or tablet covers, coffee cozies, baskets, bags and totes. There’s even cute patterns for the proverbial dish rags and placemats. I especially liked the home decorating projects; after the winter hat-making season, it’s fun to crochet something new and different.
161 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2018
‘Crochet in a Day’ is chock-full of quick crochet projects, including multiple variations of always-useful projects (and great gifts) like hats, headbands, cowls (including one that looks knit!), fingerless gloves, and a wide variety of totes, bags, and household items. The projects are divided into sections, like ‘Wearables,’ ‘Kitchen & Dining,’ and even ‘Living,’ which includes blankets, a basket, an adorable pillow, and several wall art projects. Some of the projects seem a little out-dated, but there’s something here for almost everyone.
I haven’t made any yet, but have already marked a few to try—like the Windsor Washclloth, which uses a great-looking, woven technique and the adorable coin purse—and read through the instructions, which seem clear and easy to follow. I appreciate that there are several pictures of each project (although some of the pictures are funny—with the models standing funny, or with odd expressions on their faces). I’m looking forward to trying some of the new-to-me techniques—like crocheting triangles, or the join-as-you-go hexagon runner, or some of the stitches I don’t know—which are already giving me ideas for other projects of my own.
I greatly prefer hard-copy versions of art and craft books, but even the kindle version of this book is easy to follow (not always the case).
This is a nice collection of more than 40 quick crochet projects for all sorts of uses using a nice variety of stitches and techniques. Nice for crocheters of all ages and levels.
Profile Image for Kate.
1,134 reviews44 followers
January 5, 2019
This is a great reference and how to book for those who love to crochet! I am an avid crocheter and love to make gifts for friends and family and anyone who will accept my crocheted creations. I really loved the ideas I got from this book and enjoyed looking through all of the plans. The plans look solid and I am excited to spend the rest of my winter crocheting (when my kids will let me at least). I find it to be a great stress reliever (totally necessary when at home with 3 kids that are not school aged yet) and it doesn't have as many calories as chocolate!!

From hats to tablet cases to decor creations, this book has plenty of beautiful plans to keep you busy!
809 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2019
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Initially I thought this book was learning to crochet in a day, so imagine my surprise when I found this lovely resource chock full of great quick projects to finish in a few days time. I can relate to one of the authors saying they have "one sock syndrome..." You finally finish one and then you want to move on. This book is great for anyone who wants a quick and easy crochet project. They use a variety of easy to find yarns for samples, and mostly in worsted or bulky weight. Most patterns are rated "intermediate" but I did notice several easy patterns, as well.

The patterns are well written and so cute! With this one book, you get patterns for everything from hats and scarves to bags and home décor! I am so glad to have found this book and can't wait to get something on my hook.! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crochet and is looking for an easy and quick project or a gift.

Thanks to #NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lisa Day.
42 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2019
This book is full of cute projects that can be completed in a day if you are familiar enough with crochet! There are beautiful pictures of the projects, but no step-by-step instructions to teach beginners how to complete them. If you have a strong grasp of crochet stitches this book will be good and you'll be able to complete some fun projects!
Profile Image for Jonesy.Reads.
628 reviews18 followers
January 27, 2019
I've been wanting to give crocheting a try for awhile now so when I saw this book I knew I had to get it. "Crochet in a Day" is full of different crochet projects that you can finish in a single day. Everything from hats to placemats, blankets to baskets. With beautiful pictures of each project, and easy to follow instructions. I know I'm going to be crocheting up a storm in no time!
10 reviews
February 1, 2019
A nice assortment of projects, for the beginner as well as intermediate crocheters. Enough that someone should find something that they would be interested in attempting, I tried the Chroma Shawl and the Hexagon Potholder. Both had instructions that were easy to follow. Found in total about 9 projects that I would be interested in making. While there were some that I would never do, I find the same thing applies when looking at other crochet project books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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