Kristin Omdahl's Crochet So Fine takes crocheted clothing from fussy to fashionable! By working with thinner yarns and more flexible stitches, crocheters can produce garments that are stylish and comfortable, figure-flattering without being form-fitting and great for layering. And just because the yarn is thin doesn't mean crocheters need to use the smallest of hooks, fine crochet can be quick and easy, too.
Crocheters begin by exploring techniques specific to crocheting with fine gauge, blocking, and garment construction tips to maximize drape. Then they can choose from 20 projects including stunning crocheted pullovers, cardigans, jackets, capes, shawls, scarves, hats, and more. Many of the projects only require one or two skeins of yarn. The designs are interesting to make, using clever stitch motifs, innovative and traditional shaping methods, and a variety of crochet techniques and embellishment ideas. In addition to a variety of stitch patterns, motifs, and techniques, Crochet So Fine includes tutorials with detailed illustrations and instruction on Tunisian crochet, broomstick crochet, and hairpin lace. The garments include couture details such as colorwork, beading, lace, ruffles, tiers, and more. All stitch motifs include charts, and the specialized techniques include how-to sections.
Author of 20+ craft books and debut novelist of Sea Glass Journal.
Kristin Omdahl is a bestselling author, designer, and creative entrepreneur whose work has inspired makers around the world for more than two decades. With over 20 books on knitting, crochet, and handmade design, as well as thousands of patterns and tutorials, she has built a thriving community rooted in creativity, resourcefulness, and joy. Her debut novel, Sea Glass Journal, marks the beginning of a new chapter in her storytelling journey. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast, the novel weaves themes of resilience, creativity, and rediscovering joy — echoing the spirit Kristin has championed throughout her career. When she isn’t writing or designing, Kristin can be found exploring the shoreline near her Florida home, experimenting in the kitchen, or crocheting by the sea with her beloved cat, Baby Bjorn, by her side. She shares behind-the-scenes insights and creative inspiration through her YouTube channel, Patreon, and social platforms, where her motto has always been: Create, Share, Inspire. Learn more at www.KristinOmdahl.com.
I picked out a smaller project (the motif t-shirt) and took out a stash lace yarn to make a test motif, which according to the gauge (and indeed, doing the math to make sure the shirt would fit) should be 2" square.
Using the directed size of hook, the square was only 1.5". I went up two sizes and still, even stretched the motif out as much as I could, it was not 2". It's clear to me that if I went to the effort of making it up, it would fit only a child.
It may be a problem with only one pattern in the book, but my advice on this one is: gauge first. Always good advice but on this one I couldn't even make it come close.
Looking at other reviews, I question them deeply. Two (Monique and Miranda) are 100% identical in words even though claiming to be by different people (I note that only one of these reviews appears on the app). That is super sketchy. Other reviews appear to be by people who like the patterns and designs but have never attempted to make any of them. Beware.
Another lovely book of unique, delicate, gorgeous shawls. I'm temporarily unable to do the graph style afghans I design and enjoy. At the same time I've discovered a love of making unique, delicate, lacey shawls. I have 2 shawls from this book on my list. I have hopes to finish them in time to give as holiday gifts. First up is the Dragonfly Shawl which is just delicate and STUNNING. Second is the Orchid Circular Shawl. This is such a unique looking shawl. I will probably make most of these shawls at some point. I have a lot of shawl friendly yarn. Thank you Hobbii yarns 🥰🥰🥰🥰
One of my favorite wearable-crochet books! A must read for every crocheter, advanced or novice.
The Petals Wrap Cardigan on the cover looks *very* daunting, but if you take your time to work through the easier projects in this book, learning how to read charts while you're at it, you'll find that it's easier than you thought.
Keep this in mind though: - It's okay to use some scrap acrylics to practice with, but choose your yarns carefully! These patterns really look best made with thin and natural fibers. I know - you have that giant cone of thick, white mercerized cotton and your fingers are itching to make the Orchid Circular Shawl, but you'll end up looking like a giant doily and that has never been fabulous, ever! - GAUGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK - Blocking does wonders on a meh project. It changes anything from meh to at least ...nice.
The pieces in this book are just NOT my style but I really appreciate that there isn't a lot of banter before the author presents the projects. This book highlights what crochet does best—open, lacy designs. What I found, frankly, embarrassing were the shawls that looked much like old timey table runners or table cloths. This book will surely strike the right chord for many crocheters, but pass for me.
incredible patterns and detailed stitch diagrams. i believe this is where crochet truly shines; lace openwork really showcases the endless possibilities for gorgeous detailing. so many good patterns, not enough time! i will be returning to this in the future for inspo!
Lovely collection of crochet patterns. They're all lightweight and airy. There are helpful charts for the visual crocheter as well as written patterns.
An enchanting compilation of delicate and beautiful patterns that can be accomplished with nothing more than a crochet hook and some fancy string. Although admittedly, it is geared toward the intermediate and expert; there are several patterns that I found would be perfect for the beginner.
“Starry Night Wrap” found on page 17 is perfect for the novice who would like to try their hand at the more delicate side of crochet and the “Willow Bag”, a shopping type reusable tote for those who not only like their creations to be functional but appealing as well.
For those who look at these wonderful “Wraps” and think that they will never wear them; put on your creative hat; for I found several wraps done in a triangular style, that if the sewer would create 2 of the same wrap, then sew down the middle; an individual will have a fantastic looking table cloth or table topper. So don’t let the elegance deter you from giving some of these patterns a fair trial, make the patterns work for you.
I've been oogling the designs from the book on Ravelry since it first came out, & I finally borrowed the book from the library to see for myself. I was hoping to have time to actually make something out of it, but alas, that will have to be another time.
There are so many gorgeous designs, I wouldn't have been able to just pick one. If I was doing the Ravelry blogging challenge, where you work through all the projects in a book... this would be the book for me (or maybe one of my sock books, but that's another topic for another day). I don't think there is one project in the book that I wouldn't want to make, and there are many projects that I'd love to make more then once, in different colors & / or for gifts (such as Cascade sweater, or the Skinny Flower scarf, or the Diamonds shawl...)
My absolutely favorite project, however, is Pearl's Cardigan, which is made with the easily available, easily affordable, and/or easily substituted for a more expensive yarn, if you'd like.
This is another must-buy for your crochet library.
OMG...I read this book over the holiday and as a newborn knitter and even newer babe to crochet these designs were absolutely stunning...I have no idea when I will get good enough to be able to create these works of art, but, I hope to get there maybe in 10 years or so...I got this book from the library and really didn't want to return it...So I guess I'm going to need to buy it so that I can keep it as a reference tool when I become a master at knitting and crocheting...
OMG...I read this book over the holiday and as a newborn knitter and even newer babe to crochet these designs were absolutely stunning...I have no idea when I will get good enough to be able to create these works of art, but, I hope to get there maybe in 10 years or so...
If you like lace and want to try crocheting lace, this book is the place to start that journey. The yarns are light weight and will look just as fashionable as knitted lace. Some great patterns in this book. Several patterns are now on my Ravelry que.
Beautiful projects, but they are overwhelming and time consuming and I'm after a quick fix, man... Later: the projects are not overwhelming, they are fun. Thus: I was wrong in my three star review, four stars it is!
Such gorgeous patterns. I am making one currently and have several more on the list to make. The patterns are written out and charted for whichever. Method you prefer. Both easy to follow.
It is so hard to find patterns that once you make them they do not look homemade. This book has absolutely lovely designs!!!!! I am most attached to the sweater on the cover!