From Novice to Expert: The Crochet Books You Need
On this website, I mention crochet books and crochet patterns that have enriched my crafting journey. This post is a summary of some favorite crochet books that I’ve enjoyed through the years and are still on my shelves today – or tucked in my lap during a project!
I’m sharing my list as your crochet buddy. These are the books that I recommend to my friends because I’ve had so much joy from reading and working on projects included in each.
500 Crochet Stitches
I’ll start the list with this book – 500 Crochet Stitches. How can you ever have enough stitches? I like the format of this book and the multitude of stitch concepts. There are good ideas for using stitches in a variety of crochet patterns and design themes.
Some of the graphs are small and hard to read, so keep a magnifying glass handy. Even so, this book is a solid addition to any crochet book collection and provides a depth of resources for both the beginner and experienced crocheter.
Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework
You will already recognize this as one of my all-time favorites. The Complete Guide to Needlework book from Reader’s Digest has many needlework projects and directions for beginners.
The detailed crocheting instructions are well organized, with clear visuals to help with each stitch structure. The demonstrated projects are great classic pieces such as hats, Irish crochet, and filet crochet pieces. Of course, it includes the classic granny square and some crocheted block variations. When you are searching for basic crochet techniques, look no further than the crochet patterns in this much-admired book.
Color It Beautiful Afghans
This book offers 15 beautiful afghans featuring Vanna’s Choice yarn from Lion Brand. The designs in Color it Beautiful Afghans are simple and straightforward. At the same time, they demonstrate the coziness of repeating patterns in the earth tones of this yarn selection.
If you are struggling with crochet pattern structures, this book is extremely helpful. The back of the book has thirteen square samplers with a variety of stitches. Then, the wrap-up is a series of pattern layouts using the square for twelve unique completed afghans.
Family Circle Favorite Needlecrafts
This book has something for every crafts artist. I love how the instructions go beyond the basics (in the “Crafts Basics” section, which spans more than 20 pages). There is so much to learn. This book delivers the how-to for crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint. But there is more – learn how to (and why to) block your work, how to collect body measurements correctly, and the importance of gauge.
Beyond the creative techniques, the Family Circle Favorite Needlecrafts book offers tips and methods for heirloom quilt preservation.
Are you interested in selling your work? There’s a section with tips for success as a bazaar or festival vendor. These are only a few reasons why the Family Circle Favorite Needlecrafts book remains one of my top recommendations.
100 Crochet Projects
This book has 100 interesting crochet projects for all skill levels. While some of the projects are not appealing to me personally, there are many that I have completed and will repeat again.
The child’s backpack is functional and trendy, especially with a bit of decoration added to the top flap. I look forward to trying the “Cute Combo” crochet pattern. It is a shell blouse with a matching jacket, including ribbing stitches for edge finishing. I haven’t made many garments with crochet and am looking forward to giving it a go. If you are looking for a variety of projects, including accessories, clothing, and afghans, you won’t go wrong with 100 Crochet Projects.
Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet – The Happy Hooker
And now, for something a little different. Debbie Stoller has changed the image of crochet with her book and club centered on the Happy Hooker. This book promotes that anyone can learn to crochet, stitch by stitch with this book. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the title but was thrilled with the vivid color print on the inside. It’s a glossy book and brings crochet to life.
The writing style for The Happy Hooker is light and breezy while delivering a heavy dose of practical advice and truly step-by-step instruction.
Yes, you can learn to crochet with this book. If you have some skills already, you will like the tips and shortcuts that are scattered throughout the book. I love that the stitch swatches have super-close-up photos so that I can really see (in color!) how the stitch should look when I finish it.
Are your fingers tired yet with all of that crocheting? Find a good armchair and settle in for some reading time.
Giving Away the Farm: How Kindness, Critters, and Yarn Knit a Community Together
This is a heartwarming book about a family, farm life, and building a future in a tiny slice of the textile industry.
In Giving Away the Farm: How Kindness, Critters, and Yarn Knit a Community Together, Cindy Telisak shares her entrepreneurial story about a small farm in Texas on the teetering edge of the Dallas urban oasis. It’s a story of sharing and building a regional community of like-minded individuals while doing good.
The Crochet Girl Adventures
For more light reading, enjoy the https://amzn.to/46ipuyr” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Crochet Girl Adventures in Scotland and in Paris, France. Autumn loves to explore the world and always has a crochet hook handy. She meets crochet experts and makes new friends during her adventures. These two short books are available in eBook or paperback formats. For two-day free shipping on thousands of paperback books, subscribe to Amazon Prime Reading!
Summary
And that’s my list of favorite crochet books for you to use and enjoy. Some of these are long-time favorites on my crochet journey, and I’m constantly referencing them for new ideas and common techniques.
Do you have a favorite crochet book? I’d love to add to my collection.
Beyond books, there are other crochet tools that I use regularly. Read more about my favorite and must-have crochet tools featured in the 9 Best Tools for Crochet.
