Crochet Books: A Few of My Favorite Things

In some of the articles on this website, I mention crochet books and crochet patterns that have enriched my crafting journey. This blog 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 a crochet buddy. These are the books that I recommend to my friends because I’ve had so much joy from reading and working 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.

However, this book is a solid addition to any crochet book collection and provides 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 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. 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 straight-forward. 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 Needle crafts

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 and this book delivers on the how-to for crochet, knitting, and needlepoint. But there is more – learn how to (and why to) block your work, how to correctly collect body measurements, and the importance of gauge.

Beyond the creative techniques, the Family Circle Favorite Needle crafts book offers tips and methods for heirloom quilt preservation. More 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 Needle crafts book remains one of may 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. The “Cute Combo” crochet pattern is one that I look forward to trying. It is a shell blouse with the 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.

Giving Away the Farm: How Kindness, Critters, and Yarn Knit a Community Together

Are your fingers tired yet with all of that crocheting?  Find a good armchair and settle in for some reading time. This is a heart-warming 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.

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 short-cuts 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.

And that’s my list of favorite crochet books for you to use and enjoy. Some of these are long-time friends 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.

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