Handbook of Crochet Stitches: The Complete Illustrated reference to Over 200 Stitches

I've been a knitter for nearly 50 years, I remember knitting a coat hanger cover at school when I was 5 (not exactly an essential life skill but there you go) but only started learning crochet last year. I have made the usual granny square cushion covers and blankets and decided I wanted to branch out and make a cover for a circular cushion. I know it isn't exactly rocket science, but it was difficult to work out how to get started so I had a look on Amazon for a suitable book.I found exactly what I wanted with this book. It isn't too big, so is really easy to carry around, but is full of great stitches. It does have the basics for people learning from scratch, but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner as there are better books such as Crochet Unravelled or one of the books by Sue Whiting for people just starting out. I've also got The Encyclopaedia of Crochet Techniques by Jan Eaton which would be OK for the basics and is worth considering, but if you have mastered the basics and want to get more creative this book is for you. Its main section is a collection of stitches that can be used in your projects. It gives instructions for the basic stitch pattern, which you then incorporate into the project you want to make. It is well laid out and the various stitches are clearly photographed and easy to find.You'll be delighted to know I used the "Wheel Circle" on page 214 as the basis for my circular cushion cover and it has worked out beautifully. I am already leafing through the pages working out what I am going to tackle next.

Fantastic book...well worth buying ...easy to understand

As a crochet designer, this book is perfect. It's well laid out, very clear using a combination of photos, charts and written instructions for each stitch. It covers in detail every stitch type needed. Therefore also great for a beginner.The book is A5 size but quite thick, so it fits into my craft bag perfectly.I wasn't sure about it due to the reviews on here saying the photos were shiny, as a negative. The author has used mercerised cotton which has a sheen on it therefore is not a negative. Its supposed to look like that.It also covers crochet basics including hook sizes, yarn types and instructions. I've had a few crochet stitch books and this is by far my favourite.It's quite hard to find books using UK crochet terms, so another reason I would recommend it.This book would also be perfect for teaching you to create your own stitches.Highly recommend.

Lots of different stitches explained. Well laid-out and organized. Good value.

Great book full of stitches and clear instructions. Photos are not terrific but a decent guide.

I can't begin to tell you how many books I've bought only to find they're American stitches.This is written for the UK crocheter and I love it.Right from how to make a slip stitch to very complex but achievable stitches. I made my first Wave today. Yay! Go me huh ?Every diagram is clear and concise. There are picture diagrams alongside written patterns.Not only does it have loads of stitches and photos of swatches it also covers Tunisian ( which I love so a real bonus) and Broomstick crochet.My only criticism would be that it could do with being a little larger and hardback or spiral bound but other than that I just adore this book

This is a Book that makes stitches easy to understand and if like me you like to mix and match different stitches this book is idel , I highly recommend it.

Bought for a friend who absolutely loves this crochet book

This does exactly what it says, has clear instructions and photos.Nice size book to hold.

I actually bought this book for myself but when it arrived, I realized I already had a prior edition. So, I gave it to a friend who is relatively new to crochet and she loves it. I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a great book to have in your reference library.

Wonderful crochet book

Bought this on a recommendation from a poster on a forum and find it very clear, uses UK terms, and has many patterns and explanations of techniques.

It's a lovely quality book. Very good instructions and covers basically everything chotech wise. I bought it so that I could learn to crotchet.....I still haven't found time to progress into anything more complicated than the basic stitches yet however!