Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today's Top Crocheters [Paperback]

Jean Leinhauser (Author), Rita Weiss (Author)

Book Description

Release date: December 28, 2010

Crochet Master Class presents 18 crochet techniques taught by some of the world’s best crochet designers and instructors. Each chapter focuses on a different technique, inviting you to dip in, experiment, and then apply your newfound skills to create a custom piece designed by these crochet luminaries. You’ll learn Hairpin Lace from Stitch Diva Jennifer Hansen, discover the intricate color work of tapestry crochet from Carol Ventura, and explore free-form crochet with renowned fiber artist Prudence Mapstone. Filled with expert instruction, inspiring stories, and projects created exclusively for this book, Crochet Master Class is your guide to the incredible range of crochet possibilities.

Techniques include:
Filet Crochet • Hairpin Lace • Tapestry Crochet • Aran Crochet • Entrelac Crochet • Fashion Crochet • Tunisian Crochet • Woven Crochet • Double-Ended Crochet • Tassels • Bullion Stitch • Overlay Crochet • Bead Crochet • Bruges Crochet • Painted Crochet • Free-Form Crochet • Irish Crochet • Wire Crochet

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

With today’s ever-rising cry for do-it-yourself how-to books, many manuals simply repeat the tried-and-true. But the authors who demonstrate true originality and a spirit of innovation deserve attention. Two well-known designers have done avid stitchers a favor by presenting 18 different crochet techniques. Many imitate their knitted brethren; Aran crochet resembles the best of its cousin through post stitches and intricate cables. Others work from once moribund techniques; hairpin lace and Tunisian crochet, for example, are back in fashion. And still others focus on innovation, like free-form and entrelac crochet. Each lesson first profiles the craft master in a few paragraphs and showcases a few of his or her finished pieces. One pattern follows, ranging from a filet crochet table runner to the Princess of Wales memorial tartan blanket. The all black-and-white photographs, unfortunately, don’t live up to the creativity. Expect challenges and some difficult maneuvers. Appendixes provide refresher courses in crochet abbreviations, symbols, and terminology. --Barbara Jacobs

About the Author

JEAN LEINHAUSER is the founder of Leisure Arts and The American School of Needlework. She was the editor Crochet! Magazine and is the co-owner of Crochet Partners, the oldest internet crochet discussion group

RITA WEISS is an author, designer, and teacher who was formerly the executive Vice-President of The American School of Needlework. She is the former president of the Crochet Guild of America, having served for three terms. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft; Original edition (December 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307586537
• ISBN-13: 978-0307586537
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Crocheting

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 104 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't be Confused by the Title, This is an Amazing Book January 6, 2011

By Amy O'Neill Houck

Format:Paperback

Reading reviews by other readers, I think that they might have been thrown by the title of this book. Crochet Master Class may give the idea that the authors are presenting very difficult patterns, or a course of study in advanced crochet. Instead I think the book might have been better titled, "Crochet by the Masters."

This book is a fascinating for many reasons. It presents 18 crochet techniques. Many of them are unusual or underrepresented among crocheters and designers. I'm a designer with 30 years of crochet experience, and yet I'd never seen Crocheted Bruges Lace, for instance. The fact that it is relatively easy to create does not degrade from it's beauty or intricacy. In fact, I think it's the technique I'd like to try first from the book.

The construction of the book is great. Each technique is presented by a "master." The designer is profiled in a detailed biography. Then the technique is discussed in general terms, and pictures of items made using that technique are shown in a gallery. Finally, a pattern is presented for the reader using the technique. The patters are more of introductions to the techniques than the highest example of a particular technique. This makes perfect sense. If you're showing something new, you want to make it accessible to everyone.

I enjoyed reading about little-known techniques, and I also enjoyed hearing about and from crochet designers from around the world. Irish Crochet is presented by an Irish crocheter. There are designers from Germany, Russia, Trinidad, Australia, and of course, The United States.

58 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I was looking for! December 30, 2010

By Bybee

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book gives a short description of various crochet forms. Each section gives a brief bibliography of the featured master, a very clear and fully illustrated review of the stitches and technique, and then provides a pattern to help you practice. True, as some of the other reviews have pointed out, it doesn't get into the knitty gritty to make you a top artist of a particular method just by reading this book. But, I got this book because I wanted a book that would plainly show me the differences between each crochet technique, expand my knowledge, and help me learn to do more unique crochet forms, such as Irish crochet - something not well published. The book even provides you with these master's e-mails, websites, workshop information and more so that you can pursue the next steps if you feel you've mastered the basics provided. This book was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

The patterns provides are simple and range from beginner to more experienced. I'm usually picky about the patterns that I like and was happy to find that I liked over half of them as is, and would probably like the rest with different color schemes. I am REALLY excited to make the Overlay Mandala Pillow Cover (shown on the cover), and the painted crochet technique for the hearts and roses centerpiece. I normally don't like to display doilies, despite finding them fun to make, but this one is GORGEOUS and might even find itself in a frame to hang on the wall.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you are a beginner crocheter trying to find which technique you like best, an intermediate crocheter (like me) who has been looking for a way to bridge the gap to become advanced and well-rounded, or an advanced crocheter who wants to test their skills and knowledge.

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but not what expected January 6, 2011

By Audrey

Format:Paperback

Was really excited for a comprehensive look at all the amazing things you can do in crochet, however, this book left me wanting more. While there are several techniques I've never heard of and would love to try, this book focuses more on bios of the designers and only gives short blurbs about the history/execution of the different techniques. There are, nevertheless, pretty good row-by-row explanations of specific stitches w/ pics. If you are looking for a detailed, encyclopedic look at the techniques, this probably isn't the book for you. But, if you would like a short introduction of new skills and famous designers in the crochet world, buy Crochet Master Class.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not worth it March 10, 2011

By Lisa Carrick

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was so excited for this book to come out. I was under the impression that I would learn new crochet techniques and make some beautiful patterns with what I learned. Honestly, I felt that I learned very little from this book and that there are better books out there to learn from. Most of the book is designer bios and pictures of their work that one could easily find on the internet. I thought that the patterns looked dated and there is not a single thing that I would like to make. I don't normally write reviews but I'm so incredibly disappointed in this book that its going right on the shelf :(

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good January 7, 2011

By Charbot

Format:Paperback

I like it!

Not all of patterns are my thing, but learning all the new stuff is really cool. Crochet is my first crafting love and in the last year or two ive gotten a little burned out on it- bored, If you will. But this is a breath of fresh air!

I have seen a most of the techniques before, in the big needle work compendiums my grandma left me, online and in magazines. However it is nice to see them given a modern take in these projects, in easy to read, concise directions. Like I said, not all the patterns are something I would make for myself, or CAN since the sweater patterns only go up to XL, But its still important to learn the techniques. I am most excited to try out the hairpin lace, the double-ended crochet, the overlay crochet (the pillow, featured on the cover is aMAZing!), painted crochet (just WOW), and the bruges crochet, which I have never even seen before. I'm also going to make the tapestry crochet beaded bag that carol ventura contributed. I LOVE her stuff.

OH and if you are unsure about purchasing this book, I suggest you go down to your local book or craft store and flip through and look at the patterns. I always do, to avoid dissapointment. And remember, you can always switch up the yarn.

If I had to make a complaint, It would be I wish that the book had more patterns. The bios are interesting and all, and the in depth how to's are great but I was left wanting more. Over all I'm so happy I bought this book. It has me inspired to crochet again. :)