Crochet That Fits: Shaped Fashions Without Increases or Decreases [Paperback]

Mary Jane Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 2008

Say "goodbye" to crochet's stiff, boxy, hippie-child reputation and "hello" to Crochet that Fits—garments that fit your shape accessories that fit your style, and looks that fit right in with today's fashion trends!

This book teaches an innovative, easy way to crochet fashions that are soft, shaped and drape able—from a little black dress that fits like a glove and a lacy baby-doll top, to cute and cozy slippers, ruffled shrugs and hobo bags. By using Mary Jane Hall's Graduated Stitch Method, along with the correct size hook and yarn, anyone can make flattering, form-fitted items! Different stitch heights do all the shaping for you, without the hassle and confusion of figuring out increases and decreases. With this method you are essentially building garments with squares and rectangles, but the finished product doesn't look at all boxy.

• 33 step-by-step projects feature a wide variety of patterns for adults and children
• An illustrated stitch guide get even beginners started quickly
• Detailed instructions make it easy to adjust the patterns to suit your shape (or others') because one side doesn't fit all!

Easy enough for a beginner and stylish enough for the more experienced crocheter, these are projects you'll enjoy making and feel good wearing. With fits like this, you'll never think about crochet in the same way again!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Jane Hall is known for her crochet designs, which have been published in numerous magazines. She is currently under contract to Hobby Lobby to provide crochet designs for their tear sheets and yarn labels. Recently, the Crochet Guild of America gave her the title "Professional Crochet Designer."

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; Original edition (November 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896896625
• ISBN-13: 978-0896896628
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I, Mary Jane Hall, was born in Texas and lived all over the deep south while growing up. I was a very shy child, but always loved to make things. My younger sister had a Barbie doll and at 12 yrs old I started making handmade dresses for her doll without using a pattern. I learned to crochet while I was in college, and just loved it! Over the yrs I crocheted only things such as scarves & hats, and occasionally I would make a baby layette for a baby shower.

Always using other people's patterns, I never tried to create my own. I started designing here in Ohio (2004) to help young girls in my church have easy beginner patterns to make stylish crochet, but I never even had a dream of being a professional designer, much less author books on crochet!

I give God the credit for leading me this way and helping to show me that I had talents in this field. I wanted to make money at home someway and this is the ideal job for me! I not only write & design for my own crochet books, but also have published designs in popular crochet magazines. It can be stressful at times with those dreadful deadlines, but it is SO much fun and I'll never run out of ideas! Looking forward to doing another book soon! Thanks to all the people who have supported me and bought my books over the years! I'm truly grateful for you!

Please contact me if you have any questions. Mary Jane

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

116 of 120 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed feelings on content... November 22, 2008

By A. Designer

Format:Paperback

The black dress on the cover of this book is a great crochet design. Inside the book you'll find two more creative garment designs -- one for a cap-sleeve top and another for a sleeveless turtleneck sweater.

My criticism of this book lies in the fact that many of the other designs are for scarves, headbands, purses, mittens, etc. When it comes to creating "crochet that fits," I think most crocheters like myself are expecting this book to provide instructions on creating crochet garments that fit well.

I was looking for tips on creating sweaters, dresses, and skirts that fit well and don't look boxy. Many crocheters don't struggle with creating things such as scarves and headbands because they're largely just rectangles.

The book also includes a few open-work designs, which again aren't the types of projects that necessarily present problems with fit when completed.

So, if you're a crocheter who's looking for more than a few garment patterns to crochet, you may be disappointed if you buy this book, unless you intend to use the technique presented to create your own garment patterns.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Neat idea. Horizontal construction to get fit. October 24, 2008

By Suzanne R. Arnholt VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a nice book for making "shaped" garments. It does live up to its promise not to have increases or decreases. It creates garments largely by working in the "back loop only" with shaping done through different heights of stitches. For example, bust stitches in dc, waist in sc, hips in tr with sleeves added at the end. Given the title, I would have expected more actual garments. There were more than a few headbands and scarves, none of which have to "fit" much since elastic is sewn on the headbands and scarves fit anyone. That said, the idea is novel. Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips has a peach top in it that has similar styling to many of the garments in this book, and virtually all of them look like they are made of "ribbing" because of the back loop construction. So, if you are looking for vertical stripes, this has some good ideas of how to make your garments fit well.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative way of Shaping Garments July 9, 2010

By C. Offen

Format:Paperback

This book doesn't use any increases or decreases....you shape your garments simply by using shorter or taller stitches! Genius. The patterns are well written and easily adaptable and include MANY sizes, which is refreshing. Adorable designs. This is my favorite crochet pattern book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars great book for any level October 10, 2011

By Morgan

Format:Paperback

I got this book because I wanted some easy projects to do. The title of the book says it all. If you want some easy patterns that will fit, this is the book for you. I only wish there were a few more patterns in it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Open for Creativity September 15, 2010

By Knittyyas

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved this book! I received it as a gift for my birthday and have gone wild! Not only does it teach you how to crochet to your size, but also teaches you how to flatter your figure! the patterns are gorgeous and very easy to alter letting your creativity run wild. I think for anyone who loves to crochet and who isn't built like a model, this is a perfect addition to your collection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Crochet That Fits: Shaped Fashions Without Increases or Decreases February 3, 2012

By C. C. Wooden

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am so glad I bought this book! I have never liked the double crochet stitch as it looks so utilitarian, so plain. But this method makes it beautiful! I can't believe I didn't know this before; it's a genius idea yet so simplistic and easy. I haven't been so excited about crocheting since I found Doris Chan. Amazing Crochet Lace: New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace I made the dress on the front first and my daughter wanted one, too. I took the hints for easy changes in the pattern and combined a few techniques for other items in the book and it turned out soooo beautiful. I am going to try to combine this method with some of Doris Chan's patterns. I can't wait to see what turns out! Thank you so much for this wonderful book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Patterns you can trust May 31, 2011

By Carol E. Christie

Format:Paperback

I'm a relatively new crocheter, probably intermediate now, and I was finally ready to move from scarves and hats to actual clothing when I purchased this book. There are a number of patterns that are interesting to me but I started with the baby doll top for a summery piece. Its finally finished, it fits like a glove and I'm thrilled with the project and results. I also made the mittens and hat because I had some great yarn to use up. Those turned out great as well. I'm very pleased with the book and look forward to making a few more items.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars On the fence just a little October 27, 2010

By Non-fiction only

Format:Paperback

I agree with another reviewer that expressed criticism about the book content. Crochet That Fits does have a very detailed explanation about Mary Jane Hall's (MJH) Graduated Stitch Method (GSM) and Back Loop Only (BLO) methods. As a beginner, I really enjoyed reading her experiences in shaping garments using these techniques. I think that beginners could benefit from this book since producing wearable and flattering garments will entice you to pick up the hobby.

The good news is that the garments that are in there are overwhelmingly good! MJH designs are VERY nice and I wish I had more of that content!

I read in a response to another reviewre that MJH stated that she was hesitant about the book title. I could see why, there are a lot of patterns for accessories and while the book description is accurate and does not attempt to mislead - I think it should have featured more garments and less accessories, personally I could have done without the childrens garments / accesories. That is simply a matter of personal preference though, not a put down of the work itself. I recieved Crochet That Fits as a gift.

I love the look of the stunning dress on the cover and I can actually envision someone purchasing it just for that pattern! I love the Basic Capelet, and Turtleneck Capelet with arm warmers. The Balletneck Sweater and Cap Sleeve Top are adorable designs. The Striped Sleevless Turtleneck Sweater is a gorgeous example of how perfect GSM and BLO can make a crocheted garment flatter your figure. The Long Flared Skirt is very beautiful as well and the Ruffled Shrug is feminine and delicate.

All in all, I give it a four.... I could not give it a three even while on the fence, because I do love the majority of the garments that MJH created for Crochet That Fits. I would love to see a garment only pattern book in the future! Read more ›