How to Crochet: The Definitive Crochet Course, Complete With Step-By-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries, and Projects for Your Home and Family [Hardcover]

Pauline Turner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2001

“A complete crochet course presented as a series of workshops...that cover not only standard crochet but also Tunisian, broomstick, and hairpin crochet. Each workshop features an illustrative project, full-color illustrations of techniques, and step-by-step instructions....Public libraries will want to add this title to their short list of essential crochet books.”—Library Journal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For the first time since the late 1970s, crocheters have a number of excellent new crochet books from which to choose. This is among the best. Turner is a gifted teacher and author of books and videos on crochet, including The Technique of Crochet and Crochet: A History of the Craft Since 1850. This is a complete crochet course presented as a series of workshops that cover not only standard crochet but also those varieties of crochet that do not employ a standard crochet hook, such as Tunisian, broomstick, and hairpin crochet. Each workshop features an illustrative project, full-color illustrations of techniques, and step-by-step instructions written for a U.S. audience. Public libraries will want to add this title to their short list of essential crochet books.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

If, after reading Turner's elegant introduction to crocheting, novice stitchers just don't understand the concepts, the author certainly is not at fault. Oversize, step-by-step illustrations could almost stand alone, without text. Yet she judiciously wields the power of words, using narrative for instructions for the 17 projects. Each of the 10 chapters builds on previous knowledge, from equipment and slip-chain stitches to finishing techniques. And each chapter features a stitch library, general directions for the subject (i.e., Tunisian crochet), and a project or two. Even the ideas are unusual--a baby's Aran blanket, a crocheted hole-broomstick lace mohair evening stole, and a camisole any woman could wear to the office. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Collins & Brown; 1St Edition edition (December 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855858274
• ISBN-13: 978-1855858275
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Beginners?, December 4, 2001

By 

Tara Messenger (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Crochet: The Definitive Crochet Course, Complete With Step-By-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries, and Projects for Your Home and Family (Hardcover)

As a pretty experienced crocheter, I never would have picked up this book - I was looking for a gift for my mother. Looking through it, the fantastic photography and unique techniques caught my eye and I bought it for myself.
Her approach being radically different from the way I learned, I find it difficult to follow along sometimes, but only the first time through a pattern. Pauline is from the UK but uses US terms - however, I think there are subtle differences in terminology and syntax that remain. I can only guess as to whether her approach would be a benefit or a disadvantage to a true beginning crocheter. Certainly, she has pared down a complicated art beautifully - for example, she begins not with the single crochet square but with a net bag made of just chains and slip stitches. She proceeds through lessons on color, texture, tunisian and filet crochet - all the basics and even broomstick lace, cables, etc. It might be confusing, though, to start with this book and then go to a traditional American pattern. On the other hand, this book may be just the thing to 'leap' over details and terminology and gain the ability to envision the intention of the designer and the basic form of a piece.
One thing's for sure, this book is chock-full of tips, inspiration, and perfectly brilliant patterns and is worth every penny for more experienced crocheters. Q&A sections like 'why is my afghan stitch too short?' for example make this book invaluable - it may not have as many stitches as a stitch dictionary (though I'd guess the number was up around 100) - but it gives you the kind of insight that will help you sail through new challenges.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars confusing for the total beginner, November 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Crochet: The Definitive Crochet Course, Complete With Step-By-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries, and Projects for Your Home and Family (Hardcover)

I would not recommend this book for beginners as the instructions are not the clearest. I crocheted as a child (my mother taught me)and decided to pick it up again recently. The photographs are rather pleasant, but again the instructions are not structured well. Especially in the "stitch library", I had to follow my instincts and do the work, then re-read the instructions and finally realized what she meant. A good book, but I can't see an average beginner who had never crocheted before starting off well with this book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, but still confusing to total beginners, January 16, 2003

By 

Hoatzin1 "hoatzin1" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Crochet: The Definitive Crochet Course, Complete With Step-By-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries, and Projects for Your Home and Family (Hardcover)

I am a total beginner and I made the mittens listed in the book. I learned how to add another color and how to put the mittens together. I found the abbreviations a little confusing and the substitutions weren't totally accurate (counterpane stitch substition for slip stitch wasn't clear when adding or dropping stitches). Also, I could have used more detailed instructions on how to put the mittens together. I liked that there were contemporary patterns (tank top, tote bag, hat) instead of patterns that remind me of my grandmother. This is worth buying for the cool patterns, even though the instructions may drive you batty.