Customer Reviews

Instant Expert: Crochet (Instant Expert (Thunder Bay Press))

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I do happen to know the beginner basics. I purchased the book for the pattern inside for a summer top. The top proved to be more challenging than I thought, and I ended up creating my own. However, the book does have some nice ideas/patterns in it, and is now sitting on my coffee table. It has great pictures on how to do the stitches and I have found myself referencing back to it at times already. I am happy with the book, even though the directions for the cups on the top have something amiss in them.

The Instant Expert Crochet book begins with a brief history of crochet & devotes two pages to the hooks and equipment commonly used by crocheters. Clear, up-close photos are used throughout this book. These photos are especially helpful for those learning to crochet. Instructions & close-up photos begin by showing a couple different ways to hold the hook, the best way to hold the yarn, and are used for every teaching technique, from making a slipknot, all of the basic crochet stitches to working in the round, granny squares, 1/2 hexagonal motif, fastening off, weaving in ends, blocking, joining pieces together, measuring gauge, shaping, chevrons, changing color, buttonholes, making a button. Here's a list of more stitches & techniques taught in this book: Cluster stitches, bobbles, popcorns, puffs, shell patterns, filet crochet, lace patterns, edgings, Tunisian crochet, special effects using embroidery, weaving, making tassels, pom-poms & making fabric strips (consider using an old sheet to make fabric strips). There's also information included on washing, drying and storing woolens.

There are 3 conversion charts in the back of the book: Hook conversions comparing US to metric; US vs UK crochet terms, and US vs UK yarn weights. US terms are used throughout the book.

As for the patterns, most don't use symbols or charts. I think many, not all, will be challenging for a beginning crocheter.

A list of patterns:
For the home... rag-rug bath mat, boudoir coat hangers made with furry yarn, textured pillows, floral curtain tiebacks, sheet edgings, trinket boxes, a tabletop mat made of many circles (size can be adjusted), photo album cover

Fashion crochet...an easy shrug; a simple filet stitch, crossover (wrap) cardigan with surface embroidery; lacy camisole; alpaca shawl; chevron, hip-hugging skirt; chunky hooded jacket (lacy design)

Crochet for kids...bobble bodice dress with a cotton fabric skirt; pixie hat and scarf; baby play mat; crib blanket made with hexagon motifs; crochet dolls; cabled suit with an elasticized waist for a small baby

Fun accessories...mesh shopping bag; fluffy, fur-stitch snow bonnet; cuffs, muffler and ear muffs; hat & scarf combo (hat is attached to the scarf); Tunisian stitch bag; lacy collar and hipster belt; slippers; pretty, flower motif corsages

The clothing patterns include a diagram of the length and width of the pattern pieces for each size...sleeves, armhole and body, etc. If you need to alter the pattern, in any way, the diagram will be useful.

Even though a list of suppliers is included in the acknowledgment section, I would've appreciated it if the author would've listed yarn substitutions for each pattern.