From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet [Hardcover]

Donna Scott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2002

Starting with the basics, From Needles to Hook provides the clues to solving the mystery of changing knit pattern stitches to crochet. Each chapter guides you from one step of the process to the next.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: DRG / The Needlecraft Shop (December 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157367124X
• ISBN-13: 978-1573671248
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

128 of 133 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, October 11, 2003

By 

Mary Santana (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet (Hardcover)

The cover states "Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet." This led me to believe I would find step-by-step instructions for taking a knit pattern and converting it to crochet. Not so. The only really helpful advice for converting is the recommendation for substituting yarns to obtain the correct gauge. Then there is a page and a half devoted to the importance of gauge and suggestions for what to do with all your gauge swatches. The rest of the book contains crochet patterns using stitches that resemble popular knit stitches. Any experienced crocheter could figure that out on their own, or just open a crochet stitch guide. To truly live up to the title and description of the book, it should have contained several complete knit patterns, with detailed step-by-step instructions for converting the pattern and the completely converted crochet instructions. Basically, it's just another crochet pattern book.

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Misleading Title, April 12, 2006

By 

Suzanne M. Elder "Eclectic Musicologist" (SF Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet (Hardcover)

I bought this book because I believed the title. I thought the book would explain how to convert a knit pattern into a crochet pattern so you'd have the same size/gauge and a similar weight fabric. Instead, I was given a lot of crochet patterns that imitated the look of knit stitches but were of very different fabric weight. If you want a lot of new crochet patterns (albeit not very exciting ones), this is a good book for you. But if you're truly looking for a method by which you can crochet something using a knit pattern, this book is not helpful at all. On the other hand, the book does include some helpful hints on yarn substitutions and correlations between crochet hook and knitting needle sizes. After buying this book I realized that if I want a fabric that looks and drapes like knitted fabric, I'd have to learn to knit--something I had not been successful at, because I am so used to crocheting. So I decided I'd teach myself to knit my OWN way, carrying the yarn in my left hand and weilding the right knitting needle as if it were a hook, rather than manipulating the yarn around the needle, the way most "how-to" books instruct (after I taught myself this "new" method, I found out it is Continental Style knitting--as opposed to the more common British or American style). Now that I can knit and am very familiar with the construction of knit vs crochet stitches, I understand that you can't really duplicate the drape and weight of knitted fabric using a crochet hook, and this book is a waste of money if that's what you're hoping to do.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Redemption, June 2, 2008

By 

Joshua Flores "squarehopper" (chicago, Illinois USAA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet (Hardcover)

I have to admit the reviews that were written on this book caused me to hesitate. I was determined to purchase this book, but after reading the reviews, I had serious second thoughts. But I went ahead and purchased it as I needed the book to get the free shipping on my order.

Upon receiving the book, I expected the worse.

But the Reviews ARE WRONG! This is an excellent book. One that is easy to follow and read.

It has clear precise instructions on the pitfalls and difficulties of converting knit patterns to crochet patterns. It is well organized.

The Reader has to want to do the conversions and be determined. But that is not the fault of the author. There is advice and helpful suggestions throughout the book.

The yarn substitution section was an eyeopener for me.

Yes, the book does give a knit pattern and finds a similar look in crochet. And in the front part of the book and before each chapter it explains how to convert each pattern and the unique issues with them.

I fully recommend this book to any one who loves knit pattern and feel but hates to knit(or refuses to learn - like myself). Being a man, and having a hard time finding manly sweater patterns for my very bulky size in crochet, this book provides me with a whole new avenue of options.

Yes, I have to work to make those options a reality. But this book gives me what it promises and that is the tools and knowledge I need to succeed in doing so.