Customer Reviews

From Needles to Hook: Complete Guide to Converting Knit Patterns to Crochet

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have to agree with the person who said it's basically another crochet book. The patterns aren't as exciting and the instructions for transferring the patterns from one genre to another aren't too clear. I will use it, but it's not what I thought it would be.

If you already understand concepts such as gauge, spend your $25 elsewhere. How do you convert knit patterns to crochet? Well, apparently, you take the measurements from the knit pattern and crochet something that looks the same. That is all the book tells you. As others have said, there aren't step-by-step directions, as the title implies. Instead buy a good crochet stitch guide, and convert the patterns on your own, because it all boils down to something that looks similar.

This book is helpful to people who want to design their own items..I liked it because it does show equivalent stitches (how to do a stitch that looks like popcorn in crochet and knit eg) and then you do the math...stitches per inch, rows per inch and figure out how to transfer the look of the knit item to the crochet item. It's not a "stitch for stitch" pattern. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the title does sound like it give you a means to directly tranfer knit to crochet and you as a crocheter, have to do the math...not the book.

This book is a great reference book for crocheters who want a knit pattern. There are definately a lot more up-to-date knit patterns vs. crochet ones, so we crocheters have to make-do with what is out there. Not all of us are designers. This book helps explain which knit stitch is equivalent to which crochet stitch. It explains the importance of gauge & correct hook & yarn sizes. The best feature of this book, tho, is the color photos comparing knit stitches to crochet ones. Most crocheters would know this just by looking but it helps having a visual aid in choosing the correct stitch. There are patterns in the book but I do feel there could have been more up-to-date patterns and definately knit patterns then converted into crochet patterns. Overall, the book is a great reference book and I keep mine right along side my Crochet Bible & Crochet Enclyclopedia.

I found it to be another crochet book. It could have had more knitting patterns to show how to convert them and diagrams as well. The title suggested more than I felt the book contained.

This is actually a spectacular book!

First of all, I wouldn't recommend this book to beginners or those who only use the basic stitches. Converting knit patterns are easier for intermediate and higher skilled crocheters.

The conversions are of lace, ladder, cables, eyelet, alternating cables, bobbles, ENTWINED CABLES (wow!) etc., stitches. Keep in mind that a lot of the conversions are based on the use of post stitches (back and front), spikes, and combining a number of stitches together (for the bobbles). It even teaches you how to turn a knit basketweave into a crocheted version and the Tri-color stitch pattern is much easier than you would dare to believe. The patterns are great for those who simply want to practice using the techniques.

For designers and intermediate crocheters who really envy the intricate knit lace and cross patterns, this book is a godsend.

I give this book a rating of three only because it could have been better with flower and vine stitch pattern conversions, particularly the raised versions, and a better primer on reading knitting patterns. However, if you master the patterns contained, it's likely that you could just learn to convert the patterns on your own with chain spaces and other stitches.

GREAT BOOK, but not for beginners.

This is just a book of crochet patterns that mimic knit stitches and there are plenty of other more interesting crochet pattern books than this one on which to spend your money.