Seamless Crochet: Techniques and Designs for Join-As-You-Go Motifs [Paperback]

Kristin Omdahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 2011

Join the seamless revolution.

Traditional motif seaming techniques require crocheters to painstakingly sew together hundreds of seams and weave in countless ends. Not with Seamless Crochet!

With Seamless Crochet, innovative designer Kristin Omdahl has pioneered a new technique for crocheters of all skill levels to create motif-based patterns in one piece, eliminating seams and leaving only two ends to weave in. Kristin’s revolutionary modular construction allows one motif to flow into the next, creating secure joins and beautiful geometric patterning on the exterior round.

Inside you’ll find a showcase of 18 garment, home decor, and accessory projects from Kristin that will change the way you crochet forever. From pillows to shawls to blankets, these projects illustrate just how versatile and time-saving this “tail-free” construction method is. As a bonus, Seamless Crochet also includes a helpful instructional DVD of Kristin explaining the details of her new technique. Plus, the book offers a motif directory of original designs with Kristin’s expert advice on how to adapt any motif-based pattern to her one-of-a-kind seamless technique.

Seamless Crochet will forever transform the way you approach every crocheted motif-based design and project.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Whenever you think a craft has been explored to the maximum, think again. Some enterprising needle worker, somewhere in the world, is dreaming of an out-of-the-box innovation. Enter Omdahl, known for her delicate yet contemporary interpretations of crochet (Wrapped in Crochet, 2008, to mention just one previous book). In her new book, 18 graceful projects, ranging from shawls to baby blankies, are linked—literally—by the ways they are joined together, seamlessly, without the hassle and fuss of weaving in yarn ends. Plus, for many projects, expansion is easy; for example, a shawlette is transformed into an adult covering by the addition of a few motifs. Instructions appear in two “languages,” English and crochet symbols (graphs), and illustrations are in full color. Although no level of difficulty is indicated, most projects are geared to crochet addicts, practitioners who would truly agonize over the choice between a star Mobius-cum-cowl or an Eden tile rectangular wrap. --Barbara Jacobs

Review

"This is the most comprehensive resource I've yet found on the topic of crocheting join-as-you-go motifs. I've occasionally seen join-as-you-go designs before, but up until now I've seen this technique used mostly as a way to join granny squares. It's really exciting, inspiring and refreshing to get a hold of an entire collection of patterns created using this method." – Amy Solovay, Crochet Editor at About.com

"Kristin’s thoughtfulness to provide crocheters with so many extra details makes her one of my favorite crochet designers...I am able to follow along no matter what my skill level." – AllFreeCrochet.com

"If you’re like me, you find joining pieces of knit and crochet work to be a bit nerve-wracking. This book features lovely motifs — snowflakes, flowers, stars, tiles — that can be joined as you go." - Austin-American Statesman

“This is the best reference I've yet found on the topic of crocheting seamless join-as-you-go motifs.” – About.com Guide to Crochet

“With this book, modular designs are no longer the boring side of crochet. Fewer ends to weave in, more secure joins, and finer (and far fewer) seams make this book a great resource for any crocheter – beginner or advanced.” – CraftGossip.com Crochet Guide

"Because I’m a bit of a technique geek, my favorite part of the book is in the back where she carefully explains how the technique works, and how you can use it to create your own designs. One of the things I’m most excited to play with is using the technique with color-changing yarns. Since you’re not breaking yarn between motifs, the projects in the book are all of one kind of yarn each." – Amy O’Neill Houck, crochet designer and author

"Yet another masterpiece by our beloved crochet designer Kristin Omdahl." – Faina Goberstein, knitwear designer and author

"Amazing designs...this is the type of book that I like. It is a pattern book, but it is also a method book...it shows you how to do some patterns, and tells you how to figure out others. This way, it opens up opportunities to unleash your creativity!" – Marty Miller, The Crochet Doctor and President of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA)

"It is mind-blowing awesome. If you love granny motifs as much as I do, I really urge to you get the book and learn this technique. It is so inspiring and fun, and I am in love with Kristin for creating such a great book for us to use!" - Robyn Chachula, crochet designer and author, Simply Crochet

"Beautiful projects...In addition to written instructions, the book also contains detailed stitch diagrams for every pattern as well as construction diagrams when needed and gorgeous photos of the projects." – Amy Shelton, Crochetville.org

"Kristin is one of the crochet (and knitting) communities most influential designers and she creates some truly stunning pieces." - Jimmy Beans Wool

"If you love the look of motif crochet, but are hesitant to commit because of the ends...this book is your answer. Shawls, hats, scarves, baby blankets...You want it, it's in here!" - Rebecca Velasquez, crochet designer and contributor, Simply Crochet

"Kristin brilliantly creates a way to avoid having to weave in all the ends and sew together a huge stack of crochet motifs when you're done with a project. It's hard to say which project I'll make first from this book, since they're all fantastic." - Sara Wilburn, Sara Likes to Make Stuff

"The diagrams in the book are clear once you understand the method behind them. So are the written directions. Combine the two and you have a marvelous system that is truly unique." - Dana Wright, She Knits When She Should be Writing

"Kristin Omdahl brings crochet projects to a forefront of fashion. Her designs are fresh, stylish and suitable for every body type." - Simona Merchant-Dest, knitwear designer

"Kristin Omdahl is known for her innovative techniques (at least by me she is) and this book is no exception. Kristin has found ways to make items using motifs with the fewest number of yarn ends left to weave in." – Darlisa Riggs, Crochet Uncut online magazine

Seamless Crochet, Techniques and Motifs for Join-as-You-Go Designs by Kristin Omdahl; A new resource for Crocheters and pattern collection for creating motif-based patterns in one piece, eliminating seams and leaving only two ends to weave in. Tradtional motif seaming techniques require crocheters to painstakingly sew together hundreds of seams and weave in countless ends. Not with Seamless Crochet! This new technique for crocheters of all skill levels, is a brand-new modular construction that allows one motif to flow into the next, creating secure joins and beautiful geometric on the exterior round.” - Quick and Easy Crochet Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; Pap/DVD edition (December 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596682973
• ISBN-13: 978-1596682979
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kristin Omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her label KRISTIN, and is the author of "Crochet So Fine" (Interweave, July 2010) and "Wrapped In Crochet" (Interweave, 2008). She appears in every episode of Knitting Daily TV on public television as the show's "Crochet Corner" expert, and she conducts seminars around the country on crochet and in her new DVD workshop, "Innovative Crochet: Motifs" (Interweave, 2009). Kristin's work has appeared in Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Crochet Today, Crochet!, Cast On, and Knit N' Style, plus books including "Crochet Gifts" (Interweave, 2009) and "Crochet Me" (Interweave, 2007). She enjoys knitting and crocheting in her orchid garden in sunny, Southwest Florida. Check out what's new with Kristin at www.StyledbyKristin.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book - changed the way I look at crocheted motifs February 7, 2012

By K. Tutcher

Format:Paperback

When I got the book I was confused, but once I started the first pattern (I chose Lacy Flower Hat) I was amazed at how easy it was. There was a lightbulb that went off and the motifs went together like magic. I love the look of motif pieces, but rarely made them because I HATE weaving in ends, on a piece created the traditional way, 100 motifs joined together means at least 200 ends to weave in. When I finished the hat I had just two ... easy peasey. Kudos to Kristin Omdahl for helping me see crocheted motifs in a different light.

I also like the fact that there are both written and charted directions for each project. Sometimes one version of instruction helps clarify the other.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome and fun! December 9, 2011

By Timothy

Format:Paperback

Just started reading this book yesterday and I can't put it down! The designs are great and so are the instructions. I've read all of Kristen's books and I love this one too. This book has given me all kinds of new ideas that I can use for corchet.

24 of 33 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Nothing "new" .... December 6, 2011

By Sharon Cheek

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was eagerly awaiting the publication of this book and the "new" technique it would reveal. I have seen the technique for making joined motifs used on may different designs from many different sources...granted, not all together in one place. The method for crocheting mitered squares onto each other is neither new nor revolutionary, While I usually love Ms. Omdahl's books, this one has me disappointed.