Customer Reviews

Special Techniques & Stitches in Crochet

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

 

 

This elegantly presented book is a real surprise. There are several innovative techniques in crochet presented along with accompanying projects by top-name designers. The techniques include: No-chain foundation, diagonal crochet, wiggly crochet, Irish crochet, knit-look crochet, and punched fabric. In addition to the techniques are 44 stitch patterns and borders. The book includes fabulous designs by Margaret Hubert, Lisa Naskrent, Bendy Carter, Susan Lowman, Tammy Hildebrand, Kim Kotary, and more. It is a good choice in adding to your crochet reference collection.

This book has a very nice set of projects and stitches presented. Unfortunately, for many of the "special techniques" no schematics are presented and the written directions are nothing special. The stitch patterns as well would benefit from crochet stitch schematics...at least a minimal schematic to give the reader the structure of the pattern. The pictures are nice and the projects have been described by other reviewers. I wish more time had been spent with detailed diagrams of the no-foundation chain start for different stitches. Definitely an intermediate-plus book and close reading required for all patterns.

I agree with the previous review. The 33 projects are arranged by technique or stitch. The basics are at the back for new crocheters. Full page color illus of everything and good print. Each pattern has skill level and type of yarn. For example the first pattern is a cardi by Hubert using #5 chunky wt yarn and the skill level is intermediate and it uses the no-chain foundation for the special technique. Most projects are intermediate skill with only one marked advanced. About 4 marked easy. There are some really nice vests, a few children's patterns, some afghans and a lovely wrap. Also some thread patterns, purses, and valance. So there's a good variety. In addition there are about 30 stitch patterns not given as projects. Designs are by well known crochet designers such as Hubert, Annie Potter, Bendy Carter, Martha Miller and others. Recommended for anyone who wants information on the new stitches and techniques.

I like the fact that this book includes some interesting techniques which can be hard to find information on, including the surface technique known as wiggly crochet, cables, diagonal blocks, and Irish crochet. Twenty-five designers are represented, including Margaret Hubert, Margret Willson, and Bendy Carter.

But I feel it represents a missed opportunity because there is too much information missing. This could have been a very good book with the addition of a little more depth and clarity. For example,the basic instruction section shows only one way to hold the crochet hook, the "knife" hold, while the "pencil" hold is not mentioned at all. While the pencil hold is more traditionally considered "correct", most books now discuss both and note that whatever hold works for the individual is fine. Holding the hook is obviously a foundation of crocheting, and I feel this is a major omission.

Similarly, there are omissions in the stitch instructions. The no-chain foundation is highlighted in a section, but there is only a very sketchy description of how to do it. Many people find this hard to learn, and I feel that the information here will be of little help. One pattern for a slip-stitch sweater that looks like knit stitches begins with a unique foundation row, but the instructions say only "using the slingshot method as in knitting" create the foundation--very confusing even once one figures out what the slingshot cast-on is in knitting. I feel this lack of information undercuts the unique design. One pattern includes the Clones knot, but the directions shed little light on how to make it. Other stitches and techniques are similarly given short shrift in the instructions.

There are no stitch diagrams at all, and no schematics for any of the garments.

Overall, I would not recommend this book for purchase.

I am very happy with this book. In addition to numerous techniques I had no idea existed, it has excellent written instruction for no-chain foundations. As opposed to a previous reviewer, I actually found it easier to understand these instructions than illustrations - I have two books by well known crochet specialists that have pictorial instructions for single crochet foundation and never managed to figure this technique out before getting this particular book!

Just in case it is relevant, I am a former knitter who now picks and chooses her techniques - I love crochet and prefer to pick the right tecnique for the yarn and the item I want to make!

This is a very nice book to add to any crocheter's reference pile. Lots of good techniques with clear instructions and nice pictures.

They do have the habit, as happens in a lot of the crochet magazines, of splitting up instructions, so that you have to turn to a page further down in the book. For myself, I would prefer all the instructions to be in one place, so that I can check pictures, look back on what has gone on before.

The basic lessons at the back of the book are well set out and illustrated. One of the things I really liked was that they are using inexpensive yarns for the patterns shown - most any crocheter could afford to make up these designs.

I like the book and the projects in it. I do agree with another that the technique for the Foundation stitch could have been pictured for the detail of it, since it gave the details for the simplist of crochet stitches in the back of the book. The patterns are not difficult, even the intermediate. I think the book is a nice addition to my collection of patterns.

The real focus of this book is projects. Pretty ones with interesting looking stitch combinations, I'll grant you that. No schematics, no charts, no diagrams, very few techinical sketches. There is a section on basic techniques at the end, which is illustrated (there's a two-page layout with umpteen illustrations for the basic chain stitch).

There is NOT ONE SINGLE illustration for the "special techniques" hinted at by the title. How to do these "special techniques" is given cursory and incomplete mention at best. And they are "hidden" within the projects themselves, not called out into their own section or addressed individually as the book title suggests.

I wish I'd seen the inside or read the review here before I bought. I was expecting a book focused on techniques. I got a project book, and will have to go to the internet to learn the techniques mentioned. Caveat emptor.

Yes, I judged the book by its cover, and that cover was gorgeous! However, they use the old style of patterns. Let me explain:

OLD STYLE:

Row 1: chain 46
Row 2: dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each ch across, ch 2, turn ...


MODERN STYLE:

Blueprint, symbol, diagram crochet patterns, even 3-D crochet patterns are in international symbol crochet! Japan, South America, Europe...

My mistake for incorrectly concluding that a book with such modern stitches on its cover would be on par with international patterns. My goodness, even Russia uses international symbol crochet.

I won't buy another crochet book from the House of White Birches without looking inside.

The instructions are not what I'm used to...very difficult to understand.

I even found a few typos in the instructions. Highly do NOT recommend it!