Book Review 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets

Photo from Amazon

The basics of crochet are very quick to master, but feeling confident about how to move beyond the basics and create a stylish, professional finish for all your crochet projects is a common dilemma faced by many crocheters. Presented in an easy-to-use format arranged by topic and cross-referenced, so you can dip in and out as needed for advice, this book offers hundreds of answers, fixes, insider tips, and secrets to help you along the way.

Divided into sections that cover a multitude of topics such as: choosing the right hook for you, putting gauge measurements to work, fool-proof ways of turning, quick fixes for uneven edges, shaping with increases and decreases, how to make neat corners, marking essentials, dealing with yarn ends, choosing the right seam and even how to look after crochet garments, 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets contains a wealth of technical knowledge and handy tips. Aimed at all crocheters, from the beginner to the more experienced, this book is a valuable addition to any craft library.

                                                                                                                   

Chapter One

Hooks, Tools and Yarns

Choosing and Holding a Hook

Essential Tool Kit

Looking After Hooks

Which Yarn?

Changing Yarn

Chapter Two

Patterns and Charts

Understanding Crochet Patterns

Reading Symbol Charts

Mixing and Matching Stitch Patterns

Working From a Colour Block Chart

Working from a Filet Crochet Chart

Chapter Three

All About Gauge

Evaluating Drape

Garment Shapes

Getting a Good Fit From a Ready Made Pattern

Design Basics

Designing Scarves

Designing Shawls and Wraps

Chapter Four

Crochet Techniques

Working a Foundation Chain

Working Basic Stitches

Turning and Starting Chains

Understanding Stitch Patterns, Multiples and Repeats

Joining in New Yarn

Joining Lengths of Yarn

Working Filet Crochet

Working Lace Stitches
Working Shells and Fans
Working Clusters
Changing Scale
Working Chevron Patterns
Working Puff Stitches
Working Popcorns
Working Bobbles
Adding Texture with Post and Spike Stitches
Working Crossed Stitches
Shaping
Shaping Filet Crochet
Pockets
Making Inset Pockets
Neckbands and Collars
Button and Buttonhole Bands
Adding Buttons
Making Your Own Buttons
Zippers
Working Edge Treatments
Edging and Insertions
Jazzy Trims and Fringes

Chapter Five
Working in the Round
Working Out From the Centre
Working a Basic Round Block
Fitting Blocks Together
Turning Corners on Shaped Blocks
Working in Layers
Making a Spiral
Joining Lace Blocks
Tubes and Cylinders
Socks
Mittens

Chapter Six
Grouping Colours
Stripe Patterns
Working Jacquard and Intarsia Patterns
Felting Crochet
Applying Beads
Setting Up a Dye Studio
Handpainting Yarn with Acid Dyes

Chapter Seven
Dealing with Yarn Ends
Blocking and Pressing
Seams
Working Guidelines

                                                                                                                 

200 Crochet Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy sewing books from on-line shops with my own money, I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.