Crochet Book Reviews

While I get tons of patterns online, both free and paid, mainly from Google image searches, Ravelry, and Etsy, I do love my crochet books and magazines as well. Here are my thoughts on some of the books I own.

Crochet Basics with a Mix of Projects

Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
by Debbie Stoller
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
Classic. Packed with information and great patterns. I would absolutely recommend this one over The Chicks With Sticks Guide to Crochet as a first crochet book. Goes over the basics in depth and then a lot more.
I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from this book and have made the Exchange Bag, which came out GORGEOUS. I gave my copy to a friend I am teaching how to crochet and bought a new copy.

The Chicks With Sticks Guide to Crochet
by Nancy Queen and Mary Ellen O’Connell
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
Not the greatest patterns ever, but a book that goes over the basics.
I made my first sweater from a pattern in this book and was not crazy about it.

Inspirational & Advanced Techniques

Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters
by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weis
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
So much inspiration! An awe inspiring book.
I’m part way through one of the projects in this book (ran out of yarn and store’s been out).

Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet
by Carol Ventura
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
One of the only books on these advanced crochet techniques. Author is EXTREMELY responsive via email.
I started one of the projects in this book and it is HARD.

Amigurumi

Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet
by Ana Paula Rimoli
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
The perfect starter amigurmi book.
I’ve made a few amis from this book. This is the book that got me started on crochet back in August 2010. I would recommend starting to learn the crochet basics before starting to make amigurumi. Make this your second crochet book and start with The Happy Hooker instead or like me, you may be quite confused for the first few weeks and end up with some funky looking amis.

Amigurumi Two, Crocheted Toys for Me, You and Baby Too
by Ana Paula Rimoli
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
For your second amigurumi.
I’ve made a few amis from this book.

Amigurumi Super Happy Crochet Cute
by Elisabeth Dohert
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
One of the coolest amigurumi books for the urban ami.
I haven’t made any projects from this book yet, due to when I finally bought the book. I’ve been on an amigurumi break since Christmas. Miss Llama wore me out.

Clothing and Accessories

Everyday Crochet: Wearable Designs Just for You
by Doris Chan
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
The queen of crocheted clothing. Another classic crochet book must have. Instead of mimicking knitwear, Doris embraces the lace-like quality of crochet and incorporates that into gorgeous, wearable designs that you can wear everyday (if you are very prolific with your crochet hook and can actually finish your projects before starting new ones.)

The first cardigan I made from this book worked up in two days, but my mom said it looked like an old lady sweater, then the “can wash and dry at any temperature” yarn proceeded to felt so that was it for it.

In the fall of 2012 I gave it another shot and made two Eve’s Rib Tunics. They worked up so fast and came out great. I LOVE them both and wear them regularly. Right after I made them I tried Shannon and it is one of my favorite cardigans now. It was a pain to keep flipping back and forth throughout the book, which is how the patterns are written, but I’m about to make another.

All of the pieces I’ve made work up in one weekend. Amazing.

Crochet That Fits
by Mary Jane Hall
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
Very cool concept and technique of creating crocheted clothing.
I made the Sleeveless Turtleneck from this book and it came out AMAZING! It really is a perfect fit and worked up very quickly. Last Christmas I also made one of the scarves in this book a few times and love it. I got stuck with only sleeves to sea on for on the Cap Sleeve Top and waited to long to finish it. While at one point it fit perfectly, it is now too small and will be frogged. The Sleeveless Turtleneck which is less fitted, still fits and looks great.

The Crochet Dude’s Designs for Guys
by Drew Emborsky
see it on Ravelry or buy it on Amazon
One of the only books dedicated to crocheted clothing for men. Projects start at beginner level.
I am stalled in the middle of two of the sweater patterns in this book which my husband is hoping for by Christmas this year. But I only started one of the sweaters 3 years ago. What does he expect?

I did make the men’s fingerless gloves in here and my husband wore them regularly for a while.

Baby

Cuddly Crochet: Adorable Toys, Hats and More
by Stacey Trock
I bought it for the cute animal blanket patterns, but was very annoyed by the babies posed with amigurumi with plastic safety eyes. They do include a message in the beginning to embroider eyes for children under a certain age, but all of the pictures are with babies. That really irked me. Just saying.
I haven’t made any projects from this book yet.

Afghan Blocks, Motifs, and Stitch Books

201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas
by Melody Griffiths
Some very cute and inspirational designs. A fun book.
I haven’t made any of the patterns in this book yet.

200 Crochet Blocks
by Jan Eaton
A fun assortment of patterns and designs.
I haven’t made any of the patterns in this book yet.

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