Review: How to Crochet Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques. A Storey Basics® Title by Sara Delaney

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The perfect guide for beginners! Sara Delaney shows you her techniques for working a basic chain and creating single and double chain stitches. You'll learn about changing colors, joining, fastening off, reading crochet patterns, and working with different shapes. Working on small projects, such as a simple potholder or scarf, gives you the practice and experience you need before you move on to crocheting more complex patterns on your own.

MY TAKE:
I've been meaning to relearn how to crochet after forgetting what I learned in elementary, so I decided to read through this book.

In How to Crochet Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques. A Storey Basics® Title, readers are taught how the basics of crocheting, including choosing the appropriate tools and yarn for each project and the absolute basics of crocheting. It also includes how to interpret instructions on crochet patterns.

I thought the introduction to the different hooks and yarns were quite useful and thorough. I had no idea that choosing yarn and hooks were so complicated.

As for starting the chain, I was surprised to find that the author suggested using a tulle to start the chain. She did, however, include instructions for creating a slip knot, which was how I was taught back in the day.

There were plenty of explanations and illustrations for each of the types of crochet stitches, however, since I couldn't find my old crochet hook and some yarn, I could only imagine how the instructions worked. This is one of those books were you really have to be following along because some of the instructions can seem complicated and confusing if you're just reading it.

I did like, however, that the book included what might be the problem if your work starts ruffling or cupping, how to read patterns, and useful website and resources you can use along with the book.

This is the kind of book you read and practice with over a long period of time because the later parts of the book are really complicated. If you're really serious about crocheting, you might find this book quite useful.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing, LLC for the e-ARC. Publication date of How to Crochet Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques. A Storey Basics® Title is on August 6, 2014.

THE GOOD:

1. It's very informative.
2. There are plenty of illustrations.
3. The tips are very helpful. 

THE BAD:

1. Some may feel like the instructions are too complicated or confusing. 

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Every person has a basic set of tools needed to complete their job: Batman has his utility belt and cape, the plumber has a monkey wrench and pipe snake.

READ IT IF:

1. You want to learn how to crochet.
2. You want a how-to-crochet book that you can use for a very long time.
3. You learn better when you follow along. 

RATING:


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