Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Essential crochet terms 8
Pattern abbreviations 12
International terms 14
Yarn weights 15
Section 1 Materials
Chapter 1 Hooks 18
Hook types 20
Hook sizes 22
Chapter 2 Yarns 24
Types of yarn 26
Fiber content 28
Yam weights 30
Yam colors 32
Yarn substitutions 34
Pulling yarn 36
Yam ball bands 38
Challenging yams 40
Other materials for crocheting 42
Chapter 3 Notions, Trims, and Extras 44
Measuring and cutting tools 46
Other useful tools 47
Accessories and embellishments 49
Gallery 52
Section 2 Techniques from Start to Finish
Chapter 4 Beginning to Crochet 58
How to hold the hook 60
How to hold the yam 61
Slip knots 62
Leaving a tail 62
Foundation chain 64
How to count chains 66
Controlling tension 66
Chapter 5 Basic Stitches 68
Inserting into a chain or stitch 70
Single crochet 72
Half double crochet 74
Double crochet 76
Triple crochet 78
Taller stitches 80
Slip stitch 82
Turning chains 84
Loop stitch 86
Spike stitch 88
Around the post stitches 90
Chapter 6 Gauge Swatches 92
What is gauge? 94
Making your own gauge swatch 96
Measuring stitch gauge 97
Measuring row gauge 98
Chapter 7 Reading Patterns 100
Pattern terms 102
Executing pattern instructions 104
Avoiding pattern pitfalls 106
Repeats 108
Sizing and measurements 109
Adjusting sizes 110
Chapter 8 Basic Stitch Patterns 112
Single crochet rows 114
Half double crochet rows 115
Double crochet rows 116
Shell stitch 117
Mesh stitch 118
Front/back loop rows 119
Popcorn stitch 120
Cables 122
Gallery 124
Chapter 9 Basic Shapes 128
Increasing and decreasing 130
Flat shapes 132
Three-dimensional shapes 139
Chapter 10 Borders and Edges 142
Borders 144
Comers 148
Buttonholes 149
Pockets 150
Chapter 11 Adding Trims and Embellishments 152
Adding beads and sequins 154
Adding pompoms 156
Adding buttons 158
Adding cords 160
Adding fringe 162
Adding zippers 164
Adding tassels 166
Chapter 12 Finishing 168
Fastening off and weaving ends 170
Blocking 172
Joining methods 174
Care and maintenance 178
Resources
Online resources and trade shows 182
Patterns and supplies 183
Further reading 184
Contributor index 185
Index 186
Acknowledgments 192
