The Crochet Stitch Bible

Book excerpt: The Crochet Stitch Bible contains over 200 stitches, explained in full, and is a perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts. The handy spiral bound design allows this book to be laid open on a work surface for easy reference, and makes a wonderful addition to the library of any crafter, crocheter, or knitter. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches. Each crochet stitch is accompanied by a photograph sample, row-by-row instructions, and easy-to-follow symbol charts. Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a continuous length of yarn, using a single hook. The word "crochet" itself derives from the French "croc," meaning a hook (or crook); an old scottish name for crochet is "shepherd's knitting." It is one of the most portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only a hook and some yarn. Once you have mastered the basic techniques, you can create a fascinating variety of effects.