Crochet for Beginners: A Stitch Dictionary with Step-by-Step Illustrations and 10 Easy Projects

Copyright © 2022 by Rockridge Press

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First Rockridge Press trade paperback edition May 2022

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Paperback ISBN: 978-1-63807-951-4

eBook ISBN: 978-1-63807-820-3

Manufactured in the United States of America

Interior and Cover Designer: Regina Stadnik

Art Producer: Sara Feinstein

Editor: Georgia Freedman

Production Editor: Ashley Polikoff

Production Manager: Martin Worthington

Illustration © 2022 Remie Geoffroi. Photography © 2022 Evi Abeler.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Because of Ruth.

For everyone learning to turn their scars into stars while shining brightly.

To my loves—Victor and Nadiya.

Love and Humanity Always.

CONTENTS

Introduction

PART ONE: THE BASICS

Tools and Supplies

Abbreviations

PART TWO: THE STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES

Crochet Terms and Stitch Basics

Essential Stitches

Increasing, Decreasing, and Transitions

Special Stitches

Finishing

PART THREE: THE PATTERNS

How to Read a Pattern

Dishcloth Set

Simple Ear Warmer

Simple Beanie

Housewarming Coasters

Homegrown Pot Holder

Progression Blanket

Circle Bag

Ceres Pillow

Crochet Tool Holder

Dainty Place Mats

Glossary

Resources

Acknowledgments

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

DEAR READER,

It is a true joy to share my passion with you through this book. I taught myself to crochet as a young child; I recall learning the different stitches by crocheting dresses for my Barbie dolls. I now hold Level I and II Certified Crochet Instructor Certificates from the Craft Yarn Council. Playing with yarn is my passion; I love the different ways—using only yarn and a crochet hook—that I can create beautiful masterpieces.

We will start our crochet journey with the basics, such as learning what a hook is and why there are so many types of hooks. We will explore yarn (all the wonderful squishy yarns), and you will discover a deep affinity for fibers that you never knew you had. We will discuss abbreviations, and I will get you hip to all the crochet lingo before you move on to learning about basic stitches. Once you are acquainted with the chain stitch and the single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble (sometimes called triple) crochet stitches, we will examine how these stitches build upon one another to form more intricate stitches.

By the end of this book, you will have the confidence to work 30 types of stitches and stitch techniques and will have had the chance to practice them by creating 10 fun and easy projects designed to perfect your skills. I’ve designed a crochet tool holder (so you can keep all your new tools together in one place), a beanie, a pillow, place mats (worked in several motifs that are joined together), and a few more creative projects to help you get used to working some of the stitches presented in this book. The projects in this book are meant for beginners, but if you are an experienced crocheter, this book will also stretch your crochet knowledge. By the end, you will have the confidence to create crocheted pieces you will love for years to come.

So, whether you are brand-new to crochet, have been playing with hooks and yarn for a while, or are looking for a way to generously give the magic of learning to crochet to a loved one, you’ll find everything you require in this book. Get ready to fall in love with crochet!

Part One

THE BASICS

DID YOU KNOW that crochet stitches cannot be replicated by machine? Crochet is a true labor of handmade love. Whether you get into the craft to make home decor, fashion pieces, baby hats and blankets, or all of these, the results of your work will be beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces made by you, with love. I really love this about crochet.

You do not need much to begin your crochet journey. Once you learn to handle a hook, select the best yarn for your project, and work basic stitches, you will find that you’ll quickly gain the confidence to try all kinds of crochet projects.

Tools and Supplies

Crocheting requires two things: a crochet hook and yarn. Beyond these two required items, there are several other useful tools—including scissors, stitch markers, and tapestry needles—that you can use to help your crocheting be as smooth, easygoing, and fun as possible.

Though some tools are simply nice to have, there are a few tools that are essential. These essential tools are vital to successful crocheting, whereas those nice-to-have tools aren’t vital to your success but definitely make for a more easygoing crochet life. The