Crocheting is my first love. I first learned to crochet when I was 13 from a book. I didn't understand the directions very well so instead of single crochets I worked up an entire scarf in chain stitches. The stitches were so incredibly tight that I could barely work my hook into the previous row. The scarf turned out rock hard. Only after days of struggling did it dawn on me that perhaps I had misinterpreted some of the directions. It was not until my 20s that I realized I had been holding the hook wrong, a problem that is just a staple of my crocheting technique to this day nearly 20 years later.
However, since then I've accumulated many different crochet books and wanted to share a few of my favorites. To start off, this 'Crochet Stitch Dictionary' is my go to when I don't really want to work on a pattern, I just want to whip up something fun using a new stitch I've never tried.
While stitches do start out with simple single, double, and half double crochet stitches, it works through progressively more challenging stitches. This includes techniques like fans, meshes, and adding beads. The two things missing for me are techniques for edge stitches and granny squares. However, it will keep you plenty busy if this is the only crochet book you own. It's great reference material.
If it is granny squares you're looking for, try this Ultimate Granny Square Sourcebook. You can stay busy for months making blankets, cardigans, shawls, or anything else you can dream up just from granny squares. You will really get to exercise your crochet talents by working unique stitches in fun patterns.
What I like most about working with granny squares is the ability to play with color. You can really work with high, low, and mid contrast options to see what you like best. These projects are also great stash busters and fun to do with mystery scrappy yarn sets.
The next one was hard to choose but I wanted to do a amigurumi book. I chose this one for it's beginner friendly nature. If you're already adept in the art of amigurumi, this one is a skip. I'd opt for more elegent and beautiful designs. However, for starting out, Crochet Cute Critters is a nice simple book with a strong variety of patterns to choose from.
My next choice is the Crochet Home book. My favorite thing to crochet is items for around the house. Something about personal crochet touches around the house just makes me love being home more than anywhere else in the world. This book uses a good mix of vintage projects that are really timeless in the right color palette.
My last choice is Crochet in a Weekend. This book offers a good variety of crocheted wearable. At some point every crocheter wants to wear some of the lovely things they make and this book offers 29 options for all levels of skill and talent.
Now you've peaked into my bookcase. What's on yours? I'm always looking for more lovely books to add to my collection and I'd love to hear your faves!