The essential illustrated reference: over 200 traditional and contemporary stitches with easy-to-follow LE a ee) aitBok fpoliobel mn Neth Americ, “Tala 54990. cco Heprinsed 2004 Gayprigh © 2001 om flights re ‘al thin pubicaier may be epnsoced, toned 9 retieva} ‘pater, or tranatted are Abe by ay aca, electron mechanical, petoenpying, ‘he prior permision of the pri ber Ate Cet Fins Yorme Contents Introduction = 6 How to use this hook = & Crochet Essentials 10° 44 Stitch § eee Pre AT a Basic Stitches Textured Stitches Fans and Shells Mesh and Filee Stitches Openwork and Lace Stitches Trims and Edgings Clusters, Puffi, and Bobbles Spike Stitches Relief Stitches Tunisian Stitches Mulci-colar Patterns Squares Shapes and Motifs Special Stitches Abbreviations and Symbols Glossary 252 Index and Credits 254 The Stitch Collection 248 aera eos meerae 2 8Introduction Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a contin length of yarn, usi le hook The word “crochet” itself derives from the French “crc aning a hook (or croak); an old Scottish we for crochet is“chephordl’s knitting” Iti one of the most portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only ‘once you have mastered the basic techniques, you can create a hook and some yarns fascinating variety of effects Like all the textile arts, the origins of crochet are obscure and only a few early examples remain; these have been found across the world, from China to Africa, Turkey, Europe, the You only wees athok and iF ee Most carly examples are t worked with firm forms stich as caps and hats. Wool often worked into fitted yarns worked densely in ¢ swere also used to make warm swindproof cloaks and blankets In sixteenth-century Haly, nung developed the use of very fine steel hooks and cot create delicate, lace-like effects fa wim nts This technique spread across Europe, ind church vest ming Introduction such as collars and cufls, and household items such as tablecloths, 1y different Over the centu stitch patterns and techniques have developed th any way we please. Over 200 examples are included in this book, from basic firm fabries to lacy we cam use today in itch squares and motifs, Use thy Selector (page +4) to find a suitable stitch, then look up the detailed instructions in the Stitch Collection (page 52). In Crochet Essentials (page 10) you will find descriptions of the simple equipment and 1 ‘Open ridge etch, Br Double ronal als needed for crochet. Choose from the wide variety of threads and yarns available today, ar experiment y Is. You can ‘with more unusual mat make sweaters, hats, shawls, afghans, eushions, all with that special al touch, unique to you. Read this hook with a hook and pe