Complete Crochet Handbook

Eveline Hetty-Burkart works as a freelance editor and author for magazine and book publishers. Although crochet is her favorite needle-art, her field of work includes a wide variety of handicraft techniques from design to creative implementation to instructions. She is co-author of The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary. Beate Hilbig studied fine arts in Nürtingen and worked as a freelance artist, designer, and author for many years. She has extensive handicraft skills in crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. Bėatrice Simon worked as a translator of handicraft books, and her long-standing passion for everything to do with wool and needles led her to begin designing crochet items. Since 2007 she has been blogging in French and German about her love of crochet as “lilli-croche,” in memory of her dear aunt Lilli, who taught her to crochet. She resides in Brittany, France.

Yarn, Hooks, Tools

Fibers & Yarns 10

Choosing the right hook 17

Practical accessories 21

Organization 25

Crochet Basics

First orientation 28

Basic stitches 30

Stitch variations 37

Special stitches 48

Cast on stitches 57

Crochet in rows 63

Crochet in the round 67

Start a new yarn 74

Finishing 80

Shaping for Fit and Style

Understanding crochet patterns 84

Sizing 96

Increases and decreases 98

Shaping 106

Flat motifs 116

Three-dimensional forms 122

Closures and pockets 126

The Finishing Touches

Connect crochet pieces 138

Decorate the edges 155

Panels, trims, and borders 160

Decorative elements 174

Wash and block 194

Socks, Gloves, and Hats

Crochet socks 200

Crochet gloves 205

Crochet hats 207

Advanced Crochet

Crochet with colors 212

Tunisian crochet 225

Filet crochet 236

Double-sided crochet 248

Knooking 255

Slip stitch crochet 261

Irish crochet 269

Hairpin lace crochet 283

Bruges Crochet 291

Broomstick lace crochet 295

Crochet lace 300

Beads and sequins 306

Left-handed crochet 310

Crochet and felt 312

Crochet with different materials 314

Granny Squares 317

Crochet Stitch Patterns

Texture patterns 322

Ajour patterns 325

Granny squares 329

Tunisian patterns 333

Colorwork patterns 334

Helpful Guides

Tables, symbols and abbreviations 340

Hook Size Guide 345

FAQs 348

A to Z - Glossary 354

Index 358

About the Authors 368