Book Description
From novices to artists, there are an estimated 30 million crocheters in the United States alone. In this era of demanding schedules, people of all ages are picking up hooks and yarn and taking immense satisfaction out of the soothing act of creating something with their own hands. Every new person who learns to crochet keeps the art alive—and this easy-to-understand book shows you how!

Whether you’re a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this plain-English book gives you hands-on experience, helping you do everything from choose the right tools to create basic stitches to finish off your work. Crocheting For Dummies features easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations that show you step by step how to: Read crochet patterns Select threads and yarns Increase and decrease stitches Crochet in circles and squares Fix your mistakes Assemble a finished project

Once you’ve assembled the proper tools, you’ll see how to work the most common crochet stitches, how to join more yarn, how to make your pieces larger or smaller, and how to work with patterns. Then you’ll move on to advanced techniques and see how to care for your crocheted items. You’ll receive expert guidance in: Adding new stitches and techniques to your crochet vocabulary Enhancing your work with buttons, ribbon, beads, and more Working with cotton thread (it’s for more than just doilies!) Using multiple colors in your projects Combining stitches to form simple patterns and textures Joining pieces together with different techniques

In no time at all you’ll be making placemats, hats, purses, sweaters, afghans, and much more! Complete with a list of top crochet resources, important dos and don’ts, and variations on crochet, Crochet For Dummies is packed with everything you need to discover the joys of this remarkable craft.

From the Back Cover
8 pages of full-color photos illustrate projects in the book Step-by-step instructions make it easy to get hooked on crocheting Whether you’re a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, this hands-on guide helps you choose the right tools, create basic stitches, and finish off your work. Then, you’ll move on to more advanced techniques and make purses, hats, sweaters, and afghans. You’ll also find out how to care for your crocheted items. The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Discover how to: Read crochet patterns Select hooks and yarns Increase and decrease stitches Crochet in circles and squares Fix your mistakes Assemble a finished project

About the Author
Susan Brittain’s fascination with crochet began very early, around 4 or 5 years of age. She would watch her grandmother, who had lost her sight in midlife, spend hours crocheting beautiful Afghans for friends and family, counting the stitches with her fingers. By the age of 8, Susan was crocheting her own projects, starting with simple patterns such as scarves and moving on to Afghans, toys, and sweaters. Although her creative streak has led her to learn many different crafts, crochet has been a steady thread throughout. Susan combined work with pleasure as assistant editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. After moving west with her family, she continues to be a contributing editor and designer.

Karen Manthey’s first attempt at crocheting, while attending Mount Holyoke College, involved mixing wool and acrylic yarns to produce a granny square Afghan that (after washing and drying) resembled a relief map of the English countryside! Through the 1970s, while working as a graphic artist, Karen explored many arts and crafts, and her skill at crochet improved. In 1984, her training in art and understanding of crochet led her to a job illustrating the magazine Crochet Fantasy. Her task was to create the intricate crochet diagrams that accompany many patterns today, using the International Crochet Symbols. She soon moved on to editor of the magazine, while continuing to do the illustrations. Karen has also honed her skills by designing her own patterns and has had many of her creations published in Crochet Fantasy magazine. Her skill as an illustrator can also be seen in the book, Crochet Your Way, by Gloria Tracy and Susan Levin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER