Crocheting for Dummies

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 360 pages
• Published by: For Dummies
• Edition: 1st Edition July 30, 2004
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 076454151X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0764541513
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Reader Reviews
After my spectacular experience with "Knitting for Dummies", I bought this book, "Crocheting for Dummies", without any hesitation and without any shopping around, thinking it would be exactly the same format. Therefore, I can only write a review in absolute terms, without much comparison to other beginner crocheting books. Here's what I thought: 1. Just like the "Knitting" counterpart, this book has meticulous instructions and great diagrams. Surprisingly, it's not the instructional books with the glossy pages and photographs that are the best for learning crocheting. This book is mainly black-and-white and has drawings rather than photos. Nonetheless, "Crocheting for Dummies" has excellent instructions on what to do with your hook and yarn in an easy-to-follow format. 2. The information is presented in a somewhat awkward order. Rather than getting down to business, this book starts out with a chapter devoted to different crochet hooks and yarns. Then it goes into gauge, a concept COMPLETELY alien until you've actually crocheted some stitches. Only in chapter 4 you're finally told how to hold the hook and the yarn and make some stitches. Unfortunately, this is the order most knitting/crocheting books are arranged (except "Knitting for Dummies"). It would obviously make more sense to explain gauge AFTER learning how to crochet. 3. Unfortunately, this book teaches crochet in the context of projects. To me it seems that a new crocheter should first make some swatches with cheap yarn, thus practicing fancy stitches, getting good at reading charts, and learning how to crochet evenly. Only after getting moderately good, should the new crocheter undertake a project which requires the purchase of expensive yarn. But in this book the two steps are combined. Rather than present many practice patterns to swatch, the book suggests real projects, with real (expensive) yarn, to learn crocheting techniques. However, if you're impatient and want to make something real while learning, then you might like this book. 4. On the plus side, this book is comprehensive. It covers everything from basic stitches to crocheting with color, finishing items, picking up stitches for collars, afghan and filet crocheting, etc. It is also full of helpful tips for even a more experienced crocheter, such as nifty ways to join yarn and weave in ends while crocheting. The beginning of the book has a chart of international crochet symbols and abbreviations, which is very handy. The projects presented here are ... okay. There are some very basic coasters and placemats, a potholder, a table runner, flowers to use as package decorations, scarves, bandanas, a hat, a vest, two sweaters, two pillow covers, and an Afghan throw. Remember, to lean/practice some/most of the techniques, you'll actually have to make these projects or parts of them! Overall, I applaud this book on the clarity of instructions - the diagrams are really very clear. "Crocheting for Dummies" isn't as pretty as some of the other books, but trust me, pretty gets frustrating very quick if the instructions aren't clear. It doesn't have a spine that allows it to lie flat, but once again, if it lays flat but is full on nonsense, you don't want it anyway. This book, at least partially, teaches crocheting in the context of projects, which I do not like, but it must appeal to some people because this is the typical way to present information. Comment | | (Report this)