Complete Crochet Course

Starred review from March 15, 2018
It's about time that crocheters got the same treatment and support as knitters. In this know-how, do-it-all reference, designer Shannon (Designer Crochet, 2015) and photographer Jason carefully, yet with a bit of funky tongue-in-cheek attitude, instruct novices and experienced crocheters alike in the art and craft of hooking textiles. Their approach is thorough; though crochet might be, as they claim, a muscle-memory skill, they intend to ensure that, through practice, swatching, and just plain repetition, crocheters are exposed to the right kinds of instruction. Every possible subject is photographically illustrated, from the anatomy of a hook (who knew that there were indeed different parts of this one-piece tool?) to all of the stitches used for foundational as well as decorative purposes. It's a well-organized reference, up-to-date with the different cable, ribbing, and pattern stitches that are now popular. Plus, five women's patterns allow readers to, quite literally, test their skills and crochet their own way, starting with My First Cardi to the intermediate drape-front cardigan. Truly, the Mullett-Bowlsbys have meticulously thought through the crocheter's world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)