This is a very informative and well-organized crochet guide. It begins with basic steps, hooks and yarns types, followed by a comprehensive chart of stitches symbols and their explanations, therefore it is a perfect start for a beginner.

These are followed by a lot of stitch techniques variations, from simple to more advanced; plenty to choose from.

However, there is one major shortcoming: the colors chosen for the samples are the most unfortunate I have ever encountered in a book of this kind or anywhere else.

Crocheting is for most a hobby, a way of relaxation and even if it’s a way of life, it is about colors; vibrant colors to please the eye. Seeing the samples depicted here, makes me want to find something else to do…

All samples are like this; some you can’t even understand what type of stiches are if not for the patterns below them. The few flowers models here are all brown…

My final opinion is that although it’s quite a comprehensive guide and the models and patterns are explained very clear and concise, I would not buy the book because of its unattractive colors. I should be drawn by a particular model to try it; however, seeing the samples, this desire simply does not exist.

However, if you are interested just in techniques, this is a good choice for its easy explanations and multiple choices.

I love to crochet and have been doing it for many years, but I've never run across a book quite as complete as this one. Very clear pictures of different stitches and page after page of stitch patterns. Just a wealth of information and in a very useable form. Will definitely be using this one a lot!

Chartwell Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Crochet Stitch Handbook. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Beginners can use The Crochet Stitch Handbook as a starting point, although I did find the explanation of the shorthand used in charting the particular projects to be confusing. It may just be something to get used to, as this shorthand seems to be pretty standard. The introduction is quite helpful, as the author describes the different tool sizes and how to choose yarn and supplies. Page 15 is the most essential in the book for beginner, as the author describes the process of how to start.

This handbook is a handy reference guide, as the author painstakingly goes through every possible stitch and all of the fundamentals about crocheting. I particularly liked the pages called Stitch Selector (pp. 44-51) because the author shows the finished patterns/blocks with the associated page numbers, so that beginners can see what they are supposed to look like. I also love the practice pages, where crafters can learn the different crochet stitches.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook is designed for practice, as there are no projects to finish. I wish the author had included a simple project, such as a scarf or a hat, so that crafters may have something more than just practice pieces to show for their hard work. Overall, this handbook is ideal for crochet enthusiasts of any skill level, as it can serve as a reference to those experienced or practice for beginners.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook - The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden is an awesome book. It has easy to understand diagrams from beginning stitches to special stitches. I have read many crochet books over the years but I would have to say that this is the most comprehensive one. Each of the 200 stitches has a key which lists the types of stitches used in that particular pattern/stitch. The directions are concise and clear and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book not only for beginners but for those who wish to extend their knowledge in the more detailed and specialty stitches. Well Done!
I would like to thank Betty Barnden, Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this guide.
It is a great source of inspiration for new projects with an amazing collection of crochet stitches.
The instructions are easy to follow, and there are pictures of samples made of each point stitch.

I found this book very informative, the beginning was excellent with its stitch by stitch diagrams. The Stitch selector section was very encompassing but I did find some of the graphs a little hard to follow, but then I did rather read the instructions rather the use graphs.
This is a very good handbook for anyone one that wants to either create their own garment or one that want to understand the formation of patterns and how they should look.
It is a very impressive collection of stitches and textures.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Chartwell Books for my unbiased opinion of the book. This book is a must have for any beginner and a great reference book for a seasoned crocheter. It has everything. I have never seen anything as comprehensive as this book. I will be giving this out as Christmas gifts. I can't wait to try all these stitches!!!

This is a great stitch guidebook for crocheting enthusiasts at every skill level. Each stitch is shown three ways: a photo of the complete stitch, step-by-step written instructions, and charted instructions, so no matter what type of patterns you are most comfortable with, you are covered. It's nice to have a reference book like tgis.

This is a great book with a very comprehensive collection of crochet stitches. Good simple directions and illustrations make it easy to follow. Good glossary and table of contents. Wonderful gift for the needleworker in your family. From simple to complex it has something for every level of crochet fanatic. I received a copy of this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

There were stitches in this book that I had never heard of or seen before. This book is American so the stitches are called slightly different things in Australian and English patters. I wouldn't suggest this book for beginners, although the detail is great there isn't enough if you are a beginner. I will be purchasing this book for myself.

This is a great book for crocheters of all levels and abilities. Everything is described clearly and in so much detail with lots of useful and easy to follow diagrams. I have learnt some new stitches which I had seen before but never knew the names of before. A great book to keep close by especially for someone like me who has self-taught themselves to crochet.

Excellent crochet stitch dictionary. The layout and illustrations helpfully guide those new to crochet in making new stitches. I just started crochet, and this book is a terrific resource.

I read this book the moment that I received it. From cover to cover it shows how crotched stitches are supposed to look. It begins with descriptions and photos of types of yarn and what each should or should not be used for. I found that I knew very little about yarn before reading this.

​It followed with supplies necessary. While this is basic. I finally understood the importance of gauge.

​The remainder of the book showed stitches and how to make them. They went from the simple single crotched stitch to very beautiful and complicated stitches and patterns. I did discover that I was doing a basic stitch incorrectly.

​Aside from the things that I learned in reading this book, there was a lot of new information and stitch patterns. The pictures are colored and clear. It is delightful to pick out the one for your next project. However, there are so many to choose from (unlike similar books that only offer a few ideas) that like me you will probably change for mind at least once before deciding.

​A great source for new crocheters or a reference book for experts.



A received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many Books on the market and its becoming harder to find a good Crochet book that's Crammed with so much information that will help a beginner to rochet and for someone who has been crocheting a long time. So Essential Handbook Of Crochet Stitches: Over 200 Traditional And Contemporary Stitches With Easy To Follow Charts by Betty Barnden was a great find.
Its wonderfully illustrated throughout with lots of information and "clear" instructions and guidelines how to do new crochets stitches. It's easy to follow and just love the Stitch Collection chapters with Photos of the crochet stitches with a diagram of the stitch with a great illustration on how to crochet it. The tutorials etc are easy to understand and follow without a problem.
This is a must crochet book and so much better than some of the expensive ones you can purchase out there......I just had to go and buy this myself!

I would highly recommend this book. Plus a great Christmas Stocking filler.......Just Excellent

Big Thank you to Netgalley for this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden The Essential Illustrated Reference: Over 200 Traditional and Contemporary Stitches with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Betty Barnden
First time author for me. I am a self taught published corchet designer of baby afghans so am excited to be able to find out more about crochet. I also knit and have many reference books on hand.
This book fascinates me because it's primarily set up in the same way as my knitting reference books-so detailed and orderly.
Lots of colorful pictures of patterns in swatches throughout the book that I love.
Table of contents where stitches and patterns are categorized for ease of finding what you are looking for.
Has so many resources including how to use the book, equipment and charts of sizes available and which to use and which yarns.
Diagrams show you how to do the stitches while words explain also how to do the stitch.
I only know about 6 different stitches but always willing to learn and use more of them. Stitch selector for me is the best part of this book.
Each swatch is shown with it's name and if you select one it will show you how to do the stitch pattern.
Love how the categories are color coorindated also. Like chevrons and can imagine them in infant charity afghans I make.
Each swatch is also shown in chart format if you are more familiar with working the stitches that way.
Some stitches seem challenging to me and I can't wait to give them a try especially because the directions are so straight forward.
What a treasure, A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Chartwell Books via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheCrochetStitchHandbook #NetGalley

#TheCrochetStitchHandbook #NetGalley

A very good way to learn about the crochet stitch from A to Z. The book starts with an introduction of a basic and intermediate set of stitches. Then, the author added chapters like a catalog about the textures & patterns illustrated with colorful pictures and illustrations. One of my favorites features of this book is the clarity of the tutorials. The tutorials are easy to understand and replicate without a problem,

I think this book is perfect for someone who is just learning and who wants to learn a variety of stitches. I love the detailed technical diagrams and how the different strands are multi colored so its easier to see. I also love how there is a black arrow showing which loop to guide yarn through.

Excellent compilation of crochet stitches and techniques. The books is both well-organized and well-designed. The first section provides clear illustrations of basic and more advanced techniques. Using color rather than simple black and white illustration helps makes it easier to learn how the stiches are formed. The remaining sections are organized according to stitch group making it easy to see how stitch variations play off each other. Highly recommended for beginner and advanced crochetrs alike.

Great reference book for all crafters! Been crocheting since young teens and wish I had this book over the decades as some things change (like crochet hook sizes) and some things stay the same (like broomstick lace). Appreciate the hand drawn images and photos as well as varying the color scheme to better visualize the stitches and avoid confusion. This book opened my eyes to new ways to crochet other than just single and double stitches. Time to get some yarn and start hooking!
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.

What an informative book.
I am a constant winter crocheter, but by no means a professional and I found this book so informative and quite different to other crochet "Bibles" out in the world.
Lots of information as a new crocheter, also lots of information for experienced, like starting and ending colours, adding borders, changing colours, and quite a few new block and edging styles that I haven't seen before.
I will definitely be purchasing this one when released for all my crochet friends.
Thankyou for the opportunity to review this title and I will put it to good use.