Comprehensive and clear reference book for crochet skills and stitches. Helpful descriptions and accompanying images.

Really useful and comprehensive title for any crochet fan to have in their library.

Book Review: The Crochet Answer Book by Edie Eckman
Review by Dawn Thomas

408 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Crafts & Hobbies, Crochet, Yarn

The sub title for this book, Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask, is very accurate. As a beginning crocheter, I was intimidated by some patterns. My granny squares were usually every shape except square. This book is broken down into 12 basic topics with a questions and answers format.

Chapter 1 covers hooks and other tools needed. The author does an excellent job describing the different type of hooks along with how to hold the hook. I found out I prefer an inline head hook. I also hold my hook in a knife hold. I think it is really great that she includes not only right handed information but left handed too. My daughter is left handed. She had a difficult time trying to learn to crochet since everything seemed backwards for her. There are two charts for hooks. The first chart is for steel hooks and the second shows the sizes for standard hooks. The drawings showing how to hold the yarn were very good. A great discussion is about hands getting stiff or aching shoulders. She gives a few exercises that really do work!

Chapter 2 discusses the different types of yarn. I was unaware of the different types of yarn. Bamboo, pine and corn yarn surprised me. The author describes yarn fibers and why the fiber content matters. She also includes facts and figures of yarn which includes how to choose the right yarn size and how to read the information on a yarn band. She also gives advice on how to substitute one yarn for another.

Chapter 3 shows a variety of foundation chains. This is so important when you begin a project. She also stresses the importance to yarn over from back to front. The author states you do not always need a chain stitch foundation. She does a good job describing the different stitches that can be made into the foundation chain and includes drawings of each type.

Chapter 4 gives examples of basic stitches along with specialty stitches. There are directions for all of the basic crochet stitches. The author also includes how to count stitches and how to decrease and increase stitches. In the specialty stitches section, she discusses extended stitches, shell stitches, bullion and roll stitches, V stitches, crab stitches, combination stitches like cables, clusters like bobbles and puffs, textured stitches like the popcorn stitch and decorative elements like the picot.


Chapter 5 talks about gauge. She stresses the importance of using the correct tension to get the required gauge. The author discusses making a swatch, suggests the size of a swatch and shows how to measure it before and after washing.

Chapter 6 is all about shapes and motifs. She begins the chapter with the definition of a motif and how to work “in-the-round.” There are several varieties of ways to create rounds. The next topic is how to move from the first row to the next. This is an area where I was interested in since I tend to lose my place. There are spirals, triangles, ovals, semi-circles, flat shapes and tubular. There is also a question about amigurumi and tapestry crochet.

Chapter 7 discusses fabric crochet and colors. The author answers questions regarding the different types of fabric, increasing and decreasing and how to find the right size of fabric. She also gives directions for a classic double crochet ripple stitch. Following that is how to work with color. This includes changing colors within a row or a round and how to read a color graph.

Chapter 8 dissects the language of patterns and symbols. This is an important chapter especially for beginners. She explains what to expect in a written pattern and schematic. Sizing information is also included in this chapter. She also the best way to take body measurements. I had to giggle when I read that punctuation matters in patterns. I had no idea!

Chapter 9 shows different facts about sweaters. This includes making it the right shape and size. The author revisits the importance of using a gauge and swatch. She discusses how to get oriented in reading a sweater pattern. She also explains how to tell the difference between the left and right sides along with the “Back” and “back.” The author also includes more information on body measurements and sizing information. The chapter ends with the explanation of shaping items and how to put it all together.

Chapter 10 gives examples of borders and buttonholes. The author gives examples of different types of borders along with diagrams then covers the topic of buttons and buttonholes. She provides calculations to determine the correct number of buttons for a project. There is even a technique to make crocheted buttons.

Chapter 11 discusses how to finish a project with joining stitches to put the project together. She discusses weaving ends into a finished project and joining motifs. She also covers the importance of blocking and the different types of blocking.

Chapter 12 covers other kinds of crochet.

At the end of the book, there is a list of standard crochet abbreviations along with commonly used terms and phrases

I really like the question and answer format of the book. It makes it so easy to find the right information. Sometimes reading a “How-To” book is difficult because it can be too technical. The information the author provides is very easy to follow and the diagrams throughout the book are very useful. The author also provides a step-by-step instructions for techniques which are very detailed