Modular Crochet

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for a crocheter's library, June 18, 2015

Modular Crochet” by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a book originally published in 1978. Usually, one would think that a book that old would be out of date. This is not the usual book. It is a perfect example of what was old is new again. Before I had even finished reviewing the temporary digital version I had been provided by the publisher, I had gone back and ordered a paper version not only for myself but a second copy for my younger daughter who also loves to crochet. The original book is still around in the secondary market but the price is high and out of reach of many crocheters. By re-publishing this book, Dover has brought the price point down to a reasonable and doable amount for most of us.

It really surprised me how modern and today this fashions felt. I was just beginning to learn to crochet around the time it was published. My crochet at that time was limited to edges on baby receiving blankets and to afghans. I didn't even realize that I could make my own fashions for years. I can only wish that I had purchased this when it was out originally but late is better than never.

The fundamentals of the method of modular crochet are that the pieces are made in rectangles that you fit to your own body and to the style of the garment you wish to make. That way, everyone can have their own custom fit garment. The stitches used are chain, single crochet, half-double (one of my favorite stitches), and double crochet. For the most part, the stitches are made only into the back loop of the stitch – something that the author calls a ridge stitch. Back in the day, this stitch would have been revolutionary for me but today it is already a tried and true stitch in my arsenal.

There are step-by-step illustrations and photographs for the basic garment. The photographs is the book are a combination of color and black and white. The ones specifically in the basic garment construction are black and white. This worked fine for this purpose as the contrast of the photo on the white page made it easier to see what was being done versus trying to decipher it through color.

After the basic garment is made, there are a myriad of ways to modify and change the pattern to make different garments. Everything from pockets, to wide sleeves, to so many different necklines. There are simply pages and pages of variations to make. The finished garments in this area are in color which is perfect because color and texture are a huge part of what makes each variation work. In addition to many garments for women, there are also a couple for men, children, and even for baby.

The author gives a great tutorial on how to design your own garments using this method. It was at this point that I stopped to order the two copies of the book. I already knew I was going to but after reading this chapter, I could not wait another minute to do so.

Both of my daughters are taller than six feet and I have spent a lot of my life trying to find garments that fit them. Sweaters were never an option as I could not find arm lengths to fit them. My younger daughter will be able to make her own but I absolutely plan to make my elder daughter a sweater or two. I also have fit problems as my bust size makes me go up in sizes but then the sleeve lengths are too long. I will have a lot of fun making these retro modern looks for myself.

The author gives a great tutorial on stitches and detailing. The information on tools and yarn is excellent though this is an area where it is slightly and understandably out of date. There is such an abundance of yarns available today! The author's comments were extensive for the time and still hold true for the yarns she discusses. There are just so many more options and I think that most crocheters will be able to extrapolate the information given to apply to what they want to use today.

Tools have undergone an ergonomic transformation in the last few years. The old style hook is still available but there are many new ones that can be used. My favorites are the Tulip Etimo and the Clover Soft Touch. I use both as they have different shaped heads and both are available in a wide range of sizes.

The author's comments on stitch detailing is still spot on and extremely useful. She also gives information about various other tools and how to use them.

I think the book is fantastic and is something that every crocheter should consider adding to their library. It is a book and a method that works for the beginner as well as the advanced stitcher. I am advanced and my daughter is intermediate. My elder daughter is a beginner and if after she sees my book and a garment that I have made, I will certainly buy a copy of the book for her, too. I think it is a great book to buy for yourself and also a great book to give as a gift – especially to a younger crocheter who has probably never seen anything like it before.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Dover Publications, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This book is a reprint of a book initially published in 1978. Candidly that might make you think it is dated but after doing some research it seems that this book has been on the wish list of many crochet lovers and after being unavailable for some time – this is a very welcome reissue. The concept is simple. Judith Copeland wants to give crocheters of all competencies the tools needed to create a unique garment. And the photos in MODULAR CROCHET are just mouthwatering. MODULAR CROCHET is eye candy for any crocheter from novice to master.

One look through my reviewer copy which was missing so much of the amazing content of the actual hard cover of MODULAR CROCHET and I just knew this was a must book for my craft library. I will have my copy in just two days – I can’t wait.

MODULAR CROCHET is an ingenious crochet blueprint for just about any garment for any age guy or girl. Judith Copeland covers all the bases to ensure the success of the person designing their own one of a kind. With MODULAR CROCHET you can make any type of neckline and or collar. Depending on the yarn and the stitches used each item can have a totally unique look.

I usually judge a craft book on how many items I actually see myself working on. MODULAR CROCHET by Judith Copeland is guaranteed to fill your must-crochet-list with amazing possibilities. Copeland encourages you to run with your imagination. Crafters with a stash of yarns are just going to love making striped concoctions for everyone in their family. The open work sweaters are just fabulous and are so popular right now. I am not even going to get started on the cowls – as I said before eye candy.

So get ready to bring your crochet to a whole new level. Run don’t walk and get your copy of MODULAR CROCHET. MODULAR CROCHET is going to fly off the shelves. You heard it here first.

A very comprehensive guide to designing your own crochet pullovers, with attention to proper fitting. The idea of crocheting in a straight line is attractive to many crocheters, and working in the back loop only makes for a beautiful pattern. Intriguing to make a pullover this way, and one that really fits.

I admit I enjoy knitting and, although I did crochet when a teenager, I’ve never used crocheting to make any garments. With this book, however, that could easily change! It gives step by step guidance on crocheting and doesn’t give the usual ‘patterns’ to follow but teaches readers how to do the different components to enable them to create their own designs and garments. The photographs throughout are superb and demonstrate the variety of different possibilities brilliantly. A superb book for anyone interested in designing and making pullovers for anyone - young/old, male/female, long/short - the choice is yours by following the modular designs to help guide you. Superb for the total beginner and the expert alike, what a great book - no wonder it is being reprinted! Congratulations to the publisher for re-releasing this dateless inspiring book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am just a intermediate crocheter but this book makes me want to practice and improve all the more quickly. The patterns are actually something I am looking quite forward to making (I've already bookmarked several!). I think this is a great book for anyone looking to do this kind of crochet. Good patterns and they seem easy enough to make.

This is a really incredible book, just so easy to follow and makes the reader think about knitting rather than just following a pattern. I found that half way I was starting to think - if I added some more stiches or more/less rows I could do this and found myself reaching for a notebook to draw up some designs that I could achieve. Lots of food for thought with this book. This book will be used again and again

I love this book !!!! I love the concept. The patterns are stylish and easy to do. The pictures were a must to explain the concept. These are patterns that appeals to all levels of crochet. Thanks for the opportunity to review your book. A winner for crocheters.

One of my favorite craft books of all time! Teaches you the basic building blocks of crocheted apparel and shows you how easy it is to create your own patterns.

What a wonderful easy idea. I have always been put off making clothes because of tension and trying to follow a pattern. But this makes it so easy to make cushie comfy jumpers. I am making a big soft cuddly one as my movie jumper.

Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a crochet book from 1978. This book shows basic crachet technigues with plenty of detailed photographs to demonstrate how to crochet clothing using modular crochet techniques. The garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. Yarn, color, size, and stitches used can turn the basic format into a variety of finished projects.

Modular Crochet is a technique that I have never really used, having taught myself to crochet via internet instructions and a few fantastic books while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is just shy of 9). The idea is sound, and has been around for awhile, since this is a republication. I have to admit that I am intrigued and might be testing out the method when I finish up my current project. The technique is described well, and the photographs used do a good job of illustrating the technique. However, I will admit that I found the book to be dated, which is not completely unexpected. I think anyone that has the basic crochet stitches mastered, but is still intimidated by patterns and clothing could use this book to help master freeform or improvisational crochet. Not a bad guide, but definitely dated, although I guess we could just call it retro?

Modular Crochet is a well done guide, and would be useful to those wanting to try making clothing without using a prewritten pattern. The diagrams, instructions, and photographs work together to explain everything very well. My only complaint is that the book does not seem to be updated from the 1978 version in this publication.

While this book was originally published in 1978, what makes it timeless is the method of construction. I would guess that it would be very simple for anyone using it today to apply to any number of modern patterns. Plus, with the great amount of different yarns that are available now, the possibilities are endless.

Pullovers never go out of style, and some of the designs her are truly beautiful, even today. For anyone who loves to crochet, this book makes it easy to create your own sweaters, scarves, coats, etc., merely by changing hook size and yarn type.

Each piece is made in a rectangle, which you then fit to your body; it will make a custom-fit garment that is actually tailor-made (by you!). The stitches are all basic, which makes the work go quickly. In the end, you are only limited by your own imagination. Highly recommended.