Crochet Step by Step by Sally Harding

I've been searching for a decent British crochet bible for a while as although there are excellent American ones the terminology is different, but I think I've finally found it.  I haven't used any of the patterns in this yet so I can't vouch for them but when I do I will add to this review.

The book opens with a section on tools and materials: yarns including unusual yarns such as wire, string, fabric and plastic bags.  A chart of yarn sizes and recommended hook sizes giving conversions between US and UK sizes and instructions on how to read a yarn ball band, perfect for the bewildered beginner faced with all those beautiful tempting yarn choices.  

Next the techniques section beginning with the basics: how to hold the hook, yarn and make your slip knot and foundation chain.  Then it moves on to working the crochet stitches and how to count stitches, rows and how to begin and end rows, how to make foundation (magic) rings, to fasten off and darn in ends.  A chart of basic stitch symbols, abbrevations and relative heights is given and the instructions for fabrics using each of the basic crochet stitches given in symbol format to get the reader used to reading crochet symbols.

Then the more complex stitches: working into the spaces between stitches; working into the front and back of stitches; shells; bobbles; clusters and popcorns.  There are labelled photographs here with useful help here on how to look at your work and identify the different parts of it to count stitches and rows.

Next comes a section on following stitch patterns, giving a sample stitch pattern with step by step instuctions on how to use it.  After this comes an invaluable chart of terminology, abbreviations and crochet stitch symbols. 

This is followed by a section of simple texture patterns using the stitches learned so far.  Then openwork (lace, picot net and filet crochet)followed by a selections of openwork patterns, and colourwork (stripes, jacquard and intarsia) with patterns following.

The next section is on following commercial patterns. A sample commerical pattern is pictured and labelled up including advice on how to buy the right yarn.  There are tips on choosing garment sizes and patterns and instructions on how to make a tension swatch.

Increases and decreases come next, and then finishing details: creating edgings, buttons, blocking, seams, embellishments, embroidery, and fastenings.

Then a section on circular crochet, tubes and flat circles, medallions (granny squares) and flowers. 

The final section is patterns which are pretty but as I say I haven't tried them yet. A book I will happily return to whenever I'm stuck, which will be often!