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!

Simple Crochet by Sara Sinaguglia

I was a little disappointed in this book as I'd been pleasantly surprised by Simple Sewing with Lola Nova by Alexandra Smith which is in the same series. As I said with that, you can tell much of the worth of a craft book by its introduction, and the crochet instructions in this one were too short and not at all clear, I have seen far better.

The writing, is, however, clear and the projects well laid out. There are six sections of craft projects divided up by location: Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom Bathroom, Children's Rooms and Out and About. They are themed by colour scheme and the feel of the projects but each of the projects could be made up in a different fabric for a completely different effect. Projects comprise: apple and egg cosies, pot holders, table linen, edgings for shelves, pillows and knickers (!), a crochet hook roll, coasters, artwork, cushions, a bookmark, slippers, face cloths, bowls, a blanket, a pencil pot, a toy bunny, a steering wheel cover, a bag, smartphone case, scarves, beret and wrist warmers.

Each project has a header page like a recipe showing everything you will need to complete the project, tension, finished size and skill level along with a good picture of the finished article. Clear crocheting instructions follow.

It is a shame about the instructions because the projects are very pretty, and if you know how to crochet already the book is worth it for them alone.

Crochet: The Complete Guide by Jane Davis

This is just such a wonderful book, it is spiral bound and laid out just like I would wish. Each stitch is described with excellently clear illustrations and text with the symbol alongside, the stitch patterns library works logically from easy to harder stitches and the small selection of patterns are simple and inspiring. Unfortunately the book can't be used as a beginners book for the UK because the stitches given are American crochet, what they call single crochet we in the UK call double crochet, their double crochet is treble. My concern would be that if I learned US crochet it would be more difficult to switch to UK crochet. It is such a shame, this would otherwise be the perfect starter book.

Have You Any Wool: The Creative Use of Yarn by Jan Messent

Good and inspirational but quite dated, although some great ideas about using crochet, knitting, needleweaving and wool wrapping to create.