The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs: 500 Classic & Original Patterns (Complete Crochet Designs, 1)

This book is amazing! It is written so well and there are tons of pictures to help you through the stitches.

This is an excellent book for both novices and experienced crocheters alike and is an essential addition to any crafting library. The patterns include both written instructions and stitch diagrams along with colored photos of completed work. The instructions include the number of stitches needed to repeat the pattern - including any starter chain - making it possible to quickly calculate how many stitches one needs for a foundation. The overall organization of the book is such that you can rapidly locate patterns that are suitable for your skill level as well as mix-and-match patterns to create your own custom work.

Such a valuable resource. it shows how to make all the stitches used in all the designs in clear text and illustrations. Also includes a chart of the international crochet symbols. Best of all each of the 500 stitch patterns is shown in a good sized photo. A neutral yarn is used for all illustrations, thus emphasizing stitch pattern itself. Each stitch pattern is explained with the standard text with a line for each row, and an accompanying graph. I learn by seeing, so the graph which is an illustration of the crochet symbols is easier for me to understand. I can cross reference with the written directions, for a fuller understanding of the stitch pattern. I can manage to figure out the stitch designs with the excellent directions. Also, the designs are lovely. This book is by crochet Bible.

Let me just start off by saying that this is a very nice book for any crocheter to have in their arsenal, but I gave it 4 stars because I was expecting more.While there are an abundance of patterns and the instructions and pictures are very clear, I found that many of the patterns were very similar to one another. Were they running out of patterns and simply needed some more to fill the book to make it to 500? Who knows?Pros:- Good instructional section in beginning of book for novice crocheter who needs clear pictures to see what they are doing.- Bright, detailed pictures to illustrate exactly what the design is supposed to look like.- Multiple of stitches is provided for every pattern for ease of use when you go to use the design in a blanket or other project.- Great chart showing what each crochet symbol means should you so wish to read symbols instead of written out patterns.- Price.Cons:- Too many designs seem too similar.I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new design to use for the next baby blanket in their queue instead of the same 2-3 patterns you usually use. Even if you only end up using 10 patterns in this book, the price is worth it.Happy Crocheting!

Lots of basic and new patterns. I've tried a few already. Instructions are easy to follow. The diagrams help to clarify the steps. This is great for beginners all the way up to seasoned crocheters.

As a "Secret Santa" I bought this book for a coworker of mine! She is self-taught, and crochets for stress relief; I thought it would be a handy resource to have access to so many designs - the only trouble was that her English was very poor and I couldn't find books in her language that would arrive in time. When I saw the designs and illustrated instructions, I knew this book would work out, and it did! She was so excited the day she received the gift, and when we came back to work she let me know how much fun she was having working on new designs - with the illustrations being so detailed, language wasn't really much of a barrier for her!

I picked up crochet about six months ago, and recently, I decided I wanted to try making my own patterns. This book has a great assortment of patterns and has been very helpful.The pictures are big and clear, so it's easy to see the stitch work (although some of the backgrounds colors are kind of drab, which makes the pattern look less appealing). There's a great variety of stitches to try, and while some are more complicated than others, none of them are too difficult for me. The instructions are clear, and I especially appreciate the inclusion of diagrams for each pattern. I just learned to read diagrams from this book, and it's far more convenient than reading the written instructions. There are basic instructions, too, some of which I used, and these are clearly explained and diagrammed.The only thing I thought was missing from this book was suggestions on what size and texture of yarn to use for the different patterns. I'm trying to find a good pattern to make a purse right now, and I've gone through several that just don't look right with the thread I want to use. It would also be nice if there were suggestions on what kind of projects each pattern is best suited for.But overall, I love this book. Any crocheter will find this book practical and easy to use.

This IS an amazing book. It has written pattern and graphed. It moves in stages of stitches. Like sc to DC to sc-dc....ect. one of the better pattern books out there I own. Very thick too.