Essential Crochet Starter Stitches: Portable Stitch Companion; Solids, Shells & Fans, Openwork & Lace, and Simple Edgings

Adapted from the author’s Melissa Leapman’s Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters, this pocket guide features 100 crochet stitch patterns taken from Leapman’s 30-year career in the fiber arts and includes some new patterns as well. Leapman gives advice on how to use this stitch dictionary: for reference, to learn new techniques, or to ignite one’s inner designer. The book is divided into the four sections named in its subtitle. Stitches range from the basic single crochet and moss stitch to the more complicated dragon and sunspots. Some stitches have a curved arrow icon to indicate that the pattern looks good from both the right and wrong sides, making these patterns perfect for scarves and blankets. Instructions are given in both text and chart form, and detailed instructions on how to decode crochet symbols and read a crochet chart are provided in the resource section.