Best Crochet Books for Beginners(Expert Recommendation)

You have just begun your crocheting journey. You neither know what a crochet hook is nor how to make any stitches. Or, you were a regular crocheter some years ago, then stopped crocheting for a while, and now need a refresher. How can you revive your crocheting skills and become a better crocheter in no time?

One perfect way you can learn how to crochet is by reading a crochet book guide. Whether you are a crochet pro, an intermediate crocheter, or a pro, you can always find the right crochet book guide for you. This article discusses the most recommended crochet books that guarantee to offer beginners the best crocheting teaching experience. Read on!

BEST CROCHET BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS

Review of Best Crochet Books For Beginners

The following are the ten best beginner crochet books you should consider buying:

1. How To Crochet: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners Paperback

How To Crochet: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners

The book guide ‘How to Crochet’ is written by Alison McNicol, an expert teacher in knitting, crocheting, and sewing. The guide is an excellent resource for crochet beginners of all ages, both young and old. It teaches new crocheters a good number of crochet stitches and techniques.

Pros
  • The book by Alison McNicol features bright, full-color illustrations. These illustrations make the book easy to understand, such that beginners learn how to crochet quickly.
  • It includes fun and simple projects for beginners.
  • The book has numerous projects for beginners, such as hats, blankets, granny squares, scarves, and more.
  • The illustrated instructions are short, which is perfect for absolute beginners.
Cons
  • The book has several British terms, which some beginners may find hard to understand.

2. A to Z of Crochet: Beginner to Advanced Crocheter Paperback

A to Z of Crochet: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Crocheter
$5.24
  • MG-79984
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02/18/2024 03:08 pm GMT

The author of this 160-page book is Martingale. Just like the name suggests, the ‘A to Z of Crochet’ guide teaches all the basics and know-how you will need in crocheting. Therefore, it is an excellent guide for both beginner crocheter and pros who want to advance their knowledge.

Pros
  • The book is written in a simple instruction, step-by-step strategy, from the primary methods to the advanced levels.
  • It features more than 1,000 photographs, which make the learning process more comfortable.
  • The photographs included in the book are close-up and feature real hands holding a real skein of yarn.
Cons
  • The ‘A to Z of Crochet’ book does not include patterns on applying the stitches.

3. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet Paperback

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet
$17.89
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02/19/2024 05:21 am GMT

If you prefer to learn crochet, then this is just the book for you. Written by two instructors, Cecily Keim and Kim P. Werker, this book provides the best crochet instruction for beginners.

Pros
  • The book guide teaches new patterns and crocheter techniques. Hence, all crocheters, beginner to advanced, can benefit a lot from reading this book.
  • The step-by-step instructions provided make it very easy to understand.
  • It also features two-page lessons that show all the necessary steps to a crochet skill. These lessons allow crocheters to do quick reviews.
  • For additional guidance, the book includes numerous helpful tips and detailed color photo tutorials.
Cons
  • Some of the color photographs and projects may not be appealing to some crocheters. However, this mainly depends on individual preferences.

4. Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Easy Amigurumi Patterns Paperback

Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Easy Amigurumi Patterns
$10.98
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02/18/2024 10:10 pm GMT

The book ‘Crochet Cute Critters,’ by Sarah Zimmerman, is a 140-page guide to beginners’ easy crochet patterns. All the project ideas and patterns taught in the book revolve around animals. The book has a total of 140 pages.

Pros
  • In her book, Sarah Zimmerman teaches how to craft 26 different patterns for different animals, such as zebras and alligators. These patterns provide crocheters with enough experience and skills.
  • The instructions are easy to follow; they are provided in a step-by-step guide, from stitching to detailing to stuffing the animals.
  • All the animal projects taught in the guide share the same body pattern and basic head; this allows the learners to practice effectively and gain enough experience from one project to the other.
Cons
  • The book’s patterns require crocheters to use a 5mm hook, which can quickly leave significant gaps and cause the beginner’s fingers to get stuck.

5. Crochet (Idiot’s Guides) Paperback

Crochet (Idiot's Guides)
$8.99
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02/18/2024 10:01 pm GMT

The author of this ‘Idiot’s Guides’ is June Gilbank. The guide is primarily geared for those absolute beginners who have never held a hook before. It, therefore, focuses on teaching basic crocheting for beginners.

Pros
  • The ‘Crochet (Idiot’s Guides) Paperback’ has step-by-step illustrations that make it easier for beginners to understand how the stitches are executed.
  • The illustrations are also full-color so that learners can see clearly without straining their eyes.
  • It includes several practice projects that crochet learners can use to test their newly acquired skills.
  • The book also provides expert crochet advice on how to learn crocheting fast, how to hold a hook, and how to choose the best yarn.
Cons
  • The ‘Crochet (Idiot’s Guides) Paperback’ is not an e-book. Hence, it is difficult for crocheters to bookmark.

6. Crochet for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide with Illustrations and Pictures!

CROCHET: Crochet for Beginners: The Ultimate Step by Step Guide with Illustrations and Pictures!
$17.97
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02/18/2024 10:46 pm GMT

Mary Anne D. writes this 102-page book. The book focuses on helping beginners understand crocheting’s complex language. It explains the meaning of different symbols and abbreviations that are regularly found in crochet pattern books.

Pros
  • The book focus a straightforward guide on different types of diagrams in crocheting. The guide also teaches how to read the diagrams, such that beginners never confuse between patterns and stitches.
  • It lists all materials and tools that a new crocheter will require, as well as a mini-guide on hooks and yarns.
  • The book has a step-by-step guide on easy crochet stitches for beginners, ranging from the basic stitches to the intricate and complex ones.
Cons
  • The book guide has a few beginner patterns.

7. Crochet For Beginners: Step By Step Guide With Picture and illustrations

Crochet For Beginners: A Complete Step By Step Guide With Picture illustrations To Learn Crocheting The Quick & Easy Way
$14.99
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02/18/2024 10:25 pm GMT

This Crochet for Beginners book is 198 pages long and is written by Nancy Gordon. The book features simple step-by-step instructions that teach new crocheters how to make stitches, read charts, and buy the right crocheting equipment.

Pros
  • In addition to the clear step-by-step instructions, the book also includes high-quality picture illustrations with each step. These illustrations make the instructions even easier to understand.
  • The book includes 27 crochet beginners’ hacks, tips, and tricks that help learners avoid costly mistakes and learn how to crochet faster.
  • The guide also includes 25 different crochet patterns for beginners. These patterns make it possible for beginners to start creating their patterns immediately.
Cons
  • A significant section of the book included more history of crocheting than it teaches crochet basics.

Basic of Crocheting

Basic Of Crocheting

The very first step is to learn basic crochet stitches. From there, you can learn a few more advanced stitches. You also need to figure out what style and size of the crochet hook you find more comfortable to use.

Then, using your preferred crochet hook and essential stitching skill, you can start with simple beginner patterns and yarns. With more practice and experience, you will become a crochet pro in no time.

Other basics of crocheting that you need to learn are:

  • How to hold a hook
  • How to make slip knots for crochet
  • How to single crochet
  • How to double crochet

Crochet Projects for Beginners

Crochet Projects For Beginners

To become a crochet pro in no time, you need to practice different crochet patterns and projects regularly. The following are three basic crochet patterns that can help you master crochet basics within the shortest possible time:

1.) Moss Stitch Crochet Scarf

This humble scarf uses the basic moss stitch. The moss stitch is a mix of chain stitches and single crochet.

2.) 5-Hour Baby Blanket

This project requires using soft chunky yarn. It is an ideal crochet project for a beginner as it takes the least time possible, only five hours. Extended single crochet stitches design the pattern.

3.) Reusable Cotton Balls

Making reusable cotton balls, such as removing makeup, is one of the fastest crochet projects you can undertake. More so, it is perfect for those crocheters who have tiny hands.

What you Need to Crochet

To get started with crocheting, you don’t need so many supplies. The following are the necessary materials you will require for simple crocheting projects:

Ø  Crochet hook, preferably that made of aluminum material. Also, go for a hook with a size of H-8 or I-9.

Ø  Acrylic yarn, or a ball of wool

Ø  Scissors

Where can I Learn to Crochet?

There are three different ways of learning how to crochet:

Method 1: Learn Crochet Online

You can learn how to crochet by watching the different YouTube tutorials on how to crochet. YouTube has thousands of such tutorials; hence, rest assured that you will find a crochet tutor that suits you best.

Method 2: Learn Crochet in Person

Alternatively, you can consider joining a local crochet class in your area. Or you could join crochet and knitting groups near you; these are groups where different crafters meet to learn together.

Method 3:

Learn Crochet OfflineLearning crochet offline means using books to learn crocheting. You can get the best crochet book for beginners either online or in your local library.

Is Knitting or Crocheting Easier for Beginners?

In crafting industry, since they both use yarns to create items, knitting and crocheting tend to be very similar crafts. The major difference between the two crafts is that crocheting is done with a single crochet hook, while knitting is done with two knitting needles.

While some beginners find knitting much more effortless, others prefer crocheting. Simply put, if you prefer longer projects and are patient, you would do well to consider taking up knitting. On the other hand, if you prefer quicker projects, don’t fear making mistakes, and are very creative, consider taking up crocheting.

Conclusion

While being a delicate form of art, crocheting is also a lifelong skill that will enable you to create beautiful crafts and items. However, learning how to crochet can seem intimidating at first for crafter. Yet, with one of the above best crochet books for beginners, you can make your learning process fun and easier. So get yourself one copy and start crocheting today!

Source:

Jane
Jane

Hi,
I’m Jane and I’m the editor of janesknittingkits.com! I am a long-time craft and clothing design fan who has been writing about these interests for years.

I have spent many hours studying knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, and quilting as well as learning about various brands and models of sewing gear and machines. In addition to this research, my work involves publishing information related to these topics in ways that will be informative for both amateur crafters like me and more experienced sewers!