This handy reference guide is packed with over 100 lifesaving crochet tips and tricks that your grandmother might not have taught you from @theknottyboss.
A collection of not-so-traditional crochet hacks meant to help troubleshoot many issues that typically arise with crocheting. The author covers everything from starting knots to perfect finishing techniques, and everything in between. This book can assist you at any stage of your project and help take your crochet game to the next level. Please note that the instructions are written in US crochet terms but there is a handy 'cheat sheet' if you want to convert them to UK terms.
It is packed full of step-by-step instructions and photography so you can follow along every step of the way and not miss a trick. Author, Anna Leyzina aka The Knotty Boss, has a huge number of followers who love her Tuesday Tips feature on her social media platforms. This collection combines her Tuesday Tips and more in one handy-sized reference book - which is perfect for keeping in your project bag.
Covering everything from how to select the right hook through to tips on how to pick the correct yarn and some clever stitch marker hacks, The Knotty Boss has got you covered. There are tips and tricks for basic skills like avoiding visible slip knots at the start of your work, working into back bumps, joining the foundation chain without twisting and an easy method for the magic ring. Later chapters look at more advanced techniques such as keeping the magic ring on your finger while working the first round, invisible joins when working in different stitches and invisible increase and decrease methods.
Other hacks include tips for working in rows and rounds including how to smooth the side edges, how to prevent stitches from slanting and how to make the perfect circle rather than a hexagon. Amigurumi techniques are also included with hacks for invisible increase and decreases, adding eyes and other facial expressions and tips for lining and stuffing toys.
There is section on working with colour which looks at how to get seamless colour changes and perfect stripes, and advice for crocheting granny squares with tips for how to prevent your squares from slanting, and how to create invisible seams.
The final chapters look at edging and borders, and finishing techniques with advice on how to seamlessly fasten off, how to weave in the ends and easy blocking, making this the ultimate handy, pocket-sized reference guide for all your crochet needs.
David & Charles
Pub Date: July 09, 2024
0.5" H x 8.2" L x 5.8" W
160 pages
paperback
Table of Contents:
1- FIRST THINGS
-stitch list / terms reference guide
-yarn over vs yarn under
-selecting the right hook [reference showing inline vs tapered, ergo vs straight handle]
Hook size chart
-stitch markers - what everyday objects can be used as stitch markers
-tips on picking the right yarn
yarn reference chart with visual/photo examples
-doubling/tripling your yarn to get right yarn weight
-how to double up on your yarn without winding a new ball
-winding center pull ball by hand - 2 simple methods
-trick to threading yarn needle
-trick to threading multiple threads through one needle
-list of other helpful tools
2- FOUNDATION / BASICS
-easy slip knot
-starting without visible slip knot
-join foundation chain without twisting [can also go in Working in Rounds section]
-working into back bumps to get a nicer looking edge
-foundation stitches [SC/HDC/DC]
-foundation cord
-easy magic ring
-how to make a chain ring you can fully close
-magic knot - attaching 2 pieces of yarn [can also be in the Colorwork section]
-needle join - attaching 2 pieces of yarn [can also be in the Colorwork section]
-weaving in ends [might be better in FINISHES section]
3- WORKING IN ROWS
-how to adjust starting chain, without starting over
-to count starting chains as your 1st stitch, VS not
-How many chains needed for each stitch
-Get smooth side edge with SC
-Get smooth side edge with HD [stacked sc method]
-Get smooth side edge with DC [standing dc method]
4- WORKING IN ROUNDS
-spiral vs joining rounds [pros and cons]
-joining after 1st round vs joining the starting chain
-keep magic ring on finger when working 1st round
-prevent stitches from slanting
-how many sts to increase by when working with SC/HDC/DC
-how to make perfect circle vs hexagon
-Invisible join with sc
-Invisible seam using standing DC
-invisible fasten off
5- AMIGURUMI
-yarn over vs Yarn Under
-how to get tight stitches - using smaller hook
-invisible increase & decrease
-closing amigurumi opening
-tips on covering holes after the piece is closed
-adding eyes / different options besides safety eyes
-adding cheeks
-using pins to help when attaching pieces
-using color stocking/fabric as liner, for stuffing, to prevent stuffing from showing through the stitches
-using steel brush to get hair/fur effect with yarn
-Reference showing cone shapes vs how many stitches to increase by
6- COLORWORK / WORKING WITH COLOR
-showing 3 different color change methods [pros/cons]
-less visible color change working in spiral
-how to get completely seamless color change
-how to get perfect stripes
-how to clean up color work by stitching on top
7- GRANNY SQUARES
-crochet squares in turning rounds to prevent slanting work.
-create invisible seam
-always count
-steam block before joining
-join as-you-go method
-Invisible join - mattress stitch
-simple join - Slst inside loops
-decorative join - zig zag
-joining across corners
8- CORDS / BORDERS / FINISHES
-2 color foundation cord
-braided cord - single and 2color
-romanian cord
-I cord
-3D cord
-crab stitch without going in reverse
-zig zag border
-easy twisted fringe
-tip to cutting even fringe
9- STITCHES / MISC
-Bobbles vs Puffs vs Popcorn stitch - reference
-working loop stitch in the front
Anna Leyzina is a crochet designer and a graphic designer. She has built a fantastic following on the back of her easy-to-follow tips for crocheters and now has over 400k followers across her social media platforms. You can find her on Instagram as @theknottyboss.
Charles & David
Pub Date: July 09, 2024
0.5" H x 8.2" L x 5.8" W
160 pages
paperback