It’s been almost ten years since I first attempted to answer the questions most often asked by crocheters, and in that time, as they say, a lot has changed. Electronic devices are always at hand, crochet’s popularity has grown, Ravelry was born, and crochet patterns are often presented in graphic (symbol) form.
At the same time, not that much has changed. Crocheters still have questions; they harbor insecurities about where to put the hook, how to maintain the required number of stitches, how to determine gauge, and how to read a pattern. Some are afraid to crochet a garment or step outside their comfort zone. Furthermore, many, many crocheters don’t even know that there is more to know about crochet — more refined techniques that they could use to make their work look better.
Crocheters are often free thinkers, blazing their own way and discovering new and inventive techniques without benefit of outsiders. This is wonderful, but how much better would it be if we could somehow channel and capture that knowledge in order to share it with others? Sometimes these new discoveries are wheel reinventions: old techniques that haven’t been well disseminated, perhaps from lack of distribution channels (no longer a problem in the age of the Internet), and perhaps from a lack of a standard vocabulary. One of the challenges for crocheters, now and in the past, is the lack of a standard terminology for crochet techniques. We can’t even agree on a label for basic stitches, so how can we effectively share our knowledge with others, or even be confident in what we think we know?
Today, most people head straight for the Internet when they want to know something, but there is value in having a reference of curated information. Books like this one allow you to get your question answered and at the same time be drawn to other related (or non-related) techniques. You can flip through the pages and land on helpful information at any turn.
In my opinion, being a “good” crocheter is not about making perfectly stitched, elaborate, artful creations. It is rather a matter of confidence. You need to be sure of what you are doing and how to do it, and then have the confidence to figure out what to do if things aren’t going quite right. Understanding why you do certain things and why they turn out the way they do increases confidence and leads to successful crocheting. The more you learn, the better you become, in crochet as in life.
When you have a question, use this book as a primary source, or simply visit it from time to time when you have a spare moment. I’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions crocheters have and to anticipate some questions you didn’t know you had. Chances are, you’ll find your answer here, and possibly be directed to helpful sites to learn more. Even if you’re a complete novice and want to learn to crochet, you can do that using this book (see Quick-Start Guide.
Since I wrote the first edition, I’ve written an entire book on crocheted edgings, and two books on crocheted motifs. Through research for my books, as well as teaching, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve adapted and added content to this new edition accordingly. You’ll find more information on symbol crochet, Tunisian crochet, and, of course, edgings and motifs. However, there’s still a chance I’ve omitted your most burning question or left out your favorite technique. I’d love to hear about your unanswered questions or how you have solved your own problems. Many of the new questions and answers in this edition come directly from reader and student questions. You can find me online at www.edieeckman.com, as well as on the usual social media channels.
It is my hope that The Crochet Answer Book will lead you down the road to gaining the confidence that makes for good crocheting.
Although this book is not organized in sequential steps as a “learn to crochet” book, it is certainly possible to learn the basics (and more!) from the questions and answers presented. If you are just getting started, grab some smooth, light-colored worsted weight (#4) yarn and a 5 mm (H/8) hook, then use the following questions as a tutorial:
You’ll have other questions, of course, but by the time you’ve mastered the topics above, you should be well on your way to exploring on your own.