Bella Coco's Crochet Stitch Library
My Top 100 Stitches, Borders and Motifs
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Search Press Ltd
Published:9th Dec '24
Should be back in stock very soon
A stunning directory of 100 adaptable, inspirational crochet stitch patterns and 3 gorgeous projects from best-selling author and YouTube sensation, Bella Coco (Sarah-Jayne Fragola).
Discover Sarah-Jayne’s clear and friendly teaching style, known and loved by her more than 2 million online followers.
Following on from her best-selling first book, You Can Crochet with Bella Coco, comes this practical guide to over 100 carefully curated stitch patterns.
Starting with the key things you'll need to get crocheting, from advice on yarn and notions to essential techniques, Sarah-Jayne then takes you through a gorgeous collection of stitches – from simple repeat patterns to incredible textured designs. The stitches are divided into four sections – ‘basic stitches’, ‘simple stitch combinations’, ‘textured stitches’ and ‘squares and shapes’ – so you can easily search for a stitch that suits your desired finish.
Discover:
- A clear, overhead, close-up photograph of each of the 100 stitches worked up into a swatch, so you can examine the stitch repeats closely;
- All stitches categorised by difficulty level, from easy to advanced, so you can choose a stitch that suits your skills;
- Stitch multiples/repeats for every stitch pattern, so that you can calculate how to work the pattern into an upcoming project;
- Written instructions (including both UK and US terms) on starting the stitch, how to work the repeat and how to finish off.
As a bonus, you’ll also find Sarah-Jayne’s five favourite border stitches – all photographed and clearly explained – for edge-finish inspiration, and three stunning projects that include a selection of stitches in the library: a basketweave tote bag; a gradient crochet wrap; and a colourful, multi-textured patchwork blanket.
Whether you’re looking for new ideas, or trying to remember that perfect stitch, this is a timeless book that you can delve into now and for years to come.
In her second book, popular English YouTuber Fragola showcases a variety of fun and interesting crochet stitches. In addition to the general introductory guidelines on yarn and basic techniques, the author includes an anatomy-of-a stitch section. This section should be bookmarked when crocheters work on some of the more advanced stitches that require working within an area beyond the top loops. The stitch library features 75 stitches ranging from beginner stitches to fun, simple stitch combinations to the more complicated textured stitches. Each stitch pattern includes a clear photograph, a skill level, stitches used, pattern notes, and instructions. U.S. crochet terminology is used, with British terms in italics within brackets. After the stitch library, 25 patterns are given for squares and other shapes as well as five borders. The book ends with patterns for three projects—a wrap, a tote and a blanket—that utilize some of the stitches detailed in the book. The range of stitches is impressive, and libraries looking to replace older or worn crochet-stitch guides should consider this one.
* Lynnanne from Booklist *Following her book You Can Crochet with Bella Coco, which invites new crocheters to pick up their hooks and create, Fragola has crafted a veritable encyclopaedia of her favorite stitches in this handy reference for crocheters of all skill levels. She offers a guide to the basic tools, yarn types, gauge, and essential stitches, all neatly and clearly illustrated with photographs (and aesthetically pleasing because of the calm color palette woven throughout the book). The section on the anatomy of a stitch clearly illustrates the V’s comprising each stitch in a chain, something that can feel a bit esoteric for crafters at first, and each of the stitch types that follows is demarcated based on skill level, multiples, stitches used, pattern notes, and instructions. Fragola also includes patterns that spotlight some of her favorite stitches, including a tote, a blanket, and a wrap that will serve as fun projects and templates for ways to mix and match stitches.
VERDICT: A clear and comforting collection of crochet stitches that will serve as a useful guide as well as a source of inspiration.
-- Emily Bowles * Library JournISBN: 9781800922198
Dimensions: 260mm x 204mm x 11mm
Weight: 676g
176 pages