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Are you looking for a crochet stitch dictionary?  Are you a pattern designer looking for new stitches to add to your designs?  This may be the book for you!  This book review is my honest unbiased opinion and I purchased this book for myself.  If you purchase this book using the link provided to Amazon I will receive a small amount of compensation but you will not pay any more for the product.  I appreciate your support!

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs Book Review

I was looking for a book that would have as many stitches in one volume as possible that would give me a general idea of how the stitch looks once worked.  I am an extremely visual person and I need pictures, pictures and more pictures.  I love (and collect!) cookbooks and I’ve noticed that I am almost always more drawn to the books that have the most pictures.  I very rarely make a new recipe without seeing a picture of it first…strange, but true!

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs — 500 Classic & Original Patterns by Linda P. Schapper is a fantastic crochet stitch dictionary.  Published by Lark Crafts an imprint of Sterling Publishing is not new.  In fact, this book was originally published in 2007 and this version is the revised 2011 edition — but I just recently stumbled upon it.

It includes 9 pages of basic stitch picture tutorials from the slip knot to front and back post double crochet.  The front and back post double crochet explanation will help you make my Sassy Autumn Cowl!

Basic Stitches has pictorial tutorial for basic stitches included in the volume

A table of International Crochet Symbols is included which comes in handy as each stitch in the book is explained in both words and symbols.

Table of International Crochet Symbols showing symbol definitions used in crochet charts

There is a pictorial index of the complete listing of each stitch pattern included in the book.  However, the pictures in the index are quite small and I think the size of these thumbnails are just a bit small to be very helpful in “seeing” the final product.

Pictorial Index has a thumbnail picture of each stitch pattern included in the volume

The true treasure of this volume is that each stitch pattern is then laid out clearly and concisely with a symbol diagram, written explanation of the pattern as well as a larger picture.  The pictures are monochromatic in which all patterns are made in white yarn with various solid colors in the background.  The pictures are not what I would consider beautiful but I really needed a utilitarian book so not really a consideration for me.  I do think that it would have been better if the yarn used in some of the pictures were less “fuzzy” because the fibers in some of the more complicated stitch patterns can make it a little more difficult to see.

Each pattern is laid out in written terminology as well as with the crochet symbol chart. Easy to follow!

The stitch pattern difficulty ranges from the very easy/beginner to complicated combinations for the more experienced crocheter.  However, this could be considered a build-upon book.  As you learn the stitches you would be able to progress through the book into the more complicated stitch combinations.

Are you learning crochet symbol charts and already know how to follow a written pattern?  This book would be extremely helpful in aiding in this endeavor.  Written patterns are easily followed along with the crochet symbol chart and would be an excellent way of gaining confidence with charts.

Crochet Stitch Designs Book Review

If you are looking for a book to help you choose a yarn to match with a stitch this will not be the most helpful volume.  There are no recommendations for yarn weights, colors or yarn types that would work for the different stitch patterns.  This is simply what I would term a crochet stitch dictionary.  You can then use the basic stitches or stitch patterns to make up your own designs and let your imagination run free!

Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs Book Review

The contents are laid out in the following chapters —

1 Single crochet

2 Single crochet & chains

3 Double crochet & chains

4 Single crochet, double crochet & chains

5 Treble crochet, double crochet, single crochet & chains

6 V-stitches

7 Simple shells

8 Shells — filet

9 Shells — symmetrical

10 Shells — overall patterns

11 Shells & Chains

12 Shells — staggered

13 Shells — small lace patterns

14 Shells — fantail

15 Shells — Treble crochet

16 Shells — large lace patterns

17 Clusters

18 Clusters — inverted shells

19 Wraparound stitches

20 Staggered squares

21 Y-Stitches

22 X-Stitches & crossed stitches

23 Picots

24 Bobbles

25 Puff stitches

26 Puff stitch cominations

27 Popcorn stitches

28 Dropped stitches

29 Post stitches

30 Horizontal stripe patterns

31 Verticle columns

32 Multi-stitches

33 Miscellaneous

I hope this review has been helpful for you!  If you have any other crochet books you would like reviewed please let me know!  I am always on the look out for new crochet books!