Getting Started Crochet

Want to make the crochet pieces you're seeing everywhere, but don't know how to get going? Getting Started Crochet was designed for the total beginner.

Author Judith L. Swartz comfortably demystifies the technique, the jargon, and the process, easily bringing novices "into the loop." It's all spelled out in pictures and text: You'll begin with a trip to the yarn store for all the necessary tools and to learn how to shop for yarn and equipment.

Types and weights of yarn will become comprehensible and you'll learn about gauge and its importance in simple language.

Clear diagrams will address how to hold the hook and yarn and how to form stitches. Next come the basic stitches, one at a time, and your first project . . . a simple scarf.

After you master the stitches, you'll tackle shaping techniques and make an evening bag, a simple top, and some fun and funky toys! Working in rounds easily leads to working motifs and more intriguing projects like the Color Study Lap Blanket. Finish up with edging that sweetens up a shrug.

Resource list, index, and charts complete the picture. With Getting Started Crochet, you'll master this versatile craft in no time!

Reviews: “The basic information in this book is worth the value and projects make it even better.”-Craftrends

"If you're a new crocheter or a longtime stitcher who needs to brush up on the basics, this is the book for you. Chic, simple projects help reinforce the concepts explained in each chapter. We really love: each project lists the different skills you need to finish."-Crochet Today!

"Designed specifically with beginners in mind this book demystifies jargon and techniques and leads you to new possibilities and skills."-Get Creative

"Good teach-yourself manual that covers the basics of crocheting without including more information than can be comfortably absorbed by a newbie."-Library Journal

"lovely beginner's book "-The Compulsive Reader

"A collection of beginner projects absolutely perfect for warm-weather looping.... Swartz covers the ABC's of crocheting in clear, succinct fashion."-Yarn Market News

• Choosing Your First Yarn
• How Do I Choose a Crochet Hook?
• What Else Do I Need?

• A Closer Look at Abbreviations

• Holding the Hook and Yarn
• Getting Started
• The Stitches
• The Other Elements
• Gauge
• Finishing Techniques

• Quintessential Scarf- This easy-to-make scarf is a beginning crocheter's quintessential first project.
• New Direction Scarf- Take a bulky yarn, find a large hook, work horizontally to show the coloration off to its best advantage, and you've got a scarf in no time.
• Striped Strip Pillow- Narrow strips crocheted with stripes than joined together add more interesting patterns, colors, and textures than just stripes alone.
• Beaded D Ring Belt- A variety of beads dress up the fringe on this easily accomplished belt.
• Ribbed Tie Belt- One minor change from the Beaded D Ring Belt makes it look totally different-more dimensional and more drape.
• Handy Utility Cases- Once you've mastered the scarf and belt, the next step is to think about what kind of crocheted items you can make by joining straight pieces.
• Glamour Girl Cosmetic Bag- A novelty yarn purposely worked with a small hook to create a firm fabric gives this little bag a dressed-up look.

• Neck Gaiter Scarf- This fun piece with vintage buttons and quirky fringe is an easy way to practice mixing up stitches.
• Cashmere Headband- More fashion than function, this lacy little accent works up in no time.
• Elegant Chevron Wrap- Light as a cloud and very luxurious, this dramatic wrap features wide border stripes and oversize tassels.
• Vibrant V-Stitch Wrap- Now that you've mastered the basic stitches, you can group and separate them in a repeating pattern to create a beautiful drape.
• Stimulating Stripes Baby Blanket- Vibrant colors give traditional stitches an up-to-the-minute look for that forward-thinking baby (or parent).

• Casual Evening Bag- A handy bag for those evening essentials - keys, cash, cosmetics - and the long strap lets you keep it close without having to hang on.
• Dressy Evening Bag- Using metallic yarn turns the Casual Evening Bag into a dressier one.
• Funky Stuffed Toys- A great exercise in striping, the bright colors and simple details define this cat and dog.
• Button-Front Top- This little top, made with simple stitches, is a good exercise in making the curved shapes that create armholes and necklines.

• Flash Caps- These cute caps fit close to the head and are easily varied to create many hat styles.
• Fingerless Gloves- Elegant and easy, these little fingerless gloves are quick to make and cozy to wear.
• Farmer's Market Bag- This lightweight power shopping bag is collapsible and can be folded up small to keep it handy.
• Urban Shopper Tote- This trendy tote is perfect for a trip to the greengrocers or for picking up just a few items anywhere.

• Light and Shadow Blanket- The classic granny square afghan has become an icon of comfort and home, but here we'll give it a contemporary look.
• Messenger Bag- Constructed from traditional granny squares, this retro-inspired bag looks contemporary once again.

• Fancy Foot Thongs- These foot thongs are a fun way to dress up the barefoot look and show off a pedicure.
• Bobble Clutch Purse- Edged in a contrasting color using a decorative stitch known as a reverse single crochet, this highly textured purse has a retro feel to it.
• Lacy Shrug- The edges on this retro-inspired little shrug are an exaggeration of the pattern stitch within.
• Trim A Tank- Pick a trim and take a garment from plain to fancy in no time.