Melissa Leapman's Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters

Book excerpt: The crochet diva divulges two hundred of her favorite crochet stitch patterns—including many original designs—to keep you busy stitching for years! With many original designs and others garnered from Melissa Leapman’s years of experience in the industry, this book is geared toward crocheters of all levels and formatted in a way that encourages learning and skill-building. The beginning features a pattern library with a full explanation of stitch multiples and how they work. Suggestions are offered about how to design basic projects, including afghans, pillows, hats, and more. The book’s second section offers stitch patterns arranged by type—from lace to cables to colorwork and beyond. Each stitch pattern is accompanied by easy-to-read instructions, stitch diagrams using international symbols, and a clear photo. If the reverse side of the fabric is interesting for a given pattern, both sides will be presented. A unique icon is used to mark these special patterns, making them easy to seek out for versatile scarves and blankets, which must look attractive on both sides. With these patterns that just beg to be stitched, you’ll be making hats, scarves, shawls and more for yourself, family, and friends. “Leapman’s experience paired with the readability of this book makes it a great addition to any crochet library.” —Jessica Carpender, editor, FaveCrafts.com