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I’ve put together a list of books that will help you learn more about crochet design. They include pattern books which I believe you can learn a lot from, books with over 1,000 stitch patterns, as well as specific design techniques. I own all of them and recommend them highly.
And as you can see, they are affiliate links, so your purchase will help me keep this blog going. Thanks in advance!!
Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby Pattern Books
DESIGNER CROCHET – 32 patterns in lightweight yarns that flatter a variety of shapes
CROCHET GEOMETRY – Sweaters, pullovers, boleros, and other stylish garments — 15 patterns, beginning with simple geometric shapes.
Shannon is one of the premier crochet designers out there today. His pattern books are chock full of information on crochet design which will enable you to learn about design as you complete the patterns. Shannon’s designs fit just about every body type, too, from Extra Small to 5X.
More Great Crochet Designers
MODULAR CROCHET – JUDITH COPELAND
Modular Crochet has been around since the late ’70s when I purchased it. But it’s a timeless classic. Thankfully, it’s back in print, so you won’t have to pay over $100 for a copy. In it you’ll learn a unique and easy way to design crochet pullovers. Seems like I designed a million sweaters with this technique in the 80s and 90s.
TOP-DOWN CROCHET – DORA OHRENSTEIN
This is one of the best put-together books I’ve read on a crochet technique – namely, how to crochet pullovers and cardigans from the top down. In addition to including some awesome patterns, you’ll learn step-by-step how to construct these popular sweaters, so you can design your own. I have the Kindle edition, and I appreciate that the publisher went to great lengths to ensure it equaled the print edition in quality and formatting.
COUTURE CROCHET WORKSHOP – LILY CHIN
Another premier crochet designer who’s been around for a whihle is Lily Chin. I’ve attended several of her workshops at Crochet Guild of America conferences, and when she announced that she would be publishing a book on crochet design, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Couture Crochet Workshop includes a wealth of crochet design information, as well as patterns that you can learn from as you complete them.
Stitch Pattern Books
Stitch patterns are indispensable to crochet design. Use these patterns to experiment with different yarns and hook sizes to see what kinds of fabric you can create. Work up swatches that are at least 8″ x 8″ to get a feel for how the fabric will drape.
Here are three stitch pattern books from my library. All of them include symbol charts for those who prefer them. Of course, the internet is also a great source for stitch patterns, especially Pinterest. I have a Crochet Stitch Pattern board there where I’ve started collecting them.
THE HARMONY GUIDES: 300 CROCHET STITCHES – includes an introduction to crochet, basic stitches, and more advanced stitches like clusters, textured stitches, relief patterns, knobbles and bobbles, spikes, and puff stitches.
THE HARMONY GUIDES: 220 MORE CROCHET STITCHES – instructions on making crochet fabric, all-over patterns, filet crochet, Irish crochet, and Tunisian crochet.
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF CROCHET STITCH DESIGNS: 500 CLASSIC & ORIGINAL PATTERNS – LINDA SCHAPPER – Lots and lots of great stitch patterns!
I discovered The Complete Book of Crochet Stitches on a YouTube channel called J’s Knit and Purl Jam. “J” is primarily a knitter, but she also crochets. Her videos showcase how she designs crochet tops, shawls, and scarves, and this book is her bible. Check out her design approach; you’ll learn a lot.
THE CROCHETER’S HANDY GUIDE TO YARN REQUIREMENTS – ANN BUDD
Finally, this little booklet helps you figure out how much yarn you’ll need to work up your designs. About two-thirds of the booklet focuses on non-garment designs (e.g., hats, purses, afghans, and bags). The other third is devoted to ponchos, baby sweaters, straight knee-length skirts, and sleeveless tops or vests.
While there aren’t any yarn requirements for pullovers and cardigans, you can use the vest requirements, and estimate how much additional yarn you’ll need for the sleeves. If you want to design a dress, use the vest and skirt yarn requirements.
HOW TO CREATE CROCHET PATTERNS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
If you’ve decided that you want to self-publish your patterns, then you’ll want to have this eBook in your library. After self-publishing several patterns, I decided to write this guide to help beginning crochet designers produce quality patterns that are easy to follow.
