Title: Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet
Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)
Many crocheters who have always worked with yarn and larger
hooks are intimidated by thread and steel hooks. The Ultimate
Guide to Thread Crochet: Everything You Need to Know and 23 Projects You Will
Love is a Leisure Arts booklet designed to transition a
yarn crocheter into a thread crocheter.
The booklet opens with a five page introduction that shares the
history of crochet lace, reviews the supplies needed (including thread, steel
hooks, tapestry needles, and finishing materials), and provides tips for the
care, cleaning, and storage of thread crochet projects.
The booklet then launches into projects, which are arranged in
order of difficulty. Within this
section, prior to a filet crochet project, there is a two-page section
providing instructions for filet crochet.
The filet project includes a graphed alphabet for customization. Each pattern includes a pattern skill level,
at least one picture of the finished project, and a pattern written in U.S.
abbreviations. The filet crochet pattern
also includes a graph.
The booklet ends with a nine page appendix that includes
illustrated and written explanations of basic crochet stitches and the special
stitches used in patterns, and tips for joining, weaving in ends, changing
colors, working with beads.
The booklet doesn’t include international stitch symbols for
any patterns. While it includes some
instructions for basic stitches, it is really targeted at an existing yarn
crocheter that is familiar with the stitches but unfamiliar with working with
thread. I would have liked to see more
discussion about avoiding hand strain, since it is sometimes physically
difficult for crocheters to make the transition to thread. The title is a bit of a misnomer - it really
is an ultimate beginner’s guide. More
experienced thread crocheters will probably find the patterns too simple.
Overall, this booklet is a helpful introduction to thread
crochet. The opening section is written
in a conversational tone and is designed to put the reader at ease. This booklet lays flat so you can read while
crocheting. I would recommend the book
for any yarn crocheter hoping to transition to thread work, or even for
crocheters who are having difficulty transitioning from bulky and medium weight
yarns to sock or fingering weight yarns.
Project types: 9 home decor items, 5 women’s accessories, 5 edgings,
3 baby items, 1 toy
Skill levesl: 4 easy, 19 intermediate
Retail price: $12.99 (ebook: $9.99)
Full disclosure: A free review copy of Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet was
provided by Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I
do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive
review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
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