Book Review: Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet

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.