Crochet Books: My Crochet Bookshelf

Over the last few years I have put together an enormous selection of crochet books, (and one knitting book a well meant but for me rather mistaken gift!). My crochet books range between modern crochet pattern books, modern crochet stitch guides and vintage crochet books.

I highly recommend reading as many crochet books as you can get your hands on. They contain a wealth of ideas for my crochet projects, as well as being great fun.

Crochet Stitch Books

Here are a selection of my crochet stitch books. They each bring different skills, techniques and interpretations. There is something new to learn even from similarly titled books.

Crochet stitch books are helpful for beginners, but they make an incredible resource for experienced crocheters who want to create unique pieces and stretch their existing skills. Where my top choices are available on Amazon, I have added links for you to go and check them out.

“150 Crochet Blocks” by Sarah Hazell

I am a big fan of 150 Crochet Blocks by Sarah HazellPaid Link. If you like to make granny square blankets, then it’s a must-have crochet stitch book. The variety of crochet blocks is very impressive, with a lot of variation and excellent detailed patterns.

Although it does have a short tutorial section at the back of the book with hook illustrations, it is not the most beginner friendly crochet pattern book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has been crocheting for a little while and is confident reading patterns.

“50 Ripple Stitches” by Darla Sims

50 Ripple Stitches by Darla SimsPaid Link is an incredible reference for ripple or chevron crochet stitches. The instructions are clearly laid out and the variety of ripple stitches is outstanding.

Ripple stitches were something I found particularly tricky when I was learning to crochet, and I still find them more vexing than the average crochet pattern. This book has been very helpful, and I look forward to making more use of it in the future too.

“Compendium of Crochet Techniques” by Jan Eaton

Compendium of Crochet Techniques by Jan EatonPaid Link is a good foundation guide. There are a couple of Jan Eaton books on my shelf. This was the one which I found the most helpful when I was learning to crochet. It’s instructions are clearly laid out and well illustrated.

It isn’t a glamorous book with tonnes of crochet eye-candy, but it is a very information crochet foundation course. Take the time to read it thoroughly and even the most experienced crocheter will learn something new.

“Filet Crochet” by Pam Dawson

Filet Crochet by Pam Dawson is a very clearly laid out little book. Giving a range of options for filet crochet. This isn’t an area I have explored yet, so it’s sitting on my crochet bookshelf awaiting future use.

I’m updating this article from 2016 today, in 2024. I still have this book, and I still haven’t read it… I think filet crochet might not be for me!

“The New Encyclopedia Of Crochet Techniques” by Jan Eaton

The New Encyclopedia Of Crochet Techniques by Jan EatonPaid Link is a sound beginners guide. When I started using this book as a beginner I felt it was a little lacking in detail. It is probably best used by someone with a few months of crocheting and a little confidence gained. In general though it has good, sensible advice with excellent illustrations to guide you to the right choice.

I still leaf through the pages occasionally if I am lacking confidence in something I am putting together (or forget the names of the stitches I am writing down!). A great pillar of the keen crocheter’s collection.

“Amigurumi Toy Box” by Ana Paula Rimoli

This adorable Amigurumi Toy Box book Paid Linkhas some very characterful patterns. The quirky amigurumi style is very popular, and if you like these sweet little patterns and are crochet confident, then I would highly recommend it.

It isn’t an ideal choice for beginners, as the instructions at the back are brief. The patterns are given immediately in crochet abbreviations, so you will need to be familiar in their meanings before you begin. But if you are happy with reading patterns, then this fun and sweet guide will give you hours of entertainment.

“Beastly Crochet” by Brenda K.B. Anderson

“Beastly Crochet” by Brenda K.B. Anderson Paid Linkis a fun and very visual book. It’s not a traditional crochet book, but rather contains fun, quirky ideas and patterns for crochet lovers. It doesn’t contain a vast number of patterns, but those which it does are well laid out and described.

There is also a big range, from kids clothing to toys and accessories. Great for crochet lovers who want something a bit different to make for the kids in their lives.

“Boho Crochet” by Marinke Slump

Boho Crochet is a very bright, modern crochet book Paid Linkwith a friendly feel to it. The range of patterns is good, and the introductory project selector section at the beginning is a great way to quickly find the sort of thing you were looking for.

This beautiful guide was put together by Marinke (Wink) Slump, who also created several of the patterns included. Her death was a great loss to the online crochet community, but her incredible talent is well remembered in this fabulously styled crochet pattern book.

“Crochet Mini Makes”

Crochet Mini Makes is a lovely bookPaid Link, but it is surprisingly dated in appearance for such a recently published crochet pattern book. The color combinations used are quite staid and there is something very formal about the feeling of the book. This said, it has some excellent qualities. The stitch guides are superbly clear with step by step photographs showing exactly how each one should be carried out.

The patterns it contains are also universally useful, with staple crochet items like hats, bags and cushions. Overall, a great first crochet book for beginners.

Vintage Crochet Books

My vintage crochet bookshelf is something that I hold very dear. They contain a wealth of information, but also just an amazing historical array of images and ideas.

You can find out more about the contents of some of these books in my Vintage Crochet Books article here.

“A Complete Crochet Course” by Muriel Kent

A Complete Crochet Course is lacking in photographs, but makes up for it with diagrams illustrating techniques and basic patterns for creating your own crochet clothing.

An interesting insight into how crochet could have been picked up before the wonderful world of the internet.

“Crochet”: Super Designs For Babies, Women & Home

This book is incredibly dated, but not in quite the same bold way as some of my older guides. I suspect this is because it’s just a touch earlier, and therefore the extravert 80’s wasn’t in full swing when it came into creation.

It does however contain some very interesting patterns, including crocheted halter top and the fun glitter caps that were so popular then. There is also an amazing shaggy bear bathmat, which I will definitely be trying one day.

“Crochet Workshop” by James Walters

One of the more recent additions to my Crochet Bookshelf, this book really is blast from the past.

It contains clear illustrated instructions for crochet beginners, and some very funky vintage patterns. Not to mention great fun 1970’s photographs as shown on the rather stunning cover here.

“The Crocheter’s Art” by Del Pitt Feldman

The Crocheter’s Art is one of my very favorite crochet books, although for a slightly different reason. It is primarily a pictorial collection of amazing artistic works of crochet including pictures, scenes and fabulous sculptures from a range of cultures and inspirations.

If you are thinking of doing something a bit different with your crochet skills, then I highly recommend tracking down a copy of this guide.

“The Crochet Sweater Book” by Sylvia Cosh

This is one of my favorite books. It’s vintage crochet gold. The 80’s style illustrations are fabulous, with some really extravagant puffed sleeves and bold geometric designs.

The author, Sylvia Cosh, is one of the best known crochet artists and clothing designers of the 70’s and 80’s and was incredibly well respected in the field. It also gives a great basis for crochet sweaters that can be altered to suit today’s tastes.

I am currently working on adapting and updating a crochet sweater pattern from this book, to modernise it and make it more fashionable. It’s fairly clear in terms of patterns, and for any confident crocheter it’s worth picking up a copy to see if you can adapt the patterns to suit your tastes.