Summary via Goodreads: Debbie does crochet! Debbie Stoller, the “knitting superstar,” has been leading an entire movement of hip young knitters with her New York Times bestseller Stitch ’n Bitch and its follow-up, Stitch ’n Bitch Nation, together with over 521,000 copies in print. But guess what? For every one knitter in the world there are three crocheters—which translates into millions of hip, crafty, 18- to 35-year-olds ready to be happy hookers with Stitch ’n Bitch attitude, sexiness, ingenuity, and cool.
Written in the author’s cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book—featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout—is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a Fishnet Skullcap to a lacy evening wrap. For knitters and new crafters exploring the hook comes the primer: the advantages of crochet and the ways in which knitters (and nonknitters) benefit by learning this sister craft; a discussion of tools; all the cool yarns available, and what the different gauges mean; plus basic techniques and stitch patterns—including the chain stitch, picot, flowers, filet crochet, changing yarns, and finishing. Then come 40 fabulous, funky projects—the kind that make Stitch ’n Bitch rule—for crocheters: Pom Pom Capelet, Retro Clutch Purse, Anarchy Irony Hat, Ms. Pac Man Change Purses, Doris Daymat, Va-Va-Va Voom Bikini, Animal I-Pod Cozies, Kid’s Sock Monkey Poncho.
No, these aren’t your grandma’s doilies.
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My review: This was the very first crochet book that I purchased after learning to crochet. I was still trying to master the single crochet so many of these projects seemed way out of my league, but they really weren’t. They are all truly made for beginners.
The book is pretty large (294 pages), especially for a craft book. It is set up with two parts: Part 1 explains how to crochet and Part 2 features the patterns.
The first two chapters give you a little background into crocheting, with a chapter on supplies, choosing a crochet hook, and different yarn weights. Chapter 3 explains the basic crochet stitches (chain, slip, and single crochet).
Chapters 4–6 explain more advanced stitches and techniques (half double, double, increasing, decreasing, etc.). The stitch instructions come complete with illustrations along with explanations on each stitch. I am a very visual crafter, so I liked that a lot.
Chapters 7 & 8 explain creating images in crochet by using filet and tapestry crochet and sewing together and blocking your finished pieces.
Part 2 begins with how to read a pattern and includes both an abbreviation list and stitch key.
The patterns are very basic, which makes this a great book for a beginner. Some of the patterns include scarves, shawls, hats, purses, sweaters, and blankets. I did notice in the summary that a pattern for Ms. Pac Man Change Purses is mentioned. That pattern must have been deleted from my edition, because my book doesn’t include it. Too bad, because as a huge ’80s fan that sounds like something I would make!
My favorite pattern from this book is for Skullholders.
It is a tad macabre, but also super cute!
I really love this book and still use it ten years later. I give it ★★★★★ stars! I would highly recommend this book if you are a beginner and looking for a few simple, yet fun patterns. If you are looking for more intricate and advanced patterns, you might want to pass.
If you want to pick up a copy, I’ve included it on my Crafting with Cat Hair Amazon book shop. You can find the link, here.