Get hooked on crocheting with these fun and easy-to-follow patterns!

Crocheting is fun, functional, and stress-relieving—get started today with Crochet Patterns For Dummies! Written for all skill levels and perfect for beginners, it offers patterns that cover gift ideas, clothing, accessories, and beyond. You’ll love the full-color photos in the color insert and helpful, easy-to-understand instructions throughout. Even if you’ve never followed a written pattern before, you can crochet amazing designs with the practical, modern patterns inside. Put your skills into practice and create potholders, skirts, hats—you name it! This friendly guide will help you pick the right hooks and yarn, figure out how to read the patterns, step you through, and then finish your crocheted masterpieces.

• Select the right supplies for your projects
• Learn how to read and follow crochet pattern
• Practice working common stitches and create fun items
• Make gifts for friends, clothing for yourself, and cold-weather wear

Need more practice? Want fun new ideas? Just getting started? All crocheters welcome!

Susan Brittain started crocheting at age 8. She held the position of Assistant Editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. She is also the coauthor of Crocheting For Dummies and continues to design new projects for various yarn companies.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation 7

Chapter 1: Gearing Up and Getting Started 9

Chapter 2: Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures 21

Chapter 3: Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern 31

Chapter 4: Brushing Up on Stitch Basics 39

Part 2: Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects 53

Chapter 5: Working in the First Dimension 55

Chapter 6: Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape 63

Chapter 7: Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round 71

Chapter 8: Coloring It In 83

Chapter 9: Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference 95

Part 3: Putting Your Skills to the Test 105

Chapter 10: Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together 107

Chapter 11: Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations 115

Chapter 12: Sensational Sweaters 125

Chapter 13: Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet 149

Chapter 14: Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials 167

Part 4: The Part of Tens 179

Chapter 15: Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So 181

Chapter 16: Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet 201

Chapter 17: Ten Kid-Friendly Projects 207

Part 5: Appendixes 227

Appendix A: Crochet Stitches 229

Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources 251

Index 253