Having at least one good crochet stitch dictionary is pretty much essential for anyone who wants to design their own crochet patterns. But, even before I started to write and publish my own patterns, I often liked to tinker with patterns I was following, maybe tweaking a stitch here and there, adjusting the width and length of a piece – I just liked to do my own thing!
I don’t actually know how I survived without a decent crochet stitch dictionary! OK, I was probably fine, but I do know that having a few well-written, comprehensive crochet stitch dictionaries in my crochet arsenal has helped me up my crochet game in a big way.
And while I love the endless supply of stitch tutorials, videos and blog posts available online, sometimes it is just easier to sit down and flip through a book, whether for instruction or inspiration.
My 5 Favourite Crochet Stitch Dictionaries
Basic Crochet Stitches by Erika Knight
Perfect for: All skills levels
The sheer volume of stitches in this book ensure that it is one I keep going back to again and again.
It is a really solid reference library for both simple crochet stitches and more complex textures.
At the start of the book, there is a foundation section for complete beginners and the stitches progress from there. The glossary at the back is also very comprehensive.
Basic Crochet Stitches would make a great first crochet stitch dictionary.
(It was in this book that I first came across the Love Knot/Solomon’s Knot stitch that I used for my Love Knot Market Bag.)
Melissa Leapman’s Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters
Perfect for: Advanced Beginners and Experienced Crocheters
I cannot say enough good things about Melissa Leapman’s Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters.
The book is broken up into 6 sections – simple stitch patterns, shell stitch patterns, openwork patterns, colorwork, textures and edgings.
Some of the simpler patterns were familiar to me, but I was astounded by the beautiful selection of unique stitch patterns in the book.
Each stitch comes with crystal clear, written instructions as well as a chart, making Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters a really high quality resource for any crocheter.
There is some assumed knowledge in the book (although there is a short glossary at the back with the basic crochet stitches) so it may not be suited to a complete beginner. Having said that, if you are looking for something aspirational, then you will find it in this book!
Getting to use all of the gorgeous stitches will be a lifetime’s work I think!
Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary by Dora Ohrenstein
This crochet stitch dictionary is amazing.
While it’s pretty straightforward to follow a stitch pattern to create a square, it’s a whole other story if you have to incorporate increases and decreases, all at the same time as dealing with multiples and repeats.
And as well as detailed instructions and diagrams on how to increase/decrease a stitch pattern, all of the stitch patterns are gorgeous by themselves.
(I chose a stitch from this book for my light and lacy Summer Shawlette.)
Tunisian Crochet Workshop by Michelle Robinson
I have dabbled a bit in the world of Tunisian Crochet over the past couple of years, and I am trying to expand my skillset even further.
This book is perfect for complete newcomers to Tunisian crochet, as well as those who have tried it before. I kind of knew the basics before I bought the book, and I have already learned so many valuable tips and tricks from this book.
Crochet Step by Step by Sally Harding
Perfect for: Complete beginners
My mum gave me this book a couple of years ago and it is ideal for beginners, or crocheters who have completed a couple of projects.
There is very detailed ‘crochet basics’ section at the start, covering all the core crochet stitches, yarn fibres and weights, hook types and sizes, how to read patterns – this book gives a super grounding in all things crochet related. As the name suggests, there are lots of step-by-step tutorials and photographs to get you stitching away like a pro.
Once you have mastered the basic techniques, there are a set of 20 patterns at the back of the book to let you practice your newly acquired skills.
Thanks for reading! Do you have any crochet stitch dictionaries to recommend to me? I would love to hear from you in case there is a great book that I am missing out on!
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Sarah