Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

101 Crochet Stitch Patterns and Edgings

by

 

I’ve had this book in my hands for a few weeks and have used it a couple times to try out a new stitch pattern.  I wanted to share it with my the group at my local Crochet Club to get their input before I wrote a review.  There are a lot of ‘Stitch Bible’ type publications out there.  What makes this one different, better?

The first thing I liked about this book is that it contains a stitch pattern I’ve been looking for for TEN YEARS!  It’s a ripple pattern they call Swatch 44.  It needs a name!  Let’s just say that it is a ripple pattern that resembles the old Feather and Fan pattern – but different.  Now, isn’t that helpful?  LOL.  For me, even if this book offered nothing else, it would be valuable because of this single pattern!

I passed the book around at the March meeting of the St. Louis Crochet Club to hear what others had to say.  Several spoke up pretty quickly – A-, B+, very good, different than other collections.  These are all good comments from people whose crochet is familiar to me, varying levels of expertise, but all devoted crocheters.  So, this book gets an A from me.

The book has only a single deficit in my opinion – no diagrams or charts!  Good written descriptions and excellent, clear, close-up photos, but no diagrams.  Still, it gets an A.  In addition tot he 101 Stitch Patterns and Edgings, there are two attractive sampler afghans.  This would be an especially good choice for a beginner who is put off by diagrams and prefers the written patterns – as I did for many years before I tackled and mastered reading diagrams.

Book Specs:

Annies Attic Book #8712

101 Crochet Stitch patterns and Edgings

Published 2012

128 pages

ISBN 9781596354067

List Price $19.95 USD

Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy?

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Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.