Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

BEYOND THE SQUARE CROCHET MOTIFS

by

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This colorful book may make a nice addition to your crochet library if you don’t already own a bunch of crochet square books.  While these ‘squares’ are not all square, many are repeats of those seen in other books.  However, there are a few in this collection that I find to be especially appealing.

I like hearts.  They speak to me.  Motif #127 is a unique heart motif with a trefoil in its center.

Motif #130 is an oval that I’ve not seen before.  There are several stars, but Motif #144 is an especially charming two-colored star that would make an excellent applique. Motif #17 is a very unusual circular flower motif using picot stitches (not my favorites but very effective).

Each motif is pictured in color with an accompanying symbol chart plus an inset with directions on THAT PAGE for any special stitches.  Most motifs cover a single page, so keeping this book on your lap while working is comfortable.

The motifs are organized by chapter – circles, hexagons, triangles, squares, and unusual shapes.  In addition, there are the usual ‘how-to’s’ at the beginning and a stitch key in the back of the book.  All photos are full color, which adds to the visual appeal of this book.  There’s also a very cute 7 page lay-out of color drawings demonstrating how the motifs in this book might be used in and on garments, as appliques, and edgings.  Lots of creative ideas!

Book Specs:

Beyond The Square Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman

Storey Publishing, 202 pages, 144 motifs.

ISBN 9781603420396

Hardcover with SPIRAL BINDING (yeah!!) and slick cover

There are several other advantages to this book over other motif books.  The appendix contains two elements that I find especially helpful – the circular graphs for drawing one’s own symbol charts and the full color motif arrangement guide.

Comments

  1. Hi, I´m from Argentina and a crochet fan. Unfortunately we don´t have these kind of books here and I´d really like to have a couple of books of this author, Renate Kirkpatrick.Which are the chances of purchasing these books on line and have them sent to my country? The cost of the books?

    Thank you very much

  2. I’ve read hundreds of crochet books and this is one of my absolute favorites.

    One of the three books on crochet I actually bought. 🙂

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.