500 Crochet Stitches: The Ultimate Crochet Stitch Bible Hardcover – Illustrated, August 25, 2015

I am loving this book. I teach crochet and this book is so easy to read. Definitely worth the money.In addition to the 500 patterns in the book, you get clear instructions for everything from how to hold a hook to how to make the basic stitches needed to forming the patterns shown in the book.From the start the book covers tools and equipment all the way to edging to make your work stand out.The book is filled with tons of information that is completely relevant to the craft of crocheting. It’s useful whether you are a seasoned crocheter or just starting out.I have shown a few pages of the book so you can decide if it’s right for you.

I just got this book and it is what I wish most needle art books were like.Diagrams are in a dark black ink (colored for color work).Large sized book.Not back-filled with projects.No clutter; each page focused on the work with no fillers like tip upon tip. It’s straight to the work.Contains stitches for fabric construction, motifs, and edging.I have the hardcover bc it is the only option I can see offered. However, the size of the book makes it about as easy as a spiral bound. The quality is obvious.Only con is the lighter type used in description/instruction. It is the font chosen, too thin for my old eyes.This is a great addition to what I have already in both current and vintage titles. I highly recommend!

As advertised. Exactly what you would expect. Very useful reference.

Really nice book for learning a variety of new stitches. Lots of info on everything crochet related.

Despite the title, I am still searching for the Ultimate Crochet Stitch Bible.This book has clear instructions and charts for crochet stitches. No author is credited, and it seems to be cobbled together from various sources.The book is divided into sections, shown only by a color tab near the upper corner. The first section. “Tools and Equipment,” covers the basics of crochet hooks and such. Basic stitches are shown, such as slip knot, slip stitch, single crochet, etc. A little information is given on working in rows, but almost nothing here on working in rounds. In this section, post stitches are referred to as “working around the stem.” Later in the book, they are called either raised or relief stitches. I don’t think they are called post stitches anywhere in the book.The next section, “Stitch Variations,” covers things like clusters, bobbles, puffs, picots and popcorns. It also includes instructions of crossed stitches that are taken out of context and so don’t make much sense. Then it goes into a very short section (two pages) on Irish Crochet, mostly on what they called padding threads, more commonly referred to as packing cord. The Working from Patterns section explains how to read a pattern and oddly contains another definition of things picots and yarn over, all covered earlier.The next section. “Basic Stitches,” shows the various stitches for which most people will buy the book. Oddly, there is no rhyme or reason as to how they are organized. For instance, a ridged chevron stitch appears on page 42, sharp chevron stitch on 47, close chevron stitch on page 49, peephole chevron stitch on page 53, crunchy chevron stitch on page 58, simple chevron stitch on page 62, wave and chevron stitch on page 62, raised chevron stitch on page 103, and chevron stitch I and chevron stitch II are both on page 110. Wouldn’t it be nice if the stitches were grouped into a logical order?The assumption again is that all stitches are to be worked in rows. There is no information given for rounds, not even if the stitch would work for rounds. However, that lack of information on rounds seems to be endemic in crochet stitch guides. I find that very annoying as I most often work in rounds. The various stitch instructions also do not mention how to increase or decrease, another feature lacking in every crochet stitch guide.The next section, Motifs, randomly mixes granny squares, circle motifs, flowers and Irish crochet motifs. Some of them are quite nice, and instructions and charts are given for each.The final section, “Edgings and Trims,” again randomly mixes edgings with trims. I happened to notice that the “curling petals” trim on page 243 has the wrong chart. That same chart appears again, but this time with the correct trim, on page 244.All in all, the book has some good information, but you will have to look for it.

This is one of those times where you wish you had something higher than a five rating. I already have an afghan half-made using my favorite stitches from the book. It's got a great format, is easy to read and understand how the stitches are made, and gives ideas on how to use them together. A great addition to any crocheter's library.

Abosolutely glorious book! I hope that this is the first of many and will eventually include knitting, tatting, etc. I am soooo happy I bit the bullet and bought it!

This is the most amazing book! I first borrowed it from the library to see it for myself before buying! I love the format of the book, the clear photographs, the stitch diagrams, and how it gives the "multiples" info. for patterns that repeat. Plus, it has many beautiful stitches. I will learn a lot from this book.