Knitting & Crochet: A beginner's step-by-step guide to methods and techniques

by Charlotte Gerlings

Overview

Introduces the methods and techniques that you need to master before your creativity can take flight. Covers all the basics, with step-by-step illustrations, four simple practice projects and a glossary.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565236837
Publisher:	Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	02/01/2012
Edition description:	6th ed.
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	956,619
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Charlotte Gerlings is an expert in several art mediums, including needlecraft and fabric arts. She graduated in Publishing from Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes University) and since then has worked as a book designer, writer and editor. She lives in South West London and is currently studying at Wimbledon School of Art for her MA in Fine Art. She is the author of several books, including Sewing, Patchwork, Cross Stitch, Knitting & Crochet, and 100 Great Artists.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part 1: Equipment and Materials
Needles and hooks chart
Equipment for knitting and crochet
Yarns and fibers
How to read knitting and crochet patterns
Tension (gauge) samples for knitting and crochet
Calculating quantities
Part 2: Knitting Methods and Techniques
Holding yarn and needles
Casting (binding) on
Casting (binding) off
The basic stitches and more
Project: Scarf in farter stitch
Project: Toddler's ribbed hat with turn-up and pompom
Selvedges (selvages)
Emergency procedures
Increasing
Decreasing
Knitting in the round
Button eyelets
Finishing
Decorating: with cross stitch
Decorating: with Swiss darning
Decorating: with tassels and fringes
Decorating: with pompoms
Part 3: Crochet Methods and Techniques
Holding yarn and hook
Chain foundations
Basic stitches
Basic stitch variations
Turning chains
Adding new yarn without knotting
Increasing
Decreasing
Geometric shapes
Fastenings
Edgings
Project: Crochet shawl
Granny squares
Finishing your work
Project: Granny square cushion

Aftercare
Storage
Recycling
Abbreviations and terms

Editorial Reviews

"Knitting & Crochet" by Charlotte Gerlings is a beginner's step-by step quide to methods and techniques for these fiber crafts. With a hook or needles, some yarn and this book, you will have a new hobby for your repertoire. Why Charlotte loves these two needlearts is all about the portability and that the yarn fabric is formed into the pattern as you progress.

This is a plain and simple, cut to the chase way to learn to knit and crochet. The book also covers equipment, learning to read patterns and a glossary plus four simple patterns. You get a treat of a bit of history thrown in too.

The illustratrions are clear line drawings. For knitting you will learn to cast on, bind off, basic stitches, increasing, decreasing, knitting in the round and finishing. There are more tips and hints thrown in for good measure. Crochet instruction consists of chain, basic stitches, increasing, decreasing, geometric shapes, fastening, edging, finishing and some aftercare techniques.
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There are easy patterns for knitting a scarf and a toddler's ribbed hat with brim and pom poms. You will be able to crochet a shawl and a granny square pillow with a bit of practice. You will be showing off your first projects in no time. Recycling and re-using yarn as well as felting will also be taught.

This paperback and all it teaches is less than $10. Young or old, this easy straightforward book will get you started on either or both of these popular pastimes.

From the Publisher