Crocheting school: a complete course

The materials you need, the way to hold the hook, and directions for dozens of stitches: here is essential information for any newcomer to crochet. All of this and much more appear in this bountifully illustrated beginner's guide. Start out learning the 3 basic crochet stitches and quickly move on to making geometric forms, lace patterns, edgings, and seams. By the time you've worked your way though the large selection of stitches and weaves, you'll have mastered over 50 fundamental techniques.

Originally published in 2002 in Italy by Fabbri editori.

What you need -- Holding the hook and yarn -- How to follow directions -- How to begin -- Basic stitches 1 -- Basic stitches 2 -- Basic stitches 3 -- Starting in rounds -- Working in rounds -- Working in squares -- Increasing -- Decreasing -- Afghan (Tunisian) stitch -- Variations of the afghan (Tunisian) stitch -- Net stitch -- Increasing in net stitch -- Variations of net stitch -- Geometric shapes -- Edgings -- Lace border made to desired length -- Borders worked in rows -- Hairpin lace -- How to work corners in filet crochet -- Variations for working filet crochet corners -- Working in rounds beyond center ring -- Hairpin lace designs: Joining strips and embroidery -- Hairpin lace designs: Lacy trims and joining -- Lace patterns: Clover motif -- Belgian lace -- Increasing in Afghan (Tunisian) stitch -- Two-color jacquard pattern in double crochet -- Broomstick lace -- Woven pattern on net stitch -- Irish lace motifs: Star flower -- Working squares in rounds -- Fur stitch -- Buttonholes -- Wrapped stitches -- Joining squares -- Irish lace motifs: Eight-petal flower -- Braided stitch -- Cords -- Seams -- Rickrack trim -- Crocheted inserts -- Sunburst pattern in two colors -- Pat…