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The best crochet books to buy in 2024

Searching for crochet books to give as gifts or for yourself? Read our list of the best crochet books for all levels.

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Published: May 24, 2023 at 8:00 am

Whether you're a crochet beginner or consider yourself a crochet pro, there's a huge amount of crochet books available for every skill level!

We take a look at some of the best crochet books available, and have separated them into 3 handy categories so that you can find the right book for you.

Best crochet books for beginners

If you've never even picked up a hook before, only know one or two stitches, or just need a refresher, then a crochet book is a perfect way to guide you through those tricky beginning stages. Here's our selection of the top 10 crochet books for beginners

How to Crochet - by Emma Varnam

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With super-clear illustrations, and patterns to accompany each of the different techniques, How to Crochet by Emma Varnam is a fantastic book for learning as you go!

It covers everything you need to get started, not just the basic stitches but also how to read patterns and charts. You can then go onto learning a range of techniques such as working in the round and in spirals, as well as creating fabric patterns and textured stitches.

Each of the techniques comes with a corresponding pattern for you to try out your new knowledge with (10 in total), ranging from a simple tablet cover to a bunny toy and even a lace shawl.


A beginner's guide to crochet - by Nicki Trench

beginners guide to crochet

Nicki Trench is a crochet designer who has taught hundreds of people how to crochet and written many crochet books, so you know you're in good hands with her Beginner's guide to crochet book!


You will be able to crochet by the end of this book - by Zoe Bateman

You will be able to crochet by the end of this book

The title says it all really – this book has been specifically designed to walk you through the absolute basics and onto creating any of the 15 fabulous patterns included.

Each of the projects will help you to progress and develop your skills, all presented in a lovely book with concise information and beautiful photography.


Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Dk) - by Claire Montgomerie

DK crochet book

Dk books are well known for publishing fantastic guide books, and this complete step-by-step guide only strengthens that reputation, with everything you need to know to get started plus a whopping 80 patterns to make too!


Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet - by Emma Guess

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Maybe you already know the crochet basics... but what about Tunisian crochet? Get to grips with this fun technique and put your new-found skills to use with 10 funky Tunisian crochet projects!


Modern Crochet Bible - by Sarah Shrimpton

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The Modern Crochet Bible by Sarah Shrimpton not only guides you through the basics with clear instructions and gorgeous photography, but also delves deeper and includes techniques such as colour-pooling and overlay crochet too, and includes 10 cutting edge crochet projects to make for you and your home.


How to Crochet - by Mollie Makes

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Although our beloved Mollie Makes magazine has come to an end, you can still get hold of their fantastic How to Crochet book!

As well as taking you through the crochet basics, it also includes 15 fab and funky patterns, all in that gorgeous Mollie Makes style of course!


Ultimate Crochet Bible - by Jane Crowfoot

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If you're after a crochet book that not only gets you started, but also that comes in useful long after you've mastered the basics, then the Ultimate Crochet Bible by crochet legend Jane Crowfoot is a great choice!


Crochet Unravelled - by Claire Bojczuk

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Crochet unravelled is a brilliant book for learning the basics with super-clear illustrations, but perhaps one of it's biggest selling points is that it contains full illustrated instructions for BOTH left and right handed crocheters! Plus it also comes with 6 patterns to make too!


You can crochet with Bella Coco - by Sarah-Jayne Fragola

You can crochet with Bella Coco

If you've ever searched for anything crochet related on youtube, you're probably heard of Bella Coco already. Undoubtedly one of the most popular youtube crochet tutorial creators, the Bella Coco phenomenon has now made it's way into book form.

This beginners crochet book draws on Sarah-Jayne's years of teaching experience to guide you through learning those first basic stitches, all the way up to making the 12 projects that are included in the book.

Awesome amigurumi

Next we're taking a look at crochet pattern books, but as there's so many amazing amigurumi books out there, we've created a dedicated guide of the best amigurumi crochet books.

Best crochet pattern books

Crochet books aren't just for beginners, once you've mastered the basics there's a huge array of crochet pattern books available for you to try. Of course you can always enjoy our free crochet patterns, but sometimes you want a whole collection of crochet projects!

Here's our pick of the top 10 crochet pattern books.

Edward's Crochet Doll Emporium - by Kerry Lord

edwards_crochet_doll_emporium

If you fancy creating some super-cute amigurumi characters, then Edwards Crochet Doll Emporium is a great book for you!

This pattern book works like a flip book, where the different elements are separated (body/outfits/hairstyles), so you can mix and match the patterns to create a huge range of different dolls.


Rainbow Crocheted Blankets - by Amanda Perkins

rainbow_crochet_blankets

When it comes to crochet projects that you can really get stuck into, nothing beats a blanket project!

This book by Amanda Perkins contains 10 main patterns for crochet throws and Afghans (another work for crochet blankets made up of motifs), plus instructions on colour variations to give you an additional 20 options.

As well as using a range of different motifs blocks and shapes, it also includes instructions for all those tricky filler shapes you'll need to join those motifs together.


Quick Crochet - by Kate Rowell

Quick Crochet

Short on time (or patience)? Then try the quick crochet book by Kate Rowell.

By using clever techniques and chunky yarns, this book provides you with a range of accessory and home crochet patterns that it claims can all be made in 3 hours or less - now that is quick!


Mindful Crochet - by Emma Leith

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Crochet has a strong connection with mindfulness - the repetitive nature of crochet stitches can help relieve stress as well as having many other positive factors.

In this book by Emma Leith, you'll find plenty of crochet projects for you and your home that are designed to help you relax and really get into your happy crochet place!


Contemporary crochet - by Liv Huffman

Contemporary crochet

If you're looking for a crochet pattern book full of garments and accessories inspired by the latest trends, then the Contemporary Crochet book is packed full of stylish makes that even celebs could be spotted in.

Liv Huffman gained international popularity with her crocheted version of the now-famous Harry Styles cardigan (which you can find the free pattern for right here on Gathered), and this book sees her using her skills to bring you 35 fabulous must-make patterns... with plenty of granny square goodness!


Crocheted Cactuses - by Sarah Abbondio

crocheted_cactuses

Whether you're a plant obsessive, or can't keep anything green alive, everyone can enjoy these fab crochet cactuses.

These 16 fab patterns will add some lovely greenery to your home, and they'd also make brilliant gifts, but the best part is - no watering required!


Crochet Home - by Emma Lamb

crochet_home_emma_lamb

Fancy giving your home a crochet makeover? Then this crochet home book by Emma Lamb is the one for you!

From pretty flower-garlands, beautiful blankets, cool cushions and more, there's plenty of projects to give your home that vintage crochet style!

Get inspired by the Crochet Home book on Amazon


Crochet One-Skein Wonders - by Judith Durant & Edie Eckerman

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If you've got loads of single skeins of yarn in your stash, it can sometimes be hard to know what to do with them. If this sounds like you, then this book is a must-have!

With 101 projects to choose from, in handy sections arranged according to yarn weight, it's the perfect stash-busting book!


Modern Crocheted Blankets, Throws and Cushions - by Laura Strutt

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Here's another fantastic book for those of you who love decking your home in crochet!

The 35 patterns are separated into colour themes - bright and beautiful, warm and rich, and neutral and natural, so whatever your style you'll find the perfect pattern for your home.


Colourful Crochet Knitwear - by Sandra Gutierrez

Colourful crochet knitwear

We're big fans of Sandra Gutierrez and her amazing crochet designs – no-one makes crochet colourwork look quite as stunning and seamless as she does! Thanks to this new book though, you can now hook up a range of Sandra's stunning garments using mosaic, intarsia and tapestry crochet colourwork techniques.

The patterns use a wide variety of construction techniques, from circular yokes to raglan sleeves, as well as patterns that are worked flat as well as in the round. All of the garments are also graded in 9 sizes, so you can make it to fit your body shape perfectly.

It may be a bit tricky for crochet newbies, but if you're crazy for colourful crochet this this is the book for you!

Know your stuff!

If you like the idea of buying a crochet pattern book but have never used one before, you can learn how to read crochet patterns and what to look out for in our in-depth guide.

Best Crochet stitch books

There are so many different crochet stitches and shapes that you can make, so many that even the pro's need a reminder from time to time. That's where stitch guide crochet books come in handy, think of them as your ultimate reference book! Here's our list of the top 10 crochet stitch books.

The big book of crochet stitches - by Katherine Marsh

the big book of crochet stitches

If you're looking for a really easy to use and comprehensive reference book of crochet stitches, then this book is perfect for beginners and more experienced crocheters alike.

With clear easy-to-follow instructions and colour photo's, this book guides you step-by-step through the basic fundamental stitches, as well as going onto more complicated stitches and shapes


Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs - by Edie Eckman

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If you're a fan of crochet motifs, then you simply must get your hands on this book! With 144 shapes that go way beyond the standard granny square, you'll be hooking up a huge range of shapes in no time!


3D Granny Squares: 100 crochet patterns for pop-up granny squares

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Granny square have been given a new twist in this fantastic 3D Granny Squares book! There's 100 different designs including flowers, animals, food and drink, and motifs, so you can hook up a fab 3D blanket to celebrate your favourite subject.


350 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets - by Jan Eaton

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If you're after a crochet reference book to take your crochet skills to the next level, then this book by Jan Eaton covers everything you need to know!

As well as stitch techniques this book will also help you to get the gips with the more complicated elements of crochet such as making yarn substitutions and adapting patterns for the perfect fit. There's also some fun 'Try it' and 'Fix it' panels to help you practice new skills and fix common crochet mistakes.


Harmony Guides: Basic Crochet Stitches - by Erika Knight

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Erika Knight is a household name in the crochet world, and this book shows off her expert knowledge with 250 stitches to choose from. As well as respecting the traditional crochet stitches, there's also plenty of new stitches for crocheters to try too!


200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans - by Jan Eaton

200_crochet_blocks

We do love a good granny square, there's so many ways you can add style and character to a simple crochet square.

This awesome crochet book is all about the squares, with 200 different designs to mix and match - your granny blankets are going to look stunning thanks to this book!


Around the Corner Crochet Borders - by Edie Eckman

Around_the_corners_crochet_edgings

Crochet edgings can make or break your finished project, thankfully this Crochet Borders book covers everything you need to pick the perfect edging for your project.

As well as guiding you through the maths of how to get your corner edgings perfect, it also covers how to add crochet edgings to different fibre materials such as knitting, fabric and felt.


Tunisian Crochet - Vol. 1: Basic & Textured Stitches - by Petra Tornack-Zimmermann

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You may have thought Tunisian Crochet was just a simple variant of crochet, but it's a whole little craft in itself.

If you fancy becoming a Tunisian crochet master, then this book is what you need to crack all of those stitches, and with 3 volumes of the book available, there's enough Tunisian crochet stitches to keep you hooking for a lifetime!


The Granny Square Book, Second Edition - by Margaret Hubert

The_Granny_square_book

You might have realised by now that we're a little bit obsessed with Granny Squares, but after all it's one area of crochet where the possibilities are endless! This awesome book by Margaret Hubert has 100 different squares for you to choose, from simple stylish ones to intricate lacy ones.


Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary - by Dora Ohrenstein

Crochet_every_way

Finally, we have a crochet book with a difference.

There are plenty of stitch guide books available, but most of these only show you how to create a straight-edged piece of crochet. This book is different, each stitch includes 3 different ways on how to increase or decrease your stitches - without shaping, with shaping at the edges, and with internal shaping.

This book is a must-have for crochet pro's or for anyone that fancies trying their hand at designing crochet projects for themselves - definitely one of the best crochet books out there!

Never miss a stitch!

We love crochet books in all their forms, but we love online resources too! If you ever need a reference or fancy learning a new stitch, just check out our complete library of crochet stitches here on Gathered.

Build your own crochet library

Crochet books are a great resource for when you're first getting into crochet. Trying out several different patterns in a book will help to build your experience and skills, and stitch books are the ultimate reference point when working with trickier patterns.

Fresh crochet patterns and inspiration ever month

While crochet books are great, eventually you will get to the end of them. One way to get brand new exclusive patterns, inspiring crochet projects and useful tutorials is to Subscribe to Simply Crochet, which you can download on your chosen device or have delivered straight to your door each month!