Are you hooked on the art of crochet? Not only can you make beautiful pieces of art and work on it virtually anywhere, crocheting also provides stress relief and is a great way to pass time without wasting it. It's a hobby that is highly addictive yet highly rewarding, though it may take a little bit more than a rainy afternoon and a ball of yarn to get started. Whether you're a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, Crocheting For Dummies shows you how to choose the right tools, create basic stitches, and finish off your work. This hands-on guide provides step-by-step instructions and full-color photos that make it fun and easy to master the basics as well as more advanced techniques. You'll have the tools you need to: Create consistency with a gauge swatch Decode crochet patterns, symbols, and diagrams Stitch a double, a triple, a double triple, and a half double crochet Increase and decrease stitches Crochet in circles Work with different colors Stitch texture and advanced patterns Create an Afghan stitch Make new styles with filet crocheting Join seams, sow buttons, add trims, and make pockets Block and care for your work Packed with instructions on different projects, as well as common mistakes and safety measures you should take to maximize your progress and fun, Crocheting For Dummies is the only guide you need to start creating beautiful designs in no time!

Susan Brittain’s fascination with crochet began very early, around 4 or 5 years of age. She would watch her grandmother, who had lost her sight in midlife, spend hours crocheting beautiful Afghans for friends and family, counting the stitches with her fingers. By the age of 8, Susan was crocheting her own projects, starting with simple patterns such as scarves and moving on to Afghans, toys, and sweaters. Although her creative streak has led her to learn many different crafts, crochet has been a steady thread throughout. Susan combined work with pleasure as assistant editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. After moving west with her family, she continues to be a contributing editor and designer.

Karen Manthey’s first attempt at crocheting, while attending Mount Holyoke College, involved mixing wool and acrylic yarns to produce a granny square Afghan that (after washing and drying) resembled a relief map of the English countryside! Through the 1970s, while working as a graphic artist, Karen explored many arts and crafts, and her skill at crochet improved. In 1984, her training in art and understanding of crochet led her to a job illustrating the magazine Crochet Fantasy. Her task was to create the intricate crochet diagrams that accompany many patterns today, using the International Crochet Symbols. She soon moved on to editor of the magazine, while continuing to do the illustrations. Karen has also honed her skills by designing her own patterns and has had many of her creations published in Crochet Fantasy magazine. Her skill as an illustrator can also be seen in the book, Crochet Your Way, by Gloria Tracy and Susan Levin.