The Crochet Stitch Bible

Rating:
Summary: Great reference book
Review: I'm a fairly new crocheter and this is the best book I've found. It gives clear directions--both written and diagrams. The diagrams make more sense to me than the written instructions, so I've used more than 20 of these stitches already. It's a great guide to help you design your own patterns. I've made several baby blankets using stitches I've found in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: There are 200 crochet stitches in this spiral bound book which makes it easy to use while crocheting. Useful index with all the stitches by name. Each stitch has illustration, instructions and chart with international symbols. Also a stitch key on right side of every odd numbered page which means you can read the charts as the symbols are right there. Stitches are grouped into broad categories such as mesh and filet. Also more details in back about the symbols and abbreviations. The terms are American with a comparison to the English in the back. My one criticism is that the actual pictures of the stitches are very dull and small when more colors would certainly have brightened up the book. Hopefully Barnden will be persuaded to bring out a second volume with more stitches. Very useful important addition to the growing crochet stitch collection.

Rating:
Summary: Best I've Seen
Review: This book is not just fantastic for the stitch patterns included (over 200) - but for the additional info! I have been crocheting blankets and afghans for over 10 years and am ready to start branching out - I have always been unclear on how to join pieces for clothing and this book gives you ALL the options with clear, detailed instructions.
There is a pattern index - WITH PICTURES! - and beautiful ones at that!
A must have for anyone ready to move on from the ordinary double crochet stitch!