Super Finishing Techniques for Croc: Inspiration, Projects, and More for Finishing Crochet Patterns with Style

As a new pattern crocheter I found this book incredibly easy to follow. Complete instruction and pictures. I have bought so many books and couldn't follow the patterns. Batty Barnden is the best crochet author in my opinion. Her step by step guide leaves no confusion.

I am a relatively new crocheter and this book has proven to be VERY helpful. It is a nice blend of facts/techniques and encouragement to be creative. There are also some nice patterns included at the back. I'm making one of them now and am really excited about it. Great resource now and for the future.

I, like the previous reviewer, have dozens of crochet reference books, but this book presents some very creative techniques and stitches that I have found in no other place. I enjoy the color photographs and the creative projects along with suggestions for "making it your own." I am sure that I will continue to come back to this reference book. The only fault that I have with the book is the section on "Crochet Basics". I think that this section should not be included in a "super finishing techniques" reference which by the very title implies that the reader is already a crocheter. And it astonishes me as a left-hander to find the tip for this section: Hold this book so you can see the photographs reflected in a mirror, and read "left-hand" for "right-hand", and vice versa, throughout. Now this book isn't a spiral bound book. I defy any right-handed person to try this advice, all while holding the crochet hook and yarn and following the text (which will also be backward. Book authors, please acknowledge that there are left-handed crafters in this world, and simply put photographs for us in the text.

I always enjoy looking at new crochet books but rarely do I find one that contains information I don't already have. I've been crocheting for about a year and have a pretty good reference library built up, but Super Finishing Techniques for Crocheters contains some unique information that I don't have elsewhere in my collection. The book covers construction techniques, with lots of good information on shaping (basic to advanced), assembling, and fit, as well as blocking and pressing. Other chapters included Additions, which covers adding patterned edgings to crocheted fabric, attaching collars, and working with different types of pockets. The chapter on Fastenings includes information on ties and drawstrings, buttonholes, buttons, and zippers. The Creative Touches chapter discusses combining yarns, stripes, filet crochet, woven crochet, surface crochet, adding beads, embroidery, picture crochet and felting. The book includes a directory of crocheted edgings, a directory of decorative trims, as well as crochet basics for beginners. There are a number of adaptable patterns including a daisy stitch scarf, woven tote bag, beaded purse, child's sweater, pull-on hats, lady's jacket, pillow in squares, and a felted rug. Each project has a "Be your own designer" section which suggests ways to alter or customize the pattern. I was very pleased to add this book to my reference library!