Susan Brittain started crocheting at age 8. She held the position of Assistant Editor for Crochet Fantasy magazine for a little more than two years, contributing as a designer as well. She is also the coauthor of Crocheting For Dummies and continues to design new projects for various yarn companies.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation 7

Chapter 1: Gearing Up and Getting Started 9

Chapter 2: Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures 21

Chapter 3: Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern 31

Chapter 4: Brushing Up on Stitch Basics 39

Part 2: Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects 53

Chapter 5: Working in the First Dimension 55

Chapter 6: Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape 63

Chapter 7: Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round 71

Chapter 8: Coloring It In 83

Chapter 9: Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference 95

Part 3: Putting Your Skills to the Test 105

Chapter 10: Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together 107

Chapter 11: Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations 115

Chapter 12: Sensational Sweaters 125

Chapter 13: Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet 149

Chapter 14: Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials 167

Part 4: The Part of Tens 179

Chapter 15: Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So 181

Chapter 16: Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet 201

Chapter 17: Ten Kid-Friendly Projects 207

Part 5: Appendixes 227

Appendix A: Crochet Stitches 229

Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources 251

Index 253