Leapman - Melissa Leapmans indispensable stitch collection for crocheters: 200 stitch patterns in words and symbols

MELISSA LEAPMANS

200 STITCH PATTERNS IN WORDS AND SYMBOLS

2016 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

Designs 2016 Melissa Leapman

First published in the United States of America in 2016 by

Creative Publishing international, an imprint of

Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

400 First Avenue North

Suite 400

Minneapolis, MN 55401

1-800-328-3895

QuartoKnows.com

Visit our blogs at QuartoKnows.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Digital edition published in 2016

Digital edition: 978-1-63159-153-2

Softcover edition: 978-1-58923-929-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Design: Traffic

Page Layout: Sporto

Photography: Glenn Scott Photography

Technical Edit and Illustrations: Karen Manthey

Due to differing conditions, materials, and skill levels, the publisher and various manufacturers disclaim any liability for unsatisfactory results or injury due to improper use of tools, materials, or information in this publication.

Whats the one thing that every crochet project has in common? Each one is made using a combination of basic, easy-to-make stitches.

If youve mastered looping yarn over your hook to create a simple chain, you already possess all the skills you need to create an infinite number of beautiful textures, lace, edgings, and colorwork. This collection includes 200 of my favorite crochet stitch patterns gathered from nearly thirty years designing for the yarn and fashion industry. Some patterns are long-standing favorites, such as are original to this collection. Each one can be used in almost any crochet project, making it easy to put your own spin on a commercial pattern or even to design your own!

Ive included instructions in both text and symbol diagram format. Many crocheters enjoy using the international symbols so they can see exactly where the stitches go, but others prefer reading patterns completely written out in text. Choose the format that makes you and your crochet hook happy.

If a stitch or technique seems unfamiliar to you, dont worry! Just look at it as an opportunity to learn something and grow. Refer to the resources (shown ) and add a new trick or two to your skill set.

I have had a blast working on this stitch collection for you. Seeing the colorful swatches scattered around the office reminds me how versatile and fun our beloved needle art of crochet is.

I look forward to seeing all the projects you make! One, two, three... go!

Ask any crocheter, and youll learn that all crocheted fabrics, even the most intricate ones, are composed of just a few basic, easy-to-learn stitches. Various combinations of chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, and double triple crochet stitches can form a nearly infinite number of patterns from lace to textures to complicated-looking colorwork. A stitch dictionary is a collection of these fabric designs and can be used to create beautiful and unique projects, from snuggly baby blankets to lacy womens cardis to warm winter hats and more. Its easy to use these stitch patterns to customize a pattern you already have or to design a new one from scratch.

This books collection is divided into six sections according to fabric type: simple patterns, shell and fan stitch patterns, openwork and lace patterns, textured patterns, colorwork patterns, and edgings.

It was a designers dream to combine so many techniques to create a wide variety of fabrics. If a stitch or technique looks unfamiliar to you, refer to the resources (shown ). Adding to your backpack of skills will help you grow as a crocheter, so dont let an advanced technique stop you!

Ive provided every pattern in this book in both words and in symbol diagrams. If youve never worked with , to see how they work. The cool thing about these diagrams is that you never have to wonder where to insert your hookand youll never again lose your place in a pattern! With a little practice, the symbols will make your stitching easier, quicker, and much more fun.

Each individual stitch pattern begins with the multiple of foundation chains that are needed for the pattern. Radiant Shells, for example, (shown ) requires a multiple of 6 chains. This means you should start with a chain that is divisible by 6, such as 24 or 60 or 132.

Some patterns require extra stitches in order to center the design on the fabric, such as Bungalows (shown ). In this case, youd need to start with a multiple of 8 + 2 chains, so 26 chains would work perfectly (8 3 + 2), as would 322 (8 40 + 2). Obviously, the target number of chains would depend on the desired width of the fabric, adjusting as necessary to fit the multiple noted at the beginning of the pattern.

In the diagrams, the stitch multiple, also referred to as the stitch repeat, is shaded gray. In the written instructions, the repeat usually begins with an asterisk and ends with a semicolon. Repeats of rows are designated by a bracket on the side of the diagram.

Youll see that some patterns, such as have a special icon to indicate that they look great on both sides, making them perfect for blankets, scarves and other projects for which there is no real public and private side of the fabric. Often the front and back look nearly identical. Occasionally, though, they are quite different from each other, and in these cases, photos show what both sides looks like. Who knows: You might prefer the wrong side over the right side of the fabric in some cases!

For me, the best part of being a crochet designer is playing with different combinations of stitches and finding new and interesting ways to use them as the basis for unique projects. It is my wish that youll use the patterns in this book as a launching pad for your own fun experimentation! Heres how: