Get your crochet off to a flying start with 8 simple projects and multiple techniques to master. A must-have guide for those new to crochet stitches, techniques and projects, or those wanting a recap. In this complete course, crochet expert Claire Montgomerie covers all the basics from selecting the right tools and materials to holding your hook, making those crucial first stitches, fastening off, and reading a pattern. Clear step-by-step photographs and a handy fold-out flap with crochet abbreviations make it accessible for all, whether you are hooking your first stitch or revisiting the basics. Claire's approachable and friendly guidance is complemented by a delightful array of modern projects that will leave you inspired. As you build your skills, you'll be amazed at the progress you make while creating 8 stunning designs, each one teaching and reinforcing a new technique- from increasing and decreasing to changing color and joining seams. Choose from a diverse range of projects that will captivate your imagination:Craft eco-friendly washcloths and makeup pads, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to loved ones or knit a ribbed beanie with a whimsical pompom, keeping you cozy and stylish in colder months. Or even unlesh your creativity and crochet a lovable cuddly toy that will bring joy to children and adults alike. Once you've gained confidence in your crochet skills, it's time to have some fun! Explore a world of eye-catching yarns and vibrant hooks as you embark on inspiring projects that showcase your newfound expertise. Start stitching today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.

If 2024 is the year you plan to get started on crochet, or you'd like to inspire a friend to take up this craft, Claire Montgomerie's brilliant new guide for beginners provides a complete short course. Claire is an experienced textiles designer, author and teacher and provides friendly, expert guidance throughout, using clear step-by-step photography. [...]

This well-crafted, useful and inspiring book is perfect for those looking to refresh their crochet skills or learn ones from scratch, with projects that are gorgeous to make and use.

-- Inside Crochet * Issue 165 *

The handbook Beginner's Guide to Crochet is very well-developed, clear, and inspiring. It contains all the information needed to start crocheting, from the simplest stitches and projects to more advanced patterns and designs. (...) The clarity and simplicity, the beautiful and inspiring illustrations, and the varying difficulty levels of the projects make this a useful handbook for all beginners, regardless of age.

-- BTJ, Swedish Publisher and Content Provider for Libraries

Claire Montgomerie is a textiles designer specialising in knitting and crochet, constructing fabrics, garments, creatures and accessories which are fun, quirky and modern. Her main aim is always to reinvent the products of ancient and traditional needle craft processes while retaining all their intricacies and comforting charm. Claire likes to keep her hands busy and so is constantly working on many different projects. She has made puppets for music videos, contributes patterns and articles to craft magazines and books, and writes, edits and consults on craft books. As well as this, she teaches textiles at many different levels and styles and edits Inside Crochet magazine. Claire lives in Cambridgeshire. Check out her website: montyknits.blogspot.com and Insta: @clairemontyknits