I’ve never understood why crochet is so often treated as the underdog yarn craft, but it is. I think that’s unfair, and I’m determined to do something about it. All of my work in crochet is driven by my desire to show this craft off at its best. That means fashion projects are actually fashionable – the fabrics are lovely, the fit is flattering, the style is contemporary. Home decor projects are luxurious and useful. Kids projects aren’t sexist, and they’re fun.
I don’t much enjoy designing crochet projects, myself. I enjoy editing, writing, curating, collaborating. I work with very talented designers to compile collections that come together in books you’ll revisit year after year, with instructions that are clear and tutorials that will teach you how to do any technique required.
Here are the six books I’ve written or co-authored. Do be in touch if you have any questions. And remember, we’re only human. If you hit a snag in a pattern, please check the errata page to see if there’s a correction.
Crocheted Gifts: Irresistable Projects to Make and Give (Interweave Press, 2009), by Kim Werker
A collection of projects from today’s most popular crochet designers, Crocheted Gifts includes 25 designs suited for gift-giving—even if the recipient is you. From baby gifts to mittens for the whole family, from home decor to fancy lace, this book is full of perfect projects for every occasion.
Featured designers include:
- Kathy Merrick
- Karen Drouin (who blogged about the book here)
- Kristin Omdahl (who blogged about the book here)
- Katie Himmelberg
- Donna Hulka
- Chloe Nightingale (who blogged about her patterns here)
- Jennifer Hagan
- Lisa Naskrent
- Annie Modesitt
- Robyn Chachula (who blogged about the book here)
- Christina Marie Potter (who blogged about the book here)
- Jill Wright
- Sandi Wiseheart
- Doris Chan
- Toni Rexroat
- Myra Wood
- Megan Granholm (who blogged about her pattern here)
- Erica Alexander
- Julie Holetz
Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution (Interweave Press, 2007), by Kim Werker
Inspired by the history and community of CrochetMe.com, a dozen up-and-coming designers contributed patterns that show crochet at its best. Essays, lengthy designer bios, and tutorials on advanced techniques round out the offerings from this book that CRAFT magazine says, “reinvigorates the craft to new fashion heights.”
Crochet Me is featured in CRAFT’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide and in WhipUp’s Fave Books for 2010.
Featured designers include:
- Amy O’Neill Houck
- Chloe Nightingale
- Robyn Chachula
- Julie Holetz
- Missa Hills
- Kristin Omdahl
- Annette Petavy
- Cecily Keim
- Megan Granholm
- Carol Ventura
- Donna Hulka
Get Hooked Again: Simple Steps to Crochet More Cool Stuff (Watson-Guptill, 2007), by Kim Werker
A follow-up to Get Hooked, GHA presents fifteen original designs infused with playfulness and simplicity, geared to a tween/teen audience but accessible to crocheters of all ages.
Check out this review by Miss Theresa for the Pemperton, NJ library. They have a Knit/Crochet Club!
Click here for a list of online retailers of GHA.
Featured designers include:
- Shelby Allaho
- Mary Jane Hall
- Julie Holetz
- Chloe Nightingale
- Chelle Grissam
- Amy O’Neill Houck
- Amy Swenson
- Dora Ohrenstein
- Lauren Irving
- Annette Petavy
Crochet VISUAL Quick Tips (Wiley, 2007), by Cecily Keim and Kim Werker
Crochet VISUAL Quick Tips has the answers you need—fast. With detailed color photos and concise instructions, plus time-saving tips, it covers:
- Selecting tools and yarn
- Working basic stitches
- Increasing and decreasing
- Working in rounds and colors
- Making puffs, bobbles, clusters, and knots
- Working Tunisian crochet, filet crochet, and lace
- Crocheting with beads
- Finishing
- Inter- preting patterns
- Diagnosing problems and fixing mistakes
Get Hooked: Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff (Watson-Guptill, 2006), by Kim Werker
A book aimed at teens and tweens but helpful and accessible to new and intermediate crocheters of all ages, Get Hooked is a fun learn-to-crochet reference with 15 patterns. From how to hold your hook and make crochet stitches to ideas for group activities and charity projects, Get Hooked is a clear, helpful and fun book to start crocheting with.
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crocheting (Wiley, 2006), by Kim Werker and Cecily Keim
This is a full-on crochet reference book. It’ll teach you all the crochet basics, moving on to several chapters on more advanced stitch techniques, tutorials on how to make buttonholes and sew your projects together, and more. Full-colour-photograph-illustrated on every page, this is the book to keep at your elbow whether you’re just learning to crochet or have been stitching your whole life. (If you’re a book collector, note that the 2nd edition of this book will be coming out sometime in early 2011, so time is short to pick up a copy of the 1st edition!)












