Get hooked on crocheting with these fun and easy-to-follow patterns!Crocheting is fun, functional, and stress-relieving--get started today with Crochet Patterns For Dummies! Written for all skill levels and perfect for beginners, it offers patterns that cover gift ideas, clothing, accessories, and beyond. You'll love the full-color photos in the color insert and helpful, easy-to-understand instructions throughout. Even if you've never followed a written pattern before, you can crochet amazing designs with the practical, modern patterns inside. Put your skills into practice and create potholders, skirts, hats--you name it! This friendly guide will help you pick the right hooks and yarn, figure out how to read the patterns, step you through, and then finish your crocheted masterpieces.* Select the right supplies for your projects* Learn how to read and follow crochet pattern* Practice working common stitches and create fun items* Make gifts for friends, clothing for yourself, and cold-weather wearNeed more practice? Want fun new ideas? Just getting started? All crocheters welcome!

Introduction 1Part 1: Reinforcing Your Crochet Foundation 7Chapter 1: Gearing Up and Getting Started 9Chapter 2: Gauge and Garments: Sizing Facts and Figures 21Chapter 3: Sum and Substance: Reading a Pattern 31Chapter 4: Brushing Up on Stitch Basics 39Part 2: Hook, Yarn, Action! Crocheting Simple Projects 53Chapter 5: Working in the First Dimension 55Chapter 6: Expanding and Diminishing Dimensions: Adding Shape 63Chapter 7: Going in Circles: Crocheting in the Round 71Chapter 8: Coloring It In 83Chapter 9: Mixing It Up: A Few Changes Make a Dramatic Difference 95Part 3: Putting Your Skills to the Test 105Chapter 10: Seams Sew Easy: Joining Pieces Together 107Chapter 11: Finding the Loopholes and Creative Combinations 115Chapter 12: Sensational Sweaters 125Chapter 13: Timeless Techniques: Using the Afghan Stitch and Filet Crochet 149Chapter 14: Mixing Traditional Stitches with Contemporary Materials 167Part 4: The Part of Tens 179Chapter 15: Nearly Ten Projects That Take an Hour or So 181Chapter 16: Ten-Plus Tips for Caring for Your Crochet 201Chapter 17: Ten Kid-Friendly Projects 207Part 5: Appendixes 227Appendix A: Crochet Stitches 229Appendix B: Yarn Supply Sources 251Index 253