I've never followed a pattern before. Where do I begin? What's the difference between popcorn, bobble, and puff stitches? What are the basics of Tunisian crochet? How do I crochet cables? Do you have tips for working with slipper yarn? How do I join separate motifs?

Introduction Quick-Start Guide for New Crocheters   Chapter 1: Get a Grip…on Hooks and Other Tools All about Hooks – Filling Your Tool Bag   Chapter 2: A Good Yarn Kinds of Yarn – Yarn Facts and Figures – Yarn Substitutions – Working with Yarns – Working with Challenging Yarns – Endings and Beginnings   Chapter 3: Strong Foundations Basic Foundation Chains – Variations on Foundation Chains   Chapter 4: In Stitches The Basic Stitches – Placing the Hook and Turning Chains – Working with Basic Stitches – Decreasing and Increasing – Specialty Stitches – More about Stitches   Chapter 5: Tense About Gauge? Getting Gauge – Gauge Matters   Chapter 6: Going in Circles…and Squares and Triangles Good Beginnings – Happy Endings – Creating Flat Shapes – Problem-Solving Flat Shapes – Tips and Tricks – Granny Squares – Tubular Crochet   Chapter 7: A Whole Cloth Search for the Perfect Fabric – Working with Color   Chapter 8: Pattern Language and Symbols The Anatomy of Patterns – Size Matters – Pattern Talk – Finding and Using Patterns   Chapter 9: No-Sweat Sweaters Analyzing the Swatch – Getting Oriented – Making the Right Size – Getting in Shape – Putting It All Together   Chapter 10: On the Edge Crocheting Borders – Buttons and Buttonholes   Chapter 11: The Finish Line All’s Well That Ends Well – Crocheter’s Block – Joining Motifs – Other Joining Stitches – Tender Care   Chapter 12: Something (Not Quite) Completely Different Tunisian Crochet – Other Kinds of Crochet – Baubles and Beads Appendix                 Standard Crochet Abbreviations                 Common Crochet Terms and Phrases                 Standard Body Measurements & Sizing                 Head Circumference Chart                 Shoe Size Chart                 Suggested Sizes for Accessories and Household Items                 Yarn Care Symbols                 Hook Inventory                 To Learn More                 Metric Conversion Chart   Index