If you want to know about 6 best crochet pattern books, this guide covers everything you need. In a world of free online patterns and YouTube tutorials, a good crochet pattern book might seem like an unnecessary purchase. But anyone who’s spent an hour scrolling through Pinterest trying to find a decent free pattern that isn’t riddled with ads, pop-ups, and confusing formatting knows the value of a well-edited, professionally photographed book sitting open on your coffee table. The best crochet pattern books give you curated collections, tested patterns, clear photography, and a creative resource you’ll return to for years.
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Our reviews are based on aggregated verified buyer feedback, manufacturer specifications, and published expert opinion. Products are not independently tested by our team.
We evaluated dozens of crochet pattern books based on pattern quality, instruction clarity, photography, range of projects, and the feedback of thousands of verified buyers. Here are the 6 books that consistently deliver the best experience across different skill levels and interests.
What Makes a Good Crochet Pattern Book?: 6 Best Crochet Pattern Books
A great crochet pattern book does more than just list instructions. Here’s what separates the worthwhile from the forgettable:
- Clear, tested patterns: Instructions that have been tech-edited (professionally reviewed for accuracy) so you don’t discover errors mid-project.
- Good photography: Clear photos of finished projects and in-progress shots that help you understand construction.
- Range of difficulty: Some easy projects to build confidence, some challenging ones to grow into.
- Modern aesthetic: Designs you’d actually want to make and use, not dated patterns from decades ago.
- Helpful supplementary content: Stitch guides, technique tutorials, yarn suggestions, and sizing information.
Quick Comparison
| Book | Best For | Skill Level | Pattern Count | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crochet Workshop by Edie Eckman | Complete beginners learning technique | Beginner | 30+ swatches + projects | $$ |
| Modern Crochet by DeBrosse | Stylish home decor and accessories | Beginner to Intermediate | 20 patterns | $$ |
| Edward’s Menagerie by Kerry Lord | Amigurumi animals | Beginner to Intermediate | 40 animals | $$ |
| Granny Square Flair by Shelley Husband | Modern granny square projects | Beginner to Intermediate | 35 squares + projects | $$ |
| The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden | Stitch reference library | All levels | 200+ stitches | $$ |
| Crochet Garments by Rachele Carmona | Wearable garments | Intermediate | 15 garments | $$ |
1. Crochet Workshop by Edie Eckman
Best crochet book for complete beginners.
Crochet Workshop by Edie Eckman is widely considered the definitive beginner’s crochet education in book form. Eckman is a respected crochet instructor and author, and this book reflects decades of teaching experience. It progresses logically from holding the hook through advanced techniques, with each skill building on the previous one.
What sets this book apart from other beginner guides is the combination of technique instruction and practice projects. Rather than teaching stitches in isolation, each technique is paired with a small project that uses it. You learn chain and single crochet by making a dishcloth. You learn double crochet by making a scarf. By the time you finish the book, you have both the skills and a collection of finished items.
The photography is clear and well-lit, showing both the finished projects and step-by-step technique photos. Buyer reviews consistently praise the logical progression and the fact that it doesn’t skip steps or assume knowledge. Multiple reviewers mention successfully learning to crochet from this book after failing with other resources.
Pros:
- Excellent logical progression from zero to confident
- Each technique paired with a practice project
- Clear photography and diagrams
- Covers both US and UK terminology
- Written by an experienced instructor
Cons:
- Projects are functional rather than flashy
- Limited advanced content (it’s a beginner book)
- No video component
2. Modern Crochet by DeBrosse (Teresa Carter)
Best for modern, stylish projects. Mastering 6 best crochet pattern books takes practice but delivers great results.
If your vision of crochet is more “minimalist home decor” than “grandma’s afghan,” Modern Crochet by DeBrosse is the book for you. Teresa Carter of DeBrosse studio has built a massive following on Instagram and Etsy with her clean, contemporary crochet designs, and this book collects 20 patterns that look more like they belong in an Architectural Digest feature than a craft store display.
The patterns include blankets, baskets, wall hangings, bags, and accessories, all featuring the neutral palette and textured simplicity that defines the DeBrosse aesthetic. The book also includes a technique section covering all the stitches used in the patterns, making it accessible to advanced beginners.
Buyer reviews highlight the gorgeous photography, the clear instructions, and the satisfaction of making items that look expensive and sophisticated. The most common criticism is that 20 patterns feels light for the price, though each pattern is well documented and fully tested. According to pattern reviews on Ravelry, DeBrosse patterns have some of the highest completion rates among published crochet books.
Pros:
- Stunning modern aesthetic
- Beautiful photography
- Well-tested, clearly written patterns
- Technique section for beginners
- Projects people actually want in their homes
Cons:
- Only 20 patterns
- Limited color palette (neutrals dominate)
- Some projects require specific yarn for the intended look
3. Edward’s Menagerie by Kerry Lord
Best amigurumi pattern book.
With 40 animal patterns in a single book, Edward’s Menagerie by Kerry Lord is an amigurumi treasure trove. The book features animals ranging from common (cats, dogs, rabbits) to exotic (alpacas, narwhals, meerkats), each with a charming, slightly whimsical design style. The animals share a consistent aesthetic, so a collection of them looks intentional and cohesive.
Kerry Lord’s patterns use simple construction with a few basic shapes assembled in different ways. Once you learn the body construction for one animal, you can apply the same principles to many others. The book includes comprehensive technique instructions for the magic ring, increases, decreases, and assembly.
This book has been a bestseller in the crochet world for several years, and buyer reviews are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. People describe making the entire menagerie over months or years, giving them as gifts, and displaying collections on shelves. The patterns are well written with consistent formatting that becomes easy to follow once you’re familiar with the style.
Pros:
- 40 animal patterns (exceptional value)
- Charming, consistent design aesthetic
- Comprehensive technique section
- Well-tested patterns
- Suitable for beginners with basic single crochet skills
Cons:
- All animals use the same basic body structure (some variety is lost)
- Photography is adequate but not stunning
- UK terminology (US terms provided in a conversion chart)
4. Granny Square Flair by Shelley Husband
Best book for modern granny square projects. Understanding 6 best crochet pattern books is key to a great craft hobby.
Granny Square Flair by Shelley Husband (Spincushions) takes the traditional granny square and brings it squarely into the present. The book includes 35 different granny square designs ranging from classic to contemporary, plus instructions for assembling them into larger projects like blankets, bags, and cushions.
What makes this book special is the variety of square designs. Beyond the classic open-weave granny square, you’ll find solid squares, textured squares, flower-centered squares, and geometric designs. Each is photographed individually and as part of assembled projects, showing how different combinations create different looks.
The book includes detailed joining instructions with multiple methods explained, which is enormously helpful since joining is often the part of granny square projects that intimidates beginners most. Color selection guidance helps you plan cohesive projects rather than random color mishmashes.
Pros:
- 35 unique square designs
- Multiple joining methods explained
- Modern, fresh take on a traditional motif
- Color planning guidance
- Projects shown in assembled form
Cons:
- Assumes basic crochet knowledge
- Some designs require intermediate skills
- Limited non-square project variety
5. The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden
Best stitch reference for all skill levels.
The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden isn’t a project book. It’s a comprehensive encyclopedia of over 200 crochet stitch patterns, from basic to complex. Each stitch includes a written description, a chart diagram, and a color photograph of the finished swatch. It’s the kind of book you keep on your shelf for years and reference whenever you want to add a new stitch to your repertoire.
The stitches are organized by type: basic stitches, textured stitches, openwork and lace, colorwork, motifs, edgings, and more. This organization makes it easy to browse when you’re looking for inspiration or to find a specific category of stitch for a project you’re planning.
Buyers describe this book as an essential reference that they didn’t know they needed until they had it. It’s particularly useful for designing your own patterns or modifying existing ones, because it gives you a massive library of stitch textures and effects to draw from.
Pros:
- Over 200 stitch patterns
- Both written instructions and chart diagrams
- Well-organized by category
- Excellent long-term reference value
- Useful for all skill levels
Cons: When it comes to 6 best crochet pattern books, preparation matters most.
- No complete project patterns
- Requires some crochet knowledge to use effectively
- Swatch photos are small
6. Make and Do Crochet by Rachele Carmona (Crochet Garments)
Best book for crochet garments and wearables.
Rachele Carmona’s garment patterns (from her Cypress Textiles brand) have become some of the most popular wearable crochet designs in recent years. Her book features approximately 15 garment patterns including cardigans, sweaters, vests, and wraps designed for modern wardrobes. The designs are flattering, size-inclusive, and use stitches and construction methods that create fabric with good drape.
Garment crochet is harder than blankets or amigurumi because fit matters. Carmona addresses this with detailed sizing information, gauge guidance, and construction notes for each pattern. The designs range from simple (a basic vest) to more complex (a colorwork cardigan), providing a progression path for crocheters ready to make wearable pieces.
Buyer reviews praise the modern styling, the size range, and the clarity of the construction instructions. Several reviewers mention these being the first crochet garments they actually wore in public, which is perhaps the highest compliment a garment pattern book can receive.
Pros:
- Modern, wearable designs
- Size-inclusive patterns
- Detailed construction guidance
- Good progression from simple to complex
- Professional photography
Cons:
- Requires intermediate crochet skills
- Some patterns call for specific, potentially expensive yarns
- Garment crochet requires understanding gauge (not for absolute beginners)
How to Choose the Right Book for You
- Brand new to crochet? Crochet Workshop by Edie Eckman will teach you everything from the ground up.
- Want beautiful home decor? Modern Crochet by DeBrosse delivers contemporary style.
- Love stuffed animals? Edward’s Menagerie gives you 40 adorable projects.
- Obsessed with granny squares? Granny Square Flair takes the classic motif in fresh directions.
- Want a permanent reference? The Crochet Stitch Handbook is the encyclopedia you’ll use for years.
- Ready to make clothes? Rachele Carmona’s garment patterns are modern, wearable, and well written.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crochet pattern books worth buying when so many free patterns exist online?
Yes, for several reasons. Published books have been professionally tech-edited, meaning the patterns have been tested and corrected by professional editors. Free online patterns vary enormously in quality, and many contain errors. Books also provide curated collections with consistent formatting, high-quality photography, and no ads or pop-ups. For many crocheters, having a physical book open next to their work is more convenient than scrolling on a phone.
Do I need separate pattern books for crochet and knitting?
Yes. Crochet and knitting are different crafts that use different tools and techniques. A knitting pattern cannot be crocheted, and vice versa. Make sure any book you purchase is specifically for crochet. The cover or description will clearly state “crochet patterns.” If it mentions needles instead of hooks, it’s a knitting book.
What skill level do I need for most crochet pattern books?
Most crochet pattern books are written for beginners who know the basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch). If you can work flat rows and follow basic written instructions, you can handle the majority of published pattern books. Books focused on garments or lace typically require intermediate skills. Always check the stated skill level before purchasing.
Should I buy a book or take a class as a complete beginner?
A book paired with YouTube tutorials for visual guidance is sufficient for most beginners. An in-person class is helpful if you struggle with tension, hand positioning, or stitch identification, because an instructor can physically show you what your hands should be doing. Many beginners combine both: learn the basics from a class or kit, then use books for patterns and continued skill building.
Do crochet pattern books include the yarn I need?
No. Pattern books contain only the printed instructions and photography. You’ll need to purchase yarn, hooks, and other materials separately. Each pattern will list the specific materials needed, including yarn weight, recommended hook size, and approximate yardage. Some books suggest specific yarn brands, but you can always substitute with a yarn of the same weight category.