You have made your crochet project and the task is almost done... but perhaps there is something lacking? A pretty edging perhaps, or maybe another kind of embellishment? Then there are different kinds of fastenings to consider and of course the actual act of making up...

Enough to fill a book in fact, which is why this one exists. Take your pattern from plain to pretty with these techniques to individualize as well as giving a neat, professional look. Reading the ten golden rules that start this book off is a good idea before embarking on any project; and despite the book not being aimed at beginners, there is then a section on what you need to crochet, reading ball bands, buying hooks etc. This is very much a book for intermediate level upwards, but some of this might well be useful "revision" for anybody who tends to think of patterns and stitches rather than the little details that easily get forgotten. The first section on construction takes you through those essentials such as assembling, fitting and shaping that make the difference between a good, tailor-made garment and a poor piece of work. Then you can learn all about adding things like collars, pockets and edgings, different fastenings and extras such as tassels, pompoms, flowers and embroidery. Perhaps the most surprising inclusion is another section entitled "creative touches" which shows you how to do things such as combine yarns, add stripes, working pictures, felting and other more advanced techniques. These are not finishing techniques so much as additions to work into a project before you begin; and finally there is a section of adaptable patterns so you can try out your new skills. Each one has a "be your own designer" section giving ideas, and you can choose from a scarf, bag, hat, jacket, cushion, rug and more. At the end of the book is a refresher course on crochet giving basic instructions, amply illustrated with captioned photos of all the things a beginner needs to learn, plus a handy glossary. This is perhaps a book to get when you have made some basic things and are getting bored—it will provide you with plenty of food for thought with future projects.

Reviews of other Craft titles by Betty Barnden

The Encyclopaedia of Cross Stitch Techniques
Compendium of Knitting Techniques
Finishing Techniques For Crochet
The Embroidery Stitch Bible