Best Crochet Books: 2024 Must-Reads!

Are you looking for the best crochet books so you can progress and improve your crocheting more and more? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

There is just something about holding a real-life book in your hands. While crochet patterns are very popular all over the internet, there are loads of printed books that contain gorgeous modern and timeless designs within them.

Even I, having a crochet blog and access to tons of patterns online, love flipping the pages of these crochet books.

In fact, this is one of my favorite posts I’ve ever written, because I got to go through over 40 books and pick out the very best ones to share with you!

I have quite a few recommendations—for all levels—that I think you’re going to love!

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Can you learn to crochet from a book?

Before we begin…let’s address this important question. If you are just starting out with crochet, can you learn from a book?

This is a tricky question. Honestly, it depends on your learning style. Learning to crochet from a book requires a lot of reading written instructions while following along with photos. Sometimes books include many photos, while others only include diagrams or limited photos.

Being a visual learner myself, it was easier for me to learn from a real person teaching me, and from YouTube. It will likely depend on your personality.

HOWEVER, there are a lot of uses for crochet books besides just learning to crochet.

Many of the books I’m about to show you include unique pattern books of all kinds, as well as stitch dictionaries. Both of these can be an invaluable resource whether you are a beginner or advanced crocheter!

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Best Crochet Books – the List!

We’re going to get straight into the list of the best crochet books. If you are interested in a specific type of book, you can jump to that section using the table of contents below!

1. Books for Beginners
2. Books for Advanced Crocheters
3. Modern Crochet Books
4. Amigurumi Books
5. Stitch Dictionaries
6. Baby Crochet Books
7. Christmas Books
8. Tunisian Crochet Books
9. Crochet Blanket Books
10. More Unique Books

Crochet Books for Beginners

We might as well start with the basics – books that either teach you to crochet, or have very simple patterns in them. Here are a few of my favorites!

A to Z in Crochet

First of all, we have A to Z of Crochet, which is a really cool reference book that is perfect for the beginner. This book starts at the very beginning and leaves no stone unturned! If you want to learn crochet from a book, this is a great one to use. Every time it teaches you a new stitch or technique, it will also give you step-by-step photos. Topics range from holding a hook, to basic stitches, to more advanced stitches and even finishing touches. Get yours here.

Teach Yourself Visually Crochet

Next, Teach Yourself Visually Crochet is another great option for beginners. It is very similar to the previous book, if not even MORE comprehensive. One thing I noticed is that the section on gauge and following a pattern seems to be longer and in more depth. It also has a section on tunisian crochet! While the look and feel is slightly outdated, I believe this is the book I would choose if I was learning crochet! As the title suggests, it has photos to go along with everything it teaches. Get yours here.

DK’s Crochet Book

One last book for beginners is the new edition of CROCHET, which includes over 130 techniques and stitches. The approach in this book is quite a bit different than the last two, but I like it! The format goes something like this: you learn a new technique, and then there are a few patterns that help you practice it. It continues like this throughout the whole book. I think this is a great way to go about it because you are forced to put your knowledge to use right away! Get yours here.

Crochet Books for Advanced Crocheters

Now, let’s go to the opposite end of the spectrum! If you have been crocheting for years and you want something with advanced projects in it, you will want to see these books.

Blueprint Crochet Sweaters

The Blueprint Crochet Sweaters book is super useful if you want to learn more about crochet sweater construction. There are a variety of unique sweater designs, but the book is categorized by construction. For example, there is a section on paneled sweaters and a section on top down sweaters. Each section has tips for making the particular construction. Overall, very useful, but recommended for more advanced crocheters! Get yours here.

Convertible Crochet

Written by Doris Chan, Convertible Crochet is another book with stunning wearable designs. The theme of this book is ways you can make your crochet convertible! It features a variety of beautiful patterns that can be made in a variety of ways—a sweater can be turned into a dress, for example. Chan discusses the how and why behind this in great detail, making it a great read for the crocheter wanting to up their game. Get yours here.

Some of the books in the following sections will be suitable for advanced crocheters as well, so don’t stop here! I will let you know the level of the next books as much as I can.

Modern Crochet Books

Do you like your crochet to feel extra modern? If you’re looking for patterns with a comtemporary feel, I have some great books to show you.

Modern Crochet

Might as well start with an obvious choice literally called “Modern Crochet”! Written by Molla Mills, this book focuses on modern crochet patterns for the home. Projects include baskets, pillows/cushions, rugs, and also accessories like bags and jewelry. One section I found interesting is on Pixel Crochet, which is similar to filet crochet. There’s even tips for designing your own pixel patterns! Get yours here.

Modern Bohemian Crochet

Another book you’ll want to check out is Modern Bohemian Crochet by Beth Nielsen! This one is focused more on modern wearable patterns, like sweaters, shawls, and some accessories. The feel is most definitely “boho” as the title suggests. Get yours here.

Vintage Modern Crochet

Vintage Modern Crochet is a lovely book that is perfect for those who like the two styles put together! All the patterns in this book are gorgeous, featuring lots of vintage lace put into modern garments that will never go out of style! The book is split up into sections by the type of lace that the patterns uses. It has projects with pineapple, brudgest, filet, irish, and tunisian crochet lace! Get yours here.

Colorful Crochet Lace

The feel of Colorful Crochet Lace is actually pretty similar to the previous book mentioned—but with all different projects! The patterns included, written by Mary Jane Hall, are simply stunning. I mean, just look at that pineapple lace top on the cover! This is only a small sample of the gorgeous lace tops, scarves, bags, and dresses included in this book.

The feel of Colorful Crochet Lace is actually pretty similar to the previous book mentioned—but with all different projects! The patterns included, written by Mary Jane Hall, are simply stunning. I mean, just look at that pineapple lace top on the cover! This is only a small sample of the gorgeous lace tops, scarves, bags, and dresses included in this book. Get yours here.

Note: these two books are going to be best for intermediate to advanced crocheters.

Amigurumi Crochet Books

Let’s take a turn and talk about something a little different: amigurumi! I haven’t made much amigurumi but I ALWAYS admire people who do and I love looking at patterns.

The Big Book of Little Amigurumi

First of all, check out the Big Book of Little Amigurumi. This book includes 72 amigurumi designs, which is quite a bit! There are many animals in this book, but it is not limited to that! Other patterns include airplanes, robots, and even a tea set with cookies. Get yours here.

ABC Crochet

If you’re a fan of just amigurimi animals, you will love ABC Crochet! The concept behind this book is pretty neat. Most of the animals use the same body and head, so once you learn the basic shapes you can make all 26 of them! The author walks you through the entire process of making one of the animals with step by step photos, so if you’ve never done amigurumi before this a huge plus. Get yours here.

Amigurume

Why stop at animals? AmiguruME is a guide for making cute crocheted people! It guides you through the process of making different shaped heads, different body types and even lots of accessories to complete your person. I think the techniques for making hair are what fascinate me most. Overall, a great book! Get yours here.

Amigurume Pets

The same author, Allison Hoffman, also wrote a book called Amigurume Pets! If you are wanting to learn how to shape amigurumi, this is a great book to use. The book mainly focuses on dogs and cats, with instructions for making endless types of heads, ears, legs, body shapes, etc. so you can customize your doggy or kitty exactly how you like it! Get yours here.

Tasty Crochet

One last type of amigurumi book we HAVE to talk about is FOOD. Tasty Crochet has been my companion for quite awhile now, and I never get tired of looking through the photos. This book includes breakfast, lunch, & dinner foods, along with desserts! I made many of these for my little sister years ago, and I can attest to the fact that the patterns are written very well. Get yours here.

Best Crochet Stitch Books

Our next category is probably my FAVORITE ever! I am in love with crochet stitch books/dictionaries. They are way too cool.

Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters

First of all, I had to show you the Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters, written by Melissa Leapman. I have found quite a few unique stitches in here that I haven’t seen elsewhere. It includes solid stitches, shell, fan, lace, textured, colorwork, and edging patterns! I particularly love the large cables that are included. Best of all, every stitch comes with both written instructions and charts. Get yours here.

100 Quick & Easy Crochet Stitches

Another great collection is the 100 Quick & Easy Crochet Stitches by Darla Sims! This book feels thin in your hands but there really are 100 amazing stitches included. Most of the stitches are unique openwork type designs. Written instructions are included but not charts. Get yours here.

Closed Stitch Dictionary

If you prefer digital learning for stitches, you will love the Closed Stitch Dictionary (written by me!) This stitch collection includes 10 stunning stitches perfect for scarves and blankets. It even includes instructions for making your own custom projects from the stitches included. Get yours here. This is available as a PDF/video Ebook only, not a print copy.

Baby Crochet Books

Do you have a baby to crochet for? Whether its your own, or perhaps baby crochet for charity, these books have you covered with sweet projects.

Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet

The Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet book is filled with modern projects for babies. Patterns are sized from newborns up to 12 months, and a wide variety are included—hats, blankets, bibs, diaper covers, and lots more. There are patterns for both boys and girls! Get yours here.

Crochet One Skein wonders for babies

This is another awesome book: One Skein Wonders for Babies! I love the idea behind this book. All you need is 1 skein of yarn to complete the projects—and there are 101 included! The book is separated by project type, starting with hats, and going through socks, tops & dresses, bottoms, washcloths and bibs, toys, blankets and bags. I know, there is so much! It is pretty neat. Get yours here.

Related:

• Best Crochet Tools You Need
• Fingering Weight Yarn Guide
• Best Bamboo Crochet Hooks
• Best Yarns for Scarves

Christmas Crochet Book

I love decorating my home with crocheted Christmas decor. Do you? If so, you’ll love these books.

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree

One of my favorite Christmas crochet books on the market is this one written by Edie Eckman. The patterns included are just amazing. There are 9 patterns for stockings, 5 for ornaments, and 4 more miscellaneous decorations. The style is definitely a comfy-cozy type feel, which is just what I love! Get yours here.

Christmas Ornament Digital Ebook

Another fun Christmas book is this Christmas Ornament Crochet Ebook (written by me!) This is a digital book only, that is downloaded as a PDF. It includes 12 unique ornament patterns, along with a gift planner and checklist to help you get ahead and stay organized during the holidays. Get yours here.

Tunisian Crochet Books

Tunisian crochet is becoming more and more popular, but it can be hard to find good books on the subject! I want to show you two of my favorites…

Beginners Guide to Tunisian Crochet

I love the Beginner’s Guide to Tunisian Crochet, written by Emma Guess. It is great for those who want to get started with this technique! There are lots of step by step photos included, along with 10 modern patterns so you can practice what you learn. Get yours here.

The New Tunisian Crochet

Another super cool book is The New Tunisian Crochet, by Dora Ohrenstein. I have loved looking through this book for years! It has an introduction teaching you the basics of tunisan crochet, but with illustrations not photos. The focus on this book is definitely on the actual projects and stitches. There is 30 pages of unique tunisian stitches that are truly stunning! Along with about 60 pages of patterns that range from tops to accessories to home decor.

Unfortunately, this book can be hard to find. For whatever reason, it is not widely available any more. You can still get it on Amazon, or (quick tip) make sure to check at your local library because that is where I found it!

Crochet Blanket Books

Blankets and afghans are a staple project for many crocheters. So I thought I would include 2 of my favorite pattern books here!

Classic Crochet Blankets

Published by Interweave, Classic Crochet Blankets is a timeless book you don’t want to miss! It includes 18 beautiful blanket designs that are written by a variety of talented crochet designers. There are motif blankets, circular blankets, cabled blankets, stunning lace bedspreads, and more. If I had time I would make all of these! Get yours here.

Big Book of Crochet Afghans

There are endless design possibilities when it comes to crochet blankets! The Big Book of Crochet Afghans is such a cool book with unique patterns included. The one that stood out to me the most actually has crocheted oreos all over it! There is also a log cabin quilt, Christmas blanket, and a ton more innovative designs. Get yours here.

More Unique Crochet Books

For our last category, I just want to show you some books that are great all on their own! I’ve had most of these books for a long time and they are great to come back to over and over again.

Crochet for the Kitchen

Do you love having cotton crochet items in your kitchen? The Crochet for the Kitchen book is such a neat way to brighten up your kitchen with even more! Patterns range from potholders, to placemats, to dishcloths and towels. I will note that the definition of “potholders” in this book is not so much something to get hot pans out of the oven, but more like a hot pad or trivet. Get yours here.

Crochet Bouquet

Crochet flowers are one of those things that are so much fun to make! In the book Crochet Bouquet by Suzann Thompson, there are dozens of unique flower patterns based on real life flowers. There are wildflowers, botanical flowers, stacked & layered flowers, and even a section of leaf patterns to go with them all. 10/10 recommend! Get yours here.

100 Snowflakes to Crochet

Just like flowers, snowflakes are another project that have endless possibilites. The 100 Snowflakes to Crochet book is filled with stunning snowflake patterns. You will have no shortage of ideas with these. Best of all, every snowflake has both written instructions and a crochet chart to go with it. Get yours here (it was extremely overpriced on Amazon when I looked so I have just linked to Barnes & Noble instead!)

Bead Crochet Jewelry

One unique crochet technique is…bead crochet! This book, called Bead Crochet Jewelry, is one that has inspired me for many years. It teaches you how to make bead crochet ropes of all kinds. They form the most fascinating, lovely jewelry pieces that are sure to stand out in a crowd. I highly, highly recommend this book! Get yours here.

Freeform Crochet Book

Last but not least, check out this Freeform Crochet Book! Freeform crochet is a unique method of crocheting that involves NOT following a pattern. You’ll be able to learn how to make different effects in your crocheted fabrics. Basically, your creativity can run free!

Conclusion

Crochet books are an amazing way to get new patterns and learn new techniques. They are not outdated. They are special. SO much time goes into publishing any sort of crochet book, so they are definitely something to appreciate! I hope you liked this post and found the perfect new book for your shelf today.