Title – 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet
Author – Lesley Stanfield
Publisher – Search Press
ISBN – 978-1-84448-403-4
I am a keen knitter and crocheter and therefore was very interested in this book when I spotted it for sale. The front cover has such a wealth of designs on show, and the tempting title of 100 flowers implied a lot of content for the price… and so it came home with me.
I was not disappointed. This is a treasure trove of patterns with so many uses for the industrious crafter.
The book is 8 inches square and 128 pages in length.
It starts with a short section on how to use the book and find what you want, and a basic introduction to the equipment you will need (basic knitting and crochet tools). There is a summary of the abbreviations used and an illustrated guide to how to knit and crochet. This is useful as a refresher but probably not enough to teach a total beginner.
Directory of Flowers
The projects are then pictured, divided into flowers, leaves and fruit and vegetables, and by colour within each section. Next to each design is a reference number to allow you to find the pattern to create that item.
The designs are fun and versatile. There are buds and blooms of all sorts. They are based on real flowers and are recognizable as such, but many would also work fine in fantasy colours too.
Although the title only mentions flowers there are also butterflies, bugs and even acorns included.
The Patterns Themselves
The patterns are divided into two parts, knitted and crocheted.
Within each section the patterns are split into three levels – basic, intermediate and advanced designs. The crochet patterns include a diagram as well as written instructions. A general suggestion of thread is given and I found the instructions clear and easy to follow.
Project Ideas
The final chapter has ten projects to show how you can use the flowers and other items. These do not have full instructions but are really just pictures with a brief description. They include using the motifs to decorate clothes, bags and even Christmas presents.
The flowers can of course be used for many other projects. I have used them as scrapbooking embellishments, brooches, hair clips, felted motifs and accessories for dolls.
A Versatile Reference
This book’s real strength is the sheer number of patterns included, especially if you both knit and crochet. It serves as a very handy reference book for when you want that extra little detail. The flowers are mostly quick to create so ideal for last minute gift making. An experienced crafter will be able to adapt and expand many of the patterns to make their own unique designs too.
If you fancy something a bit bigger, check out my review of the beautiful Round and Round the Crochet Hook by Emily Littlefair. Click the title to go to my review of this crochet book.
The following links are to the book, 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. If you buy from these links then I would get a small commission from Amazon, at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you.
100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet book on Amazon.com
100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet book on Amazon.co.uk