Which to Buy - please help me decide!

[Sandystitch]

Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden

 

or

 

Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs by Linda P. Schapper

 

Both seem to have very good reviews - the CSB is spiral bound which I love and it's less expensive, but the CBCSD appears to have many more stitches in it (will I ever use them all?)

 

both would be on back order of about 2 weeks.

 

Can't justify buying both - it's got to be one or the other; so I'd welcome opinions:)

[crafty126]

I am not familiar with either one, however my advice would be whichever one gave the most detailed pictures. I have a stitcher technique book with soft cover. But I can't tell you the title or the author because a friend borrowed it. It has color photos and detailed instructions along with patterns. Hope that helps a little. Just googled and found a website that offers a preview, www.powells.com then type in the titles. Looks like the stitch bible offers more color and instruction.

[Sandystitch]

I am not familiar with either one, however my advice would be whichever one gave the most detailed pictures. I have a stitcher technique book with soft cover. But I can't tell you the title or the author because a friend borrowed it. It has color photos and detailed instructions along with patterns. Hope that helps a little.

 

Trouble is, I have no opportunity to look at the books before ordering - not even the two largest book stores locally (WHSmith & Waterstones) have anything much on their shelves - I have to rely on online buying.

 

Just to give an example of the lack of awareness of crafts hereabouts - I had to explain to a knitting/yarn/pattern shop owner what Tunisian crochet is:rolleyes

[CLLinda]

What about checking them both out of the local library and deciding what one you like best?

 

I do that all the time. This way, I know exactly which one I will use the most and buy the right one.

 

Our library is in a group, and if they don't have the book I'm looking for, sometimes, you can get it from another library.

 

[RoseRed]

or look for them used on Amazon and you could get them both for the same price as 1 brand new.

[Heather414]

I have the Crochet Stitch Bible and love it. I've found it to be an excellent reference book.

 

I'm not familiar with the other book so can't add anything there.

 

Good luck!

[crochetrae]

If you can only get one such book, hold out for "The Complete PhotoGuide to Crochet" by Margaret Hubert. Excellent with both pictures and diagrams. 270 full sized pages. I personally don't care for the stitch bible. Don't know about the other one.