From Knit to Crochet - Bookreview

[Susanne]

Ok, I try it. I didn't find a review of this book using "search" - maybe it is interesting for you. I would love to hear your opinion, because I am kind of unsure.

 

"From Knit to Crochet - How to get the look and fee of knitting with crochet"

 

The title appealed me, because althougth I love the process more with crochet I sometimes like some things more if they are knitted. So I do some knitting now and then, if a product seems to look better knitted than crocheted, but I really don't like to knit very much. The idea to do crochet AND get the look I like to have fascinated me, so I bought this book.

 

Now, my big surprise: the book doesn't spend a single word on how to get the "flossy" feeling with crochet but it "fakes" knit stitches with crocheted stitches. This means: they use a common knitting pattern, for example some cables and build the stitch with crochet stitches. The result: you get the product a little bit more bulky than the knitted original (as usual when you crochet instead of knit) with a quite similar look.

 

I don't want to say that the book isn't good. It just wasn't the book I expected. I don't care if I can do a 3 times twisted cable with crochet. But I would love to have a less stiff item using crochet instead of knitting. The book says nothing of this. I expected hints concerning hooksize, gauge, special techniques,.. and what I got is a - honest - colorful, impressive book with stiches I will never make. Because they sound simple to difficult for a person who can knit (only hates to do) - for a simple knit and purl-throw the stitch-instruction is one bookside, not to speak from the instruction for the throw (another side)

 

I will keep it in my library (to impress stitching friends) but I don't think I will use it.

[Roli]

Thank you for your book report, Suzanne. Yes, there has been another discussion of this book here but I can't find it either. The other person had virtually the same opinion that you did.

 

I had been attracted to this book and was originally thinking of buying it. Now that two C'ville members have panned it, I've decided not to do so. I already know how to do the cable stitches and basket weave effects that the book describes. I agree that it would have been better if the author had discussed how to avoid the bulky feel of crochet fabric.

 

For my part, I've begun to use thinner and thinner yarns and have now begun to use thread for garments. While I occasionally enjoy a thick sweater, most of my garments will be worn in warm weather so I will continue to experiment with fingering yarns and thread.

 

Your review will be very helpful to many out there who are considering whether to buy this book.

[Susanne]

Thank you for your feedback. I think I should maybe post it in Amazon (that's where I bought it) but I am unsure if my english is good enough. Sometimes I fear that things don't come out like I intended them (that they are to harsh or inpolite, etc)

 

That there was another review which is similar to mine supports my feeling I have regarding this book.

 

Your idea with thread for garments sounds very interesting. I think I try this with a not-so-hot summer cardigan for my little boy (I love to crochet for him. He is so small)

[mimi_mia]

I was fooled by this book too, I thought it was going to teach us how to convert a knit pattern into crochet but what it does is it shows the crochet versions of knit stitches.

I bought the book and so I will keep it but it wasn't what I expected when I read the title

We should write a review of the book on Amazon so that others who are thinking of buying the book will be aware of what it's about.

Suzanne your english is perfectly fine to write a review, you will be understood without problem!!!

[zazzu]

I think I should maybe post it in Amazon (that's where I bought it) but I am unsure if my english is good enough.

Susanne, your English is perfectly fine. And your review here is better than 90% of the ones I read on Amazon.com

 

Thanks for this review...I was intrigued by the title of this book, but now I'll pass

[CraftyShannon]

I saw this book at Hobby Lobby a while back. The title and cover sounded impressive, so I was quick to look. However, upon closer inspection, I really didn't see anything terribly useful. Like you've said, it appeared to be things I would never do and seemed complicated to me (I don't knit). I put the book back on the shelf without buying it. Based on what you've said, it sounds like I made the right decision.

[Bendy]

Susanne,

 

Unfortunately I don't have this book. But if you want to ask questions about turning knit designs into crochet, I would be happy to "try" to help. No guarantees

 

On the questions you have already mentioned:

 

If a knit design calls for a worsted weight yarn, to get a similiar finished thickness, use a sport yarn or go even smaller and use a fingering yarn. Red Heart Lustersheen is a good yarn to use for this purpose. It comes in 30 adult looking colors and is reasonably priced. And as the name implies it has a luster look and feel when crocheted.

 

To get the texture or drape of knit, use a crochet hook 1mm size larger than you would normally use for a paticular yarn. If the recommended hook size on the yarn label is 3mm, use a 4mm instead or if you crochet very tightly go up to a 5mm crochet hook.

 

Is this the type of information you were looking for?

 

Bendy

[sakurasaku]

Susanne, your original review is perfectly suitable for an Amazon review. I would just copy and paste it.

 

Personally, I find it easier to just knit it than contrive to make crochet imitate a knitted fabric. They are just very different processes and produce different effects (of which you are very aware, I'm sure). I LOVE the looks of some crochet stitches, and I LOVE the feel and drape of some knitted fabric. I'm just not good enough or patient enough to figure out how to substitute one for the other.

 

That being said, I foudn the information by Bendy informative. Thanks!

[JesseCat]

I also bought the book and it was not what I thought it would be....Since there are so many more knit patterns out there than crochet, I thought it would show how to take a knit pattern and translate it into crochet...But it did not...There must be a book that does show that technique better...

 

I will keep the book and its info is helpful for future use and new stitches, but it is not what I wanted....

[Susanne]

Susanne,

 

Unfortunately I don't have this book. But if you want to ask questions about turning knit designs into crochet, I would be happy to "try" to help. No guarantees

 

On the questions you have already mentioned:

 

If a knit design calls for a worsted weight yarn, to get a similiar finished thickness, use a sport yarn or go even smaller and use a fingering yarn. Red Heart Lustersheen is a good yarn to use for this purpose. It comes in 30 adult looking colors and is reasonably priced. And as the name implies it has a luster look and feel when crocheted.

 

To get the texture or drape of knit, use a crochet hook 1mm size larger than you would normally use for a paticular yarn. If the recommended hook size on the yarn label is 3mm, use a 4mm instead or if you crochet very tightly go up to a 5mm crochet hook.

 

Is this the type of information you were looking for?

 

Bendy

 

Yes. You said it. Exactly these things I expected from the book, together with samples to work these things out with gauge in mind.

 

Thanks for your tricks and hints, I will try all of them. Except maybe the Red Heart Lustersheen, as it will be very hard for me to get this in Austria, I guess. But I will sure try it.

 

@ sakurasaku

That was exactly that what I have done yesterday. Copy and paste. Better a not-so-perfect review than none.

 

Thanks to you all for the cheering - I do appriciate your try to convince me that my english is not so bad I am frightened it is... you are very charming (and I KNOW that I sometimes make terrible mistakes. I see them sometimes on the other day and think: "this sounds horrible. even for me")

[crochetqueen]

Please check out http://www.amazingyarn.com/Pages/amneedle.html I do have these and they work great so if you have a knit pattern you don't have to change anything really. I am surprised that more people don't try this.

[silkymist]

I also bought the book and it was not what I thought it would be....Since there are so many more knit patterns out there than crochet, I thought it would show how to take a knit pattern and translate it into crochet...But it did not...There must be a book that does show that technique better...

 

I will keep the book and its info is helpful for future use and new stitches, but it is not what I wanted....

 

My reason for buying the book also...I don't knit but wanted to convert knitted patterns to crochet.