Most crochet books have you follow a pattern, make so-many stitches of such-and-such a kind, and arrive at a predictable result. In freeform (also known as scrumbling), it's anything goes: mix different stitches and yarns, trust your own creativity, and produce original works of amazing art! "Freeform Crochet and Beyond" shows how to make various stitches and use them with simple templates, then add novelty patches, floral designs, stars, tassels, and other decorations. It also explains how to achieve special effects with felting, beading, and other techniques. For inspiration, a beautifully illustrated gallery section showcases spectacular bags, hats, scarves, shawls, and other items. Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will welcome this irresistible introduction to the fascinating possibilities of freeform.

The aim of this book is to introduce readers to another crochet technique and to present a kaleidoscope of designs based on graphs to encourage experienced and beginner crocheters alike to try something new, expand their repertoire, and enjoy themselves. The 64 patterns will inspire crochet workers to accomplish a functional and beautiful rug that will particularly appeal to children - a bespoke heirloom that can be proudly passed down the generations. Based on graphs like those used in cross-stitch embroidery, the designs are very easy to follow. The layout that Renate has used to assemble the rug can be adapted and varied as you please to suit the person/child for whom the rug is intended and the room in which it will be used. You could work a number of colour variations of just a few designs, concentrate on toys or fruit, alternate the tapestry squares with squares of plain colour, make a smaller rug of 36 squares - even put together four squares to make the face of a cushion cover.

Working your way through all 64 patterns will bring you a great feeling of satisfaction as you finish up with a beautiful and functional rug or throw; you could choose a selection of patterns and create a smaller rug for a special purpose, or just one pattern and repeat it to create a scarf or shawl in a favourite yarn. The 64 patterns will inspire crochet workers, both beginners and advanced, who are familiar with Renate's earlier books, Crochet Techniques and Bring Colour to Crochet. Freeformers will discover some novel stitches and enjoy incorporating many of these patterns into their work, whether using this book on its own or in conjunction with ideas inspired by Renate's Freeform Crochet and Beyond.

Over the last 200 years crochet in its various forms has given rise to an unknown number of stitches. Crochet Techniques brings together instructions for stitches and their variations to create five colourful and attractive samplers - two based on Classic stitches, one on Jacquard stitch, a fourth based on Tunisian crochet (also called Tricot), and another based on Crochenit (sometimes known as 'on the double' crochet. Working these patterns will help you gain a solid, well-grounded knowledge of crochet. Many of the stitches are a breeze, and others require a little more concentration - but there's no equal to the feeling of accomplishment that mastering them will give you. As you make your way through the techniques you will discover a range of interesting and useful stitches that you will want to use over and over again - not just as rugs but to create items of your own. You will also find discussion of common crochet problems and tips for solving them.