Crochet as a hobby has boomed in recent years, with the art being passed down to younger generations. Fashionable and thrifty, making your own garments, gifts, and decorations has become a really popular pastime. The Complete Beginners Guide To Crochet shows you all the essential stitches and techniques you'll need to get started, from your very first foundation chain to adding embellishments like fringe and edging. Once you've mastered those techniques, it's time to put them into practice! Turn to the starter projects section for easy-to-follow patterns from experienced crocheters. Start with the rose corsage and basic bunting, then progress onto more advanced projects like the amigurumi baby sloth. Follow our simple steps and you'll soon be creating beautiful items worthy of the high street. Happy crocheting!

In recent years we have seen a popularity boom surrounding all kinds of crafts. Once the reserve of older generations, hand-knitting skills have taken on a new life as a modern art form and relaxing pastime. So, from lavish fashion trends to homemade gifts, add a hand-crafted touch to your garments, gifts and decorations with the help of The Compact Beginners Guide to Knitting. Start by choosing your yarn and needles before getting to grips with casting on, knitting, purling, ribbing and casting off again. Once you've mastered the essentials, find out how to finish projects with finesse. Next you'll put your newfound skills into practice with a range of creative project patterns that are perfect for newbie knitters. So pick up your needles today, and you'll be an expert in no time at all!

Nothing is more adorable than a tiny pair of mittens for a new baby - and now you can knit your own for family and friends with these irresistible designs. Inside are 20 patterns in a range of colours and styles for boys and girls, from traditional stripes and cables to whimsical rabbits, frogs and ladybirds. Each design can be knitted in three different sizes suitable for 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 month-old babies, with the option of including thumbs in the largest size. The patterns use small amounts of either baby- or fingering-weight yarn, and knit up quickly and easily using the clear, step-by-step instructions and full-colour charts provided. Each project comes with a list of the yarns and needles required and a stunning, full-colour photograph of the finished mittens, providing everything you need to create these gorgeous handmade gifts for babies.

Intarsia is a knitting colourwork technique used to create different areas of colour to form a pattern or image on the knitted fabric, without having to carry the yarn across the back of the work. This accessible book guides you through the basics of the technique, how to practise your skills and finally to the stage where you can produce your own original designs. It includes twenty charted motifs from the simple to the more elaborate and provides five full knitting patterns to practice your skills and to use as templates for your own intarsia ideas. Supported by over 200 photographs, sketches and knitting charts, it will serve as an invaluable practical guide to the technique but will also act as a springboard for your own original ideas.

Knitted and crocheted accessories are totally on trend, and bags are particularly popular. They are relatively quick to make and knitters of all abilities can try new techniques that don't take too long to complete. Sian has created 22 designs in a range of sizes and styles, suitable for beginners as well as more experienced knitters. They include colourwork, lace, cables and texture stitches, and are knitted using a variety of different yarns. All the bags are beautifully finished with coordinating fabric linings, pockets, and wadding to help them keep their shape, and are embellished with knitted flowers, buttons, bows and pompoms. There is a range of designs to choose from, including simple bags, totes, summer bags and evening bags, and the extensive techniques section at the back of the book provides step-by-step guidance on colourwork; embellishments such as surface embroidery, beads, knitted flowers and pompoms; making up and lining your bag; how to attach zips, buttons and other fastenings; and plaited cords and handles. Sian's delightfully fresh and appealing designs and attention to detail make this an attractive book for all knitters.