The Hooktionary is a crochet stitch dictionary just for tapestry crochet! Get a peek at the 150 amazing patterns in this collection, and enter to win your own copy on Moogly!
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for review, courtesy of David & Charles; all opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links.
The Hooktionary Review
A Bit About the Author
Brenda's name is well-known in crochet - I see her everywhere! Here's why!
"Brenda K.B. Anderson crochets, knits, and sews into the wee hours after her kids have gone to bed. She loves designing stuffies that make her laugh, and accessories that beg to be worn over and over again by her friends and family. Brenda the managing editor of Creative Crochet Corner, is the author of Beastly Crochet and Crochet Ever After and also teaches a Craftsy Class: Crochet Mittens and Fingerless Gloves. She has contributed to several books and numerous magazines including Interweave Crochet, WeCrochet, Crochetscene, and Knitscene. She lives in a little house in Saint Paul, MN where it is sweater weather nine months of the year. Brenda blogs about her crafty adventures at Craftsplosion.com."
What is Tapestry Crochet?
Tapestry crochet is a type of colorwork, typically worked with just 2 colors of yarn at a time. I like the way Brenda defines it in The Hooktionary - "This colorwork is the round with the right side always facing, or... each row is worked from right to left (left to right if left-handed) and then fastened off at the end of each row... When using this style of colorwork you will always bring the non-working color along as you work; you can crochet over it, encasing it with your stitches, or you can carry it along behind your work, leaving floats along the wrong side of your work."
The tapestry motif swatches are broken up by the type of stitch used. I love the way Brenda demonstrates how the stitch choice affects how the final design looks! The stitches you'll need to know are Extended Single Crochet, Split Extended Single Crochet, Center Single Crochet, Single Crochet in the Back Loop Only, and Front Post Double Crochet. And while the "technical" sections of pattern books are tempting to skip, you'll want to sit down and take your time with this one. There's a bunch of wonderful info for you here!
The tapestry pattern instructions are all charted - you get to pick which stitch and method you use! All the swatches have been worked with the non-working yarn enclosed - and have been steam blocked! Blocking is super important with this method of crochet, to combat the lean and get all the stitches nicely lined up!
More Than Meets the Eye
So first we learn, and then we find all the wonderful Swatches. There is such a wild variety here, I love it! "The images were inspired by nature, pop-culture, fine art, and a quirky sense of humor." I can't even begin to pick a favorite! Istanbul Tile, Mom Tattoos, Ramen Bowls, Escher Cubes, Hot Dogs! Howling Wolves, Leopard Print, TVs, Scissors, Bees... it's just fantastic. Even Bigfoot and Nessie make an appearance!
But it doesn't stop there. Brenda has designed 5 projects to get you started using the tapestry motifs. The Hooktionary includes a scarf, a hat, mittens, a cardigan, and a pullover - perfect! And I love that she's included info on swapping out and modifying the charts so you can make each of these projects with the motif you love best!
Add in a section on "Steaking Without Freaking" and another on fixing your mistakes, and this is one stitch dictionary every crocheter should have on their shelf!
Get your own copy of The Hooktionary today!
You can find The Hooktionary wherever books are sold, and of course, that includes Amazon.com (this link should take you to your country's version of Amazon)!
The The Hooktionary Giveaway
The Hooktionary Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (void where prohibited, including Quebec). The giveaway ends July 17, 2023, at 12:15am Central US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
One winner will receive a paperback copy of The Hooktionary, courtesy of David & Charles. They will be notified by email.
If the form below does not load for you, please CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway!
GOOD LUCK ALL!
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Dawn Tenneson says
I have tried tapestry crochet a long time ago I made a hat but would like to try it again.
Stephanie Cloak-Sander says
Yes.
Kelley says
This look so cool! I absolutely love Brenda's content. Would love to have her book.
Julie says
Wow - this book looks so interesting.
Courtney Eddie says
Hi I've never tried it before!
Dana Rushold says
Thanks for the detailed review. I am glad to know that she accomplished these designs with a variety of techniques. So intriguing.
The book looks beyond amazing and a must have.
Melissa says
I definitely have this one wishlisted. I’ve made mittens and stockings in tapestry crochet but these motifs are so fun!
Laura Samuelson says
This is an awesome giveaway for what appears to be a lovely book! I have been intimidated by tapestry crochet and this may be just what I need to give it a go!
Stacie Hite says
I’ve done quite a few tapestry crochet projects-hats, scarves, mitts, and afghans. My favorites always seem to be my current project.
Thanks for hosting this, Tamara. You rock!
Marilyn says
What a beautiful book. I’d love to use a couple of the designs for some projects. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Tina Hairston says
I have not tried tapestry crochet but would love to add it to my skills. Thanks for the giveaway!
Kathleen Davis says
I would love this book. It would make a difference when trying tapestry.
Anne Haun says
I have not tried it but am anxious to do so.
loretta j quintana says
I have not tried tapestry crochet, yet. I've seen and ordered a few patterns that call for it, but have been too intimidated to try. I think with a book of showing me the stitching technique, I'd be more inclined to actually try and complete a project.
Penny says
I have not tried tapestry before. This would be great!
Teresa says
I’ve never tried tapestry crochet, I’d love to win this book and give it a try!
Kitten With A Whiplash says
I haven't tried tapestry crochet, but after seeing this review, I realize what a HUGE hole there is in my life, that can only be filled with this magic!
Hope Kremer says
I love tapestry crochet. I have made many items, but mostly bags.
Marilyn Patton says
I have never tried tapestry crochet. I am always open to learning new methods of crocheting & different types of stitches.
Cecily says
I've been following for a while on IG but this is going to be my first giveaway I participate in. Thank you for the opportunity!
Teresa says
I have tried tapestry crochet…. And, these designs are so cute! This book is a great addition to crochet libraries!
Tracey Nicole says
I love tapestry crocheting!
It's great for bags.
Denise says
I love Tapestry crochet thanks for another great giveaway
TexasGal says
This book looks to be amazing!!!
Aubrey says
I've made quite a few pillows using tapestry crochet. It's fairly easy, and I feel my technique improves with every finished project.
Christine Voss says
I have not tried tapestry crochet yet. I love the modern look of her designs. This will have to be added to my list of must try this year. Thanks for sharing.
Melanie Titus says
I have done some hats and also a tapestry crochet blanket. This looks like an Awesome book, thank you for the chance!!
aisha martowidjojo says
I have tried tapestry crochet before. I made gingerbread man potholders
lesley says
i have not yet tried hut it is on my crafting bucket list
Peace says
Thanks for the review. I have tried a tapestry crochet pattern before but it was not very extensive. I'd love to explore the patterns in this book hopefully.
Carmen says
I haven't tried tapestry crochet yet but I'd like to - it's creates such interesting fabrics.
Virginia Bronner says
I have not made anything in tapestry crochet yet. Now that school is over I am off for the summer. I plan to tackle tapestry crochet and corner to corner crochet. Thank you so much for this giveaway.
Kim Lennie says
I've never really done much tapestry and it was so long ago but would love to give it a try. The patterns look like so much fun. Good Luck to All!
Angie C. says
I have not tried any tapestry.
Diana C. says
My brother loves food & hunting so I made him 2 hotpads ...one with bear paws on it and one with the head of a buck. They look great and he loves them!
Charlotte Loring says
I would enjoy this book of Brenda's works
Susan K says
I would love to learn tapestry crochet! This technique seems to open a whole new dimension to crochet.
Pamela Thomas says
I’ve made Christmas baubles and afghans with appliqués of a Tardis and the San Francisco Giants logo on them.
Deb Rowley says
I tried tapestry crochet years ago when making a vest. The patterns in this book look so fun!
Amy says
Wow! What a beautiful collection of stitches! I would love to try these.
Shauna says
I’ve made a tapestry crochet ornament. The technique was interesting.
Debbie says
I've been wanting to learn something new and this would be perfect!!
Nessa says
I want to learn how to do tapestry crochet.
Valerie says
Years ago, I started a Stained Glass Afghan. I got 2 squares done and now after years of moving, I've lost the pattern and can't finish it.
So I believe I'll use the techniques in this book to finish this afghan.
mays alfar says
I’ve never tried tapestry crochet so this would help me for my first try
Darlene says
Love this! Very informative.
Carrie Gillen says
This book looks amazing!!
Chris Lopez says
Looks like an amazing book. Thank you for another generous giveaway. 🤗
Angie says
I love the unique motifs in this book! It's on my wish list.
Tammy Reed says
I haven't tried tapestry yet, but it's on my list for this year.
Sharon says
This looks so fun!!! I would never get anything else done if I had this book.
L says
Have not done tapestry
Verna Bradshaw says
I have made graphghans but nothing with tapestry. I would love the to learn tapestry for expanding my craft. Thank you.
Amanda says
I love working tapestry crochet.
Rachel King says
I've never done tapestry crochet, but it's so beautiful that I would love to try it!
Susan K says
I tried Tunisian crochet once but got frustrated when I could not find stitch references so a book such as this would be great to have!
Debra Behr says
Thank you for this awesome opportunity!!