INSPIRING BOOKS

LULU’S CROCHET DOLLS

LULU COMPOTINE

(£12.99, Search Press) Journey through all four seasons with this collection of eight adorable dollies! Each little character measures about 7-12 inches and comes with accessories and animal friends such as a ladybird, candy cane, squirrel and flower. Inside, you’ll find information on the tools you need, crochet basics, technical advice, pro tips and step-by-step photos.

EASY CROCHET FOR KIDS

CLAIRE MONTGOMERIE

(£12.99, Cico Books) Know a child who can’t wait to try crochet? Teach kids aged seven and up the basics with this clear and entertaining book, which comes with 35 simple projects that will give even the slowest new stitcher quick results to show off to their friends. Children will work through each easy-to-digest lesson, creating phone holders, mittens, jewellery and more.

CROCHET YOUR OWN DOG

MIEKO SHINDO

(£19.99, World Book Media)

Hook up an accurate replica of your canine best friend with this collection of 14 life-size amigurumi doggies! Inside, you’ll find patterns for hyper-realistic Poodles, Papillons, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Pomeranians, Maltese and Bichon Frisé pups. Customise your yarn colours to match your own four-legged friend!

FILET CROCHET TO WEAR

LAUREN WILLIS

(£16.99, David & Charles)

Filet crochet is often seen on vintage tablecloths and doilies, but it’s recently gained new life as a stitch for creative, airy garments. In this beginner-friendly tome, you’ll learn how to make sweaters, tank tops, T-shirts and cardigans using the filet stitch technique, using the spaces between stitches to create hearts, honeycombs and trees.