by Keiko Okamoto Translation by Cassandra Harada
For experienced advanced crocheters.
Amazing Japanese Crochet Stitches includes varied patterns that include colorwork, stitch technique, and combinations of both, plus a useful section on edgings. There are seven practice projects including 2 elegant, lacy shawls, 2 fun flowery necklaces, a bohemian vest in neutral tones, a wildly embellished rainbow scarf, and a one-of-a-kind bag.
As a competent "almost-intermediate" level crocheter, I found this book extremely difficult to decipher. There are issues with how the pages are arranged and labeled that might discourage western readers, and the instructions for charts are not well displayed. The notes state "A technical section demonstrates the stitches step-by-step, so readers can become familiar with crocheting in the Japanese style" but in my opinion if you have no experience with Japanese charts, only the simplest stitch samples will be available to you. This is not a project book, as the yarns used are not available in the US, although there is a comparison chart of the Japanese yarns. I am including this book for advanced skill crocheters who will appreciate the variety of the patterns which make the most of premium yarns. ---Laurel
- Paperback
- 120 pp
- 156 Different stitch patterns
- Photographs, charts, and line by line instructions for every design
