Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons – Book Review

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Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons: The Beginner’s Guide That’s Like Taking a Class with Me!

Are you ready to finally learn how to crochet without the frustration?

You’re in luck, because I’ve poured my heart (and decades of crochet teaching experience) into crafting a crochet book that will be your very own personal teacher.

You’ll get expert, beginner-friendly instructions, step-by-step guidance, and a whole lot of fun—all from the comfort of your couch!

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

This article may contain some affiliate links.

About This Crochet Book

Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons is not a dusty old instruction manual.

And it’s definitely more than just a book filled with pretty pictures that are not beginner friendly, and just leave you scratching your head.

Whether you’re brand new to crochet or already have some stitches under your belt, this book is designed to be an easy-to-follow crochet guide.

It’s like sitting down with someone who really gets it—someone who knows where you’re likely to stumble, can explain things without all the confusing jargon, and is there to cheer you on the whole way through.

This book helps you to start at the very beginning—like, how to hold your yarn and hook without feeling like you’re losing a wrestling match.

But, whether you’re a total newbie, have made a few things and want to learn more, or you’re a seasoned crocheter looking to fill in some gaps, this book has something for everyone.

By the end of these 10 lessons (and 28 fun and easy-to-follow patterns) you’ll be making cozy blankets, trendy bags, adorable baskets, and lots of other Pinterest-worthy projects.

This is one of the best books for learning crochet that’s ever been published. I have been crocheting over 50 years and this book as well as American Crochet Association taught me many things I didn’t know about crochet. Even helped me crochet out of my comfort zone. I recommend this book for anyone that interested learning crochet or brushing up on their skills. I have it and sometimes if I am not sure of something I go the book. Purchase and enjoy.

Jerry Sue Tinker Osborne

Who is Salena Baca

I picked up my first crochet hook when I was five, learning to make granny squares in school.

But here’s the thing: while I loved learning the craft, I had no clue what I was doing.

Stitches?

Counting?

Reading patterns?

Forget it—I was just winging it.

For years, I thought all my “experience” meant I was basically a crochet expert.

Fast forward a few decades, and I started teaching friends to crochet.

One of them took it to the next level, teaching herself to read patterns and make things I never even attempted—like baby clothes that actually fit.

That’s when it hit me: I had a lot to learn!

Cue the obsession.

I dove into everything crochet—stitches, techniques, yarns, tools—soaking up blogs, books, videos, you name it.

I wasn’t going to stop until I became the expert I thought I already was.

As I kept teaching, my lesson plans evolved, making crochet easier not just for my students, but for me too.

I’ve even put together a Crochet Teacher Toolkit to help others teach crochet without the headaches I faced.

Crochet Teacher Toolkit

Now, I don’t see myself as a crochet “expert” but as a lifelong learner.

My mission?

To pass on this amazing craft in a way that makes it better and easier for the next generation.

What makes this book stand out

Let me be real—I didn’t start out as the best crochet teacher.

I wasn’t terrible, but I had some habits that made learning a little more frustrating than it needed to be.

I taught crochet the same way I was taught, and over time, I realized some of those techniques were more complicated than they had to be.

Every teaching mistake turned into a lesson for me, and I finally figured out what really works.

This book breaks everything down from the very start, with clear, easy-to-follow steps that make crochet fun, smooth, and so much less intimidating.

You’ll get the lowdown on all the essentials—choosing the right yarn and hooks, mastering basic stitches, reading patterns, and actually finishing projects you’ll be proud of.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a little crochet experience, this book will be your go-to guide from the basics and beyond.

And if you’re teaching others?

Even better—this book doubles as a teaching tool!

With 28 fun patterns, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice and show off your new skills.

Plus, every section feels like a hands-on class with me, breaking everything down into manageable lessons.

When you follow these lessons, crochet will finally feel easy, fun, and totally frustration-free!

What’s included in this book

If you’ve ever felt like crochet was too hard, or tried and felt stuck in the past, trust me—this book is going to change all that.

With all the basics and beyond included, and 28 patterns to help you practice, I promise you’ll go from newbie to confident crocheter in no time.

So, grab your hook, pick up some yarn, click here to grab your copy and let’s get started!

All these patterns are so good. For me, I love love love the placemat. It’s a great size and can be used year round. I love practical patterns that can be used. Come on now, I’m excited about this book!!!!!

becky enyart

This crochet book is listed on ravelry, so you can learn even more about each pattern included, the yarns used, and check out the finished projects for each one.

Here is a breakdown of each section:

Lesson 1: Yarn

Here you will learn everything you need to know about choosing yarn for crochet (without feeling overwhelmed).

Yarn might be the reason you want to learn crochet – it’s fantastic!

But, before you buy all the yarn you fall in love with, there are some important things to know to make the most out of every single ball, hank, skein and cake of yarn.

Understanding some basic characteristics about yarn is key when starting your crochet journey, so this section will outline:

• How to read a yarn label
• Yarn weight and hook sizes
• Yarn and project care instructions
• Best yarn for beginners

Lesson 2: Tools

Crochet hook… check!

But a few other essential tools will help to make crochet more comfortable and successful.

While the most basic tool in crochet is the hook, you might feel overwhelmed when you realize how many brands, sizes, colors, and styles there are to choose from.

Learning how to find a good fit, and using just a few other tools when you crochet, can make a huge difference in your experience, so this section will outline:

• Crochet hook size ranges, anatomy, material, and grips
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needles
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Notions tins and project bags

Lesson 3: Stitches

The moment we’ve all been waiting for—picking up the hook!

Here I’ll dive into the stitches you need to know, and trust me, I’m not leaving you hanging.

You’ll get photo tutorials, written instructions, AND diagrams for all of the following:

• Slip knot
• Holding your yarn and hook (left and right handed versions)
• Chain
• Single Crochet
• Half Double Crochet
• Double Crochet

You’ll learn the look and feel of each stitch so well, you’ll recognize them in your sleep.

Lesson 4: Pattern Reading

Crochet patterns are like a secret code.

But once you crack that code, you’ll be whipping through patterns like a total pro!

I’ll break down abbreviations, specialty stitches, techniques, stitch diagrams and formatting so you can finally follow patterns with ease.

No more staring at a pattern like it’s written in another language!

Lesson 5: Basic Techniques

In crochet, techniques are categorized as particular ways of performing tasts.

Most techniques you can apply will make the crochet projects you create more varied, polished, and functional.

You’ll get tips and tutorials to learn:

• How to weave or sew yarn ends
• Changing yarn colors
• How to add fringe to a project
• Stitch and row gauge

From changing colors to fancy finishes, these techniques will take your crochet from what am I even doing to wow, I really did that!

Lesson 6: Stitch Patterns & First Projects

After learning basic crochet stitches and techniques, this section shows you how to create a variety of stitches and fabrics as you crochet easy washcloths!

Here, you’ll crochet 10 different patterns while you learn of the following:

• Back loop only
• Front loop only
• Fan stitch
• Bobble stitch
• Back post stitch
• Front post stitch

You’ll see just how versatile your basic stitches are, and bonus: you’ll have a finished project in hand, ready to show off.

Lesson 7: Crochet in Rows

Ever wanted to make a scarf, blanket, or something else that’s simple and flat?

This section includes five patterns that are worked entirely of rows, to help build your skills while giving you great projects that you love!

You’ll master crocheting in rows with relaxed sizing, so no stress—just fabulous creations!

Lesson 8: Crochet in Tubes

Tubes might sound fancy, but if you can crochet in rows, you’re already halfway there!

Tubes are perfect for hats, baskets, and all those cute cylindrical projects.

Lesson 9: Increasing Rounds

Rounds are a little trickier than rows or tubes, but hey, we’re here to grow your skills!

here, I’ll use simple repeats to make circles grow, which is great for things like hats and placemats that need that perfect, flat shape.

Lesson 10: Complex Combinations

Ready for a challenge?

Now we’re going to combine everything you’ve learned—rows, tubes, rounds—you name it.

These projects might take a little more brainpower, but the payoff?

Amazing designs with that extra “wow” factor.

Video Tutorials To Learn Crochet

If you’d like to watch a video tutorial as you work through Lesson 3 to learn all the basic stitches, I have some playlists to help!

How To Crochet – Left Handed

How To Crochet – Right Handed

Reviews

Read more reviews for this book – Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons – on Amazon.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn crochet. And for anyone that crochets to brush up there knowledge. I have crocheted over 30 I found little thing that didn’t know or forgot .Any crochet book from Salena Baca is full of knowledge an she makes it seam so easy. I use to not get edges straight but I do now. You want a good crochet book any one of her books you can’t go wrong with.

amazon customer, november 24, 2022

I love Salena Bacas patterns! She creates such beautiful items, and makes sure her patterns are well written (with multiple pattern testers to make sure it’s easy to understand and free of mistakes). This book is no exception, and the basic slouch hat has become my favorite (and is well loved/warn).

Laurie B. November 15, 2023

I absolutely love the variety of patterns included in Salena’s book—from washcloths to accessories to home decor—so many wonderful things to make and the knowledge to know how to make them!

Michelle D wulf

Giveaway – October 2024

Win a copy of Learn to Crochet in 10 Easy Lessons, signed by the Author (me, Salena Baca)! To enter for a chance to win this prize, just follow these two simple steps:

3 winners will be chosen from the comments after 15 October 2024.

I will reply to the winning comment, update this post with the name of the winner, and send an email with instructions to claim their prize.

Once contacted, winner will have 5 days to reply.

Winner #1: Lisa Hutchison

Winner #2: Debra Ellensohn

Winner #3: Maria Brooks

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