Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 139 Patterns for Customized Edgings Spiral-bound – February 7, 2017

I've purchased a number of crochet books by Edie Eckman over the years. Her work is so well done and so informative that if I see she has a new book, I immediately pre-order it. I keep most of her books within arm's reach from my crochet “nook” where I do most of my projects. If I have a question, it is sure that I will find an answer in that set of books.“Every Which Way Crochet Borders” is a wonderful resource for me. I have added borders to receiving blankets for years. I buy the cute flannel print fabric, serge it, and then crochet a border using cotton thread. I have six go-to borders and thought that was enough. Once I got this book, my go-to borders are simply considered “elements” in this book versus the unusual and beautiful border patterns that are included. I'll be having a lot of fun adding new borders to the blankets and I am also inspired to add them to scarves, wraps, and afghans as well. There is a picture of a necklace that I want to try, too. I only wish the pattern had been included but I will figure it out – I plan to use Spangle yarn for that project.Between the numbered borders and the element borders, there are 139 borders in this book. Ms. Eckman details the types of use of borders, how colors work, how the weight of the yarn makes a difference and more. I especially appreciate the pages which show examples of the same border stitched with different color/weight of yarn. It visually shows how the various components of design can effect the overall look of the project.The crochet terms are in US standard and each of the patterns are presented in both written and symbol charts. The book is a hardback with an interior spiral binding. This is great as the spiral is not exposed and won't snag any yarn at hand. In addition to the explanation pages at the front of the book and the patterns (with full color example photos), there is an appendix with an explanation of reading crochet patterns both written and symbols(great for beginning crocheters), a stitch key of written and symbol equivalents, a table of attributes (gives a visual checklist of each border), a border directory (color photo thumbnails of all 139 borders with page number), and a glossary with illustrations of many types of crochet stitches.This is a book that I will use extensively and one that I will be including as a holiday gift this year for family and friend who crochet.In addition to the copy of this book I purchased on Amazon, I was provided a temporary digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

I've been a huge fan of Edie Eckman since I purchased the original Crochet Answer Book. I was a knitter first, and came to crochet later. (I was such a snob! I saw too many chevron afghans in my childhood!)Anyway, I approach crochet as a true art form, and appreciate tutors who refine and challenge me to stretch my skills.The borders here are inventive, whimsical and varied. However, my favorite aspect of this book is the detailed preparation of your surface edge so that the extra counting, ripping, tweaking and guesstimation are kept to a minimum. The corners are clearly illustrated in symbols and charts as well as very concise written directions, with extra explanation right on the page and support in the appendix.I love almost every single variation, and there are dozens of borders here that I haven't seen elsewhere.There's a border directory on pages 206-209 with bigger-than-thumbnail photos of each to refresh your memory. There's also a Table of Attributes to give you ideas based on the style and mood of the item you're going to embellish.I recommend the hard copy. The spiral binding is great, and just the same size as the author's previous books. (I'm hoping for another volume of Crochet Motifs!)My favorite borders:#37, arabesque dc clusters on an open mesh#41, puff stitch shells#42 & #43 Heart motifs#46 a jasmine or daisy stitch in treble clusters#72 a lacy undulating shell stitch with "tight picots"#78 large shamrock motifs, connected with a network of chains#91 an intricate dance, with post stitches and single crochet stitches fattening up the final round of chains#92 loops like fringe, with scalloped dc clusters#99 Solomon's knots!I could go on and on, that's how excited I am about these borders.In summary, this book is a lot more than a stitchionary. It's a guide to choosing and executing the best border for the project and for getting the placement and stitch counts right with minimal frogging. It's a springboard for your imagination with more than enough support for anyone from adventurous beginner to advanced.

I’ve used this book so many times to help me decide what kind of border to use on a blanket. The instructions are clear and the pictures are very helpful so that you can see how the border will work on your project. I highly recommend this book!