Book Review: Blueprint Crochet Sweaters by Robyn Chachula

Do you have a favorite garment pattern you make over and over because you understand it so well and you know it looks good on you? Have you ever wanted to branch out and make other garments, but have been afraid to because you weren’t quite sure of their construction methods? If so, I have a solution for you!

Robyn Chachula’s newest book, Blueprint Crochet Sweaters: Techniques for Custom Construction, published by Interweave/F+W (disclosure: Amazon Associates link, see bottom of page for more info), will teach you valuable information about the basics of crochet design.

This book is not a textbook on how to design your own garments nor does it contain in-depth instruction on how to adapt patterns for any figure concerns you might have. What it does do, and do well, is provide you with 16 well-written patterns that focus on four basic garment construction types and their variations:

1. Classic construction techniques (including drop-sleeve, raglan, and side-saddle sleeve)
2. Novel construction techniques (including side-to-side and bottom-up/around-the-shoulder/back-down)
3. Motif construction
4. Top-down construction (both round and raglan)

Interspersed among the patterns you will find helpful tidbits:

• Shaping with symbols
• Raglan seam information
• Cap sleeve shaping
• Shape shifting
• Increasing with shells
• Increasing with lace
• Managing stretch
• Repeats simplified

Robyn also gives her Top 10 Tips for Mastering Your Crochet Design:

1. Using Special Stitches
2. Symbol Shaping
3. Modifying Motifs
4. Changing Hook Size
5. Tidying Edges
6. Moving Buttonholes
7. Blocking
8. Felting and Lining
9. Seaming
10. Finishing with Ribbon

Did that whet your curiosity? I hope so! You’ll have to buy the book to learn what Robyn actually has to say, though.

Now I’d like to share some of my favorite designs from this book:

If you add this book to your collection, I’d love to hear which designs are your favorites!

FTC Disclosure Statements:

Crochetville received a copy of this book as a complimentary press review copy. You may read our Review Policies for more information.

The links we have provided for the book go through Crochetville’s Amazon Associates link. Crochetville receives a small commission on purchases made through our Associates link at no additional cost to the consumer.