Book Review: 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets by Jan Eaton

I’m sharing a book review and giveaway for a wonderful crochet and knitting stitch guide by Jan Eaton as part of my 30-day celebration of Granny Square Month, so read on for details!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. A free review copy of 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets by Jan Eaton was provided to me by Search Press North America. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review

200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets: Knitted and Crocheted Designs, Blocks and Trims for Crib Covers, Shawls and Afghans by Jan Eaton is the updated edition of the classic book. If you crochet AND knit, you’ve probably come across at least one of Jan Eaton’s collections of blocks and stitch patterns. (200 Ripple Stitch Patterns is another favorite of mine.)

This book opens with an introduction from Jan. Like many of us, Jan likes to make baby gifts to welcome new arrivals into the world. The How To Read This Book section includes helpful information for navigating this book, which includes more than stitch patterns. The Using the Block and Stitch Directory section explains the symbols used in each pattern. The book has its own levels of difficulty (1 is easy, 2 is some experience required, and 3 is challenging). The difficulty levels are indicated before each pattern with the number of hooks or needles. For example, a challenging knitting pattern will have 3 needles before the pattern. Jan uses symbols to explain how each pattern is worked, such as in horizontal rows, in the round, in diagonal rows, “L-shaped” rows (mitered squares), and filet crochet. (Border/edging patterns indicate if they are worked lengthways or widthways, too.) There is also a glossary of pattern terminology in this section. The patterns are written in abbreviations, with US terms first/and UK terms in italics for the crochet patterns.

The 3-page Yarns and Colors section provides some visual eye candy while also sharing tips for working with colors in different ways. The Stitch Patterns and Blocks sections share helpful details for choosing patterns, alternating solids with stripes, and arranging your final project together. The book then moves into the Block and Stitch Directory, which is the section with the 200 patterns! There are typically 2-4 patterns on each page. Each pattern includes one detail image of the stitch or block, symbols to indicate the difficult level and craft (i.e., crochet or knitting) and how it is worked, and graphic indication of the number of colors used. Each color is identified by a number which you can compare to the Yarn List in the back matter if you want to use the same yarn. The patterns are written simply and concisely, and every few pages there are pictures of babies with blankets made from the patterns in the book.

The book contains:

• 75 knitting stitch/block patterns, including
  • 23 easy, 46 some experience required, and 6 challenging patterns; and
  • 58 patterns worked in horizontal rows, 6 mitered squares, and 11 diagonal patterns.
• 85 crochet stitch/block patterns, including
  • 18 easy, 60 some experience required, and 6 challenging patterns;
  • 53 patterns worked in horizontal rows, 33 patterns worked in the round, 1 mitered square, 8 filet crochet, and 1 diagonal pattern. (Please note that some blocks include sections that are worked both in horizontal rows and in the round.)
• 20 knitting edging/border patterns, including
  • 4 easy and 16 some experience required patterns.
• 20 crochet edging/border patterns, including.
  • 10 easy, 6 some experience required, and 4 challenging patterns.

The back matter after the Block and Stitch Directory includes a Techniques section with a 5-page section of written and illustrated instructions for knitting stitches and techniques and a 7-page section of written and illustrated instructions for crochet stitches and techniques. There are also tips for getting gauge and blocking. The Yarn List includes a picture of a strand of each yarn and the details on the brand and color, as well as a reference to the stitches/blocks it was used in. The book ends with a detailed index.

200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets: Knitted and Crocheted Designs, Blocks and Trims for Crib Covers, Shawls and Afghans is a wonderful book that is sure to delight any crocheter or knitter who likes to make blankets or other baby gifts, or who just likes to experiment with new stitches. As the book is a thicker paperback, it doesn’t lay flat when it’s open, so you’ll need to use a bookmark to keep your place while you’re crocheting or knitting. It doesn’t include international stitch symbol patterns, which some crocheters and knitters prefer. (The filet crochet patterns are both written and charted, however.) These are minor “flaws” in an otherwise amazing collection of inspiration. Because the book includes more than just the stitch patterns, it’s also a great reference guide for your crochet or knitting collection.

Giveaway

Now that you’ve heard about the new edition of 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets: Knitted and Crocheted Designs, Blocks and Trims for Crib Covers, Shawls and Afghans, are you ready to get your hands on a copy? The nice folks at Search Press North America have put one aside just for you!

This giveaway is open to readers with mailing addresses in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or other parts of Europe, except where prohibited by law. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, July 2, 2018. One winner will be chosen at random from the entries submitted via the Rafflecopter widget. The winner will receive 1 copy of 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets: Knitted and Crocheted Designs, Blocks and Trims for Crib Covers, Shawls and Afghans, courtesy of Search Press North America. Good luck!

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