Book Review: Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman

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Reported by Susie Ziegler

*sigh* Crochet is so alluring. Look at the enticing cover of the book Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman. I could not resist it, so I impulsively added this book to my recent Amazon order.

Inside, are 150 patterns for colorful decorative crochet borders for your crochet, sewing, or knitting projects. Some patterns are elaborate with interesting stitches, other patterns are simple, with layers of single crochet or scallops.

Every pattern shows how to handle corners as well as the straight edge. Stitch counts are given so users can be sure the border they choose will fit their particular project.

I was especially pleased to see that author Edie Eckman included international crochet charts for these patterns. I think that many visual learners who get frustrated reading traditional crochet patterns should give these charts a try. I almost never lose my place in a pattern since I started relying on charts.

Traditional crocheters will still see their familiar complicated written patterns. Each pattern is pictured in clear, full-color photographs with notes and tips.
The book is an odd, short size, but it lays flat and has a pleasing, easy to use layout.

I decided to try out some of the patterns on some pillowcases. First I stitched a uniform blanket stitch all the way around. I used the same cotton yarn I was planning to crochet with. Around the Corner Crochet Borders advises that you can use embroidery floss or thick thread for this step. Advice is also given to put a base single crochet row around a knitting or crochet project.

Look how pretty! I loved these so much, I had to rush out to the yarn store for more combed cotton. My project didn't actually involve going around a corner, but I am confident that the patterns will work well in that application.

I couldn't stop. My goal is that every pillowcase in our linen closet will have a decorative edge like these. I also laundered these and they held up! Of course the yarn I used was washable, yours may not.


Pros:

• Full color throughout
• Many different fun and inspirational colorways are pictured
• Patterns are charted!
• Excellent photography highlights each stitch and motif: no fadeaways, funny angles or blurry styling
  

Cons:

• Not spiral bound, although the book does still lay flat and the binding is sturdy thus far
  
• Um... maybe you can't crochet and aren't interested?

I am so happy that I bought this book on a whim. It is excellent. It now seems that every object in my house needs a pretty decorative crochet border!





Around the Corner Crochet Borders: 150 Colorful, Creative Edging Designs with Charts and Instructions for Turning the Corner Perfectly Every Time is available at Amazon.com, and if you buy it through that link, you'll be supporting Craft Critique at the same time!

Are you ready to crochet around the corners? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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