Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers
By: Judith Copeland
Rating: 5 of 5
“Modular Crochet” by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a book originally published in 1978. Usually, one would think that a book that old would be out of date. This is not the usual book. It is a perfect example of what was old is new again. Before I had even finished reviewing the temporary digital version I had been provided by the publisher, I had gone back and ordered a paper version not only for myself but a second copy for my younger daughter who also loves to crochet. The original book is still around in the secondary market but the price is high and out of reach of many crocheters. By re-publishing this book, Dover has brought the price point down to a reasonable and doable amount for most of us.
It really surprised me how modern and today these fashions felt. I was just beginning to learn to crochet around the time it was published. My crochet at that time was limited to edges on baby receiving blankets and to afghans. I didn’t even realize that I could make my own fashions for years. I can only wish that I had purchased this when it was out originally but late is better than never.
The fundamentals of the method of modular crochet are that the pieces are made in rectangles that you fit to your own body and to the style of the garment you wish to make. That way, everyone can have their own custom fit garment. The stitches used are chain, single crochet, half-double (one of my favorite stitches), and double crochet. For the most part, the stitches are made only into the back loop of the stitch – something that the author calls a ridge stitch. Back in the day, this stitch would have been revolutionary for me but today it is already a tried and true stitch in my arsenal.
There are step-by-step illustrations and photographs for the basic garment. The photographs in the book are a combination of color and black and white. The ones specifically in the basic garment construction are black and white. This worked fine for this purpose as the contrast of the photo on the white page made it easier to see what was being done versus trying to decipher it through color.
After the basic garment is made, there are a myriad of ways to modify and change the pattern to make different garments. Everything from pockets, to wide sleeves, to so many different necklines. There are simply pages and pages of variations to make. The finished garments in this area are in color which is perfect because color and texture are a huge part of what makes each variation work. In addition to many garments for women, there are also a couple for men, children, and even for baby.
The author gives a great tutorial on how to design your own garments using this method. It was at this point that I stopped to order the two copies of the book. I already knew I was going to but after reading this chapter, I could not wait another minute to do so.
Both of my daughters are taller than six feet and I have spent a lot of my life trying to find garments that fit them. Sweaters were never an option as I could not find arm lengths to fit them. My younger daughter will be able to make her own but I absolutely plan to make my elder daughter a sweater or two. I also have fit problems as my bust size makes me go up in sizes but then the sleeve lengths are too long. I will have a lot of fun making these retro modern looks for myself.
The author gives a great tutorial on stitches and detailing. The information on tools and yarn is excellent though this is an area where it is slightly and understandably out of date. There is such an abundance of yarns available today! The author’s comments were extensive for the time and still hold true for the yarns she discusses. There are just so many more options and I think that most crocheters will be able to extrapolate the information given to apply to what they want to use today.
Tools have undergone an ergonomic transformation in the last few years. The old style hook is still available but there are many new ones that can be used. My favorites are the Tulip Etimo and the Clover Soft Touch. I use both as they have different shaped heads and both are available in a wide range of sizes.
The author’s comments on stitch detailing is still spot on and extremely useful. She also gives information about various other tools and how to use them.
I think the book is fantastic and is something that every crocheter should consider adding to their library. It is a book and a method that works for the beginner as well as the advanced stitcher. I am advanced and my daughter is intermediate. My elder daughter is a beginner and if after she sees my book and a garment that I have made, she is interested in trying to stitch, I will certainly buy a copy of the book for her, too. I think it is a great book to buy for yourself and also a great book to give as a gift – especially to a younger crocheter who has probably never seen anything like it before.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Dover Publications, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
“Modular Crochet” by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a book originally published in 1978. Usually, one would think that a book that old would be out of date. This is not the usual book. It is a perfect example of what was old is new again. Before I had even finished reviewing the temporary digital version I had been provided by the publisher, I had gone back and ordered a paper version not only for myself but a second copy for my younger daughter who also loves to crochet. The original book is still around in the secondary market but the price is high and out of reach of many crocheters. By re-publishing this book, Dover has brought the price point down to a reasonable and doable amount for most of us.