Nicki Trench, one of the leading figures in the revival and promotion of home crafts, has designed a series of patterns that will guide you from the initial crochet stitches to producing beautiful projects incorporating a wide range of techniques.

Starting you off is Crochet Know-How, which explains all the stitches with clear step-by-step artwork and instructions. Next, there are three chapters packed with patterns to improve your skills. In Starting Out, you will find a simple springtime afghan and a pretty hat for a toddler, both of which you’ll find amazingly easy and quick to create. Once you’ve mastered these, Practice Makes Perfect provides more of a challenge. Whip up some cute gifts for babies and young children, including baby bibs and blankets, or treat yourself to a pair of gloves in soft light-worsted yarn and a chunky seashell scarf to keep you warm on cold mornings. Finally, Confident Crocheting has more advanced patterns, ranging from a family of adorable dolls to a cherub dress with decorative picot stitching.