‘You Can Crochet with Bella Coco’ is my first book, which is a clear and simple course for a total crochet beginner and also a fantastic book of projects for the more advanced crocheter. In this blog, I’ll be sharing all the designs and the inspiration behind the projects in my very first published book, I still can’t believe I can now call myself an author!
Inspiration
Back in 2019, I started designing these projects and creating designs with beginners in mind. I also wanted plenty of inspiration for more confident crocheters included too. In the book you can find 12 beautiful crochet designs, including sweet and simple coasters and scarves, a gorgeous hex pillow and also a gorgeous hat and mitten set. With each new project, I take you through the projects step by step, so you can learn new techniques from changing colour, sewing in seams to shaping and sizing and so much more. The book is jam packed with tips and techniques to build your crochet skills.
Tips & Advice
The book starts with lots of advice on which crochet hooks, equipment and yarns to use. There’s also a few tips on colour matching and inspirational colour palettes to help when picking out your yarn for a project.
Beginner Crochet Stitches
The book continues with beginner step by step guides on how to do a slip knot and also how to hold your hook and yarn. If you’re a complete beginner, this section will take you through step by step with colour photos on how to chain and advise you with tips on tension and gauge. There’s also full colour pictorial instructions on how to double crochet, fasten off and also how to weave in the loose ends of yarn.
Crochet Stitches
Other stitches that I cover in the book include:
- Half Treble Stitch (HTR)
- Treble Stitch (TR)
- Double Treble Stitch (DTR)
- Triple Treble Stitch (TTR)
- Slip Stitch (SS)
Note these are UK terms, however the US terms are also mentioned in the book.
Crochet Tips
Before getting your hook into any projects, there’s a few other things that I covered in the book including:
- The anatomy of a stitch
- How to make a tension swatch
- Conversion chart & symbols
- A list of abbrevations
- Blocking
- How to read a pattern
Crochet Projects
This book has been such a personal achievement for me and a huge project I have been working on since 2019. The book ran into several delays including a pandemic, a house move and a baby so this book really has been a labour of love and I’m so excited to share the projects with you below.
Crochet Coasters
The coasters are a super cute project to start with, especially if you are a beginner. They’re easy to crochet and also make a great gift so you can show off your crochet skills to your friends! Techniques covered in this project include colour changes and invisible joins.
Crochet Place Mats
After you have mastered the coaster, why not go a little larger with these cute placemats to match. There’s lots of texture here where you will be combining two different stitches.
Crochet Infinity Scarf
The infinity scarf is the perfect first wearable make for your crochet journey, you’ll be surprised how easy it is! As part of this project you’ll learn how to sew in seams with the whip stitch and the mattress stitch, as well as working in the round with the foundation ring method and the flat circle method.
Crochet Cowl Scarf
If you’re looking for a chunkier garment to wear and show off your crochet skills, why not try this cowl scarf? It’s worked in the round so a little different from the infinity scarf above, but also a great technique to add to your crochet skill set. By hooking into this project, you’ll be learning the magic ring method and also how to increase your stitches by working in the round.
Crochet Face Scrubbies
Another fun crochet gift, these face scrubbies would be a fab as part of a self care hamper for a loved one. They are also a great yarn stash buster as they don’t use much yarn, so great for using up your leftovers. These work best in a cotton yarn and also is worked in the round. There’s a section in the book with this project about how to read crochet charts which will be super useful as your crochet skills progress.
Granny Square Baby Blanket
At this point in your crochet journey, you may be looking for a larger project and this could be your very first crochet blanket! After completing this, you’ll learn two colour granny squares which creates a gorgeous fun design.
Granny Hexi Pillow
Home decor and hexagons are a favourite of mine, so I couldn’t resist adding this project into the book. The Hexi Pillow is made from a super chunky yarn and there’s also step by step pictorial pom pom and tassel tutorials to help you, if you’d like to add those to the ends!
Granny Triangle Bunting
I love how home decor bunting can add a touch of boho to a room. These granny triangles come with a step by step pictorial guide and are great to make for inside the home or maybe even an outdoor area in the summer. I’ve added an extra bit of bling with some beads!
Yarn Basket
Now you’re hooked, you’re going to need someone to store all of your yarn! This crochet yarn basket is the perfect way to introduce t-shirt yarn into your crochet stash. In addition, you might want to make a few for different uses or maybe give as a gift and pop other crocheted gifts inside like a hamper.
Crochet Hat & Mittens
These crochet hat and mittens make the most perfect seasonal gifts for loved ones. This pattern isn’t just for adults, I have added different sizes covering baby, toddler, child, teen and adult. You’ll learn how to decrease as part of this pattern and I also advise on shaping, sizing and adapting patterns when it comes to wearables.
Crochet Pencil Case
This really cute pencil case makes an ideal gift for a student, teacher or any stationery lover! You’ll be adding surface cross stitch to your long list of crochet skills here and I have also included step by step instructions on colour work. In addition, I take you through step by step on how to line the project with fabric. Why not make one to keep all your hooks in?
Showstopper Crochet Blanket
Once you have mastered lots of stitches and techniques from the book, I wanted you to show off your skills with a final project, the Showstopper Blanket. In this pattern I cover advanced stitches including:
- Chainless Foundation Stitch
- Bobble Stitch
- Moss Stitch
- Ribbed Stitch
- Reverse Double Crochet (RDC)
- Rice Stitch
- Loop Stitch
You’ll use these stitches and also all the skills you’ve learned so far in the book to create this stunning blanket.
More About The Book
The projects are designed in order of difficulty from the easiest to the more complex. You can choose which project you start with and also take in the information as quickly or slowly as you need. In addition, I have included a fold out conversion chart that you can refer to quickly when working on your projects.
I cannot wait to see which projects you make from the book! I always love to see your makes and progress so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
SARAH-jAYNE