In Essential Crochet, Erika Knight, international designer and author of the hugely popular Simple Crochet, brings crochet bang-up-to-date for the modern maker. At a moment when many of us are keen to stamp our lives and our homes with a touch of individuality, these beautiful textiles are the ideal solution to indulge ourselves, to bestow as gifts and to create modern heirloom pieces.

With 30 beautiful projects for homewares and accessories, Erika cleverly combines the nostalgic with the contemporary to entice beginners into this established craft and to inspire experienced practitioners to try new ideas and materials.

With a complete guide to the basics of how to crochet, illustrated with step-by-step photographs, the essential crochet techniques are all that is needed to create the projects in the book. Designs are grouped thematically by style and colour palette, embracing both the modern and the traditional. They range from a basic patchwork throw made from easy-care wool cotton in natural shades and a filet lace cushion in crisp white cotton with timeless appeal to a contemporary tablemat made of pearlized wire and a glamorous pin-on corsage. Each pattern has been devised for the homemaker, with all instructions clearly explained so the minimal number of steps provides the maximum results.