Cat Mad Crochet

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

I like to take on new challenges in my crochet projects, from stitch patterns to beading to new techniques. I will admit that I struggle with borders. I know they are necessary to create a finished looking piece, but I do so hate them because they are fiddly. For this reason, I am always happy to find options for creative borders that will challenge my skills and look awesome because I know it is an area I need to improve. The Beaded Edge provides such border options: The book is full of fun and beautiful bead and crochet designs that add a lot of flare to a border and elevate an entire project. 

First, a word of warning though. Well, two words. The designs on the cover, intriguing as they are, are not in the book. There are some similar to the ones on the cover, but the exact patterns on the cover are not in the book. Is this a problem? If you only look at the cover before buying the book, yes. It does seem a very odd choice given that there are really cool patterns inside the book and even some cool projects to make with them. Why not feature an actual project from the book? This probably wasn’t the author’s call, so this criticism is directed at the publishers. 

The second word of warning is that these are not all crochet patterns. Some are just beading with no hook involved. Of the eighteen designs, five of them use a hook to make a chain and then thread the beads on a needle and work them into the chain. I don’t think it’s fair to call all of these crocheted designs as the other designs in the book are made by working crochet stitches around beads to form the patterns, while the final five are just beading. 

So what are you getting with this book? You are getting thirteen beaded and crocheted edgings and five beaded edgings; a brief discussion and history of Oyo crochet; a discussion of tools and materials; step by step instructions to complete each design; and twenty-two projects to make with the various patterns. The instructions for both the edgings and the projects are largely picture and diagram based with a few words of guidance thrown in, so if this is not your thing, this is not your book. 

For me, this is enough to love this book. The designs are beautiful and complex and challenging. It takes me time and concentration and a lot of frogging to get these right, and it’s awesome. I’ve used “Soap Bubbles” and “Lace Flowers” several times and I really want to try “A Floral Hedge”. 

I love the author’s use of beaded edges on simple knit shirts to add a little flare of something amazing to a basic top. She includes a discussion of how to measure for and attach edges at the back of the book. Someday, when I figure out how not to ruin my shirts with tiny holes from pets and suspicious food stains, I want to add edgings to my own shirts as knit shirts are my go to look. 

About ten years ago during a time of family illness and the resultant stress of the situation, I tried the Babushka listed on page 48. It was a great project. The instructions were enough that my stressed little brain was able to work it without getting befuddled while being challenging enough to keep me from thinking too deeply about what was going on in my life. Granted, mine was nearly as neat and well made, but it was a really good attempt for me at that time.

This is a fun and engaging book with useful and beautiful designs. If you want to try out some crochet beadwork beyond just adding a bead to a picot, this is a great place to start. It is out of print, but there seem to be some copies floating around on the used book market at reasonable prices. I definitely recommend picking one up.