Give a professional finish to your crochet garments and accessories with this indispensable compendium of technical know-how and troubleshooting tips. Techniques are organized in the order that you d need them as you work through a project, from choosing the right yarn to looking after your finished garment. Step-by-step photographs, diagrams, and clear instructions guide you through each stage of your work, or you can dip in for help with a particular problem. Discover how to substitute yarns and accurately estimate the amount required, adapt patterns to create tailor-made garments, and lengthen an existing piece with trims and edgings. From basic chain stitches to filet crochet, there s advice for all kinds of stitches, mixing and matching, and dealing with gauge variations. You ll also find plenty of inspiration for adding an extra-special touch to your work using beaded embellishments and surface crochet ".