Crochet in a Weekend: 29 Quick-to-Stitch Sweaters, Tops, Shawls & More

“You’ll be able to crochet more of what you love in just a weekend,” promises pattern designer Baca (Two Simple Shapes) in this alluring guide. Jumping straight into the projects, Baca relies on large hooks and chunky yarns to create eye-catching pieces, such as the thick white “puff infinity cowl,” the ripple-designed “charisma pullover,” and the cozy gradient “scarfie cardigan.” Items that are perfect for warmer weather—the “peaceful earth shawl,” a “Hempster tank top”—only require basic stitches and simple repeats. Baca encourages crocheters to work with different yarn weights, fibers, and colors to add variety and create heavier or lighter pieces (“try this poncho in a cotton yarn for a summer look,” she suggests for the “gemstone poncho,” or “try a multicolored yarn to give... a striped or spotted look” for a pullover). Each project comes with a list of the yarns and colors used, along with plenty of practical substitutions and quick tips, though newbies may have a hard time getting started, as the author glosses over the basic stitches one will need to know to complete the projects. Still, this is a solid collection for crocheters who have already mastered the fundamentals. (Feb.)