This is a book review of Aran Afghans to Crochet
Important note: This is an authentic crochet book review written by a real person who a) actually owns the book being reviewed, b) holds a degree in textile design, and c) has been crocheting for 40+ years.
What You Need to Know About Aran Afghans to Crochet:
Author: Bonnie Barker
Publisher: Leisure Arts
Copyright Date: 2010 – but please don’t let that date scare you away from buying this book. The patterns are classic designs that will still be usable decades from now.
One of the main issues with an older pattern book is that the suggested yarns can sometimes no longer be located. However, the project samples in this book are all made with Red Heart Super Saver, which is still readily available if you want it. I can’t personally imagine wanting to crochet such luxurious-looking designs using that particular yarn; for the amount of effort that will be required to make one of these afghans, I’d recommend spending a bit more on a nicer yarn, perhaps Cascade 220 Superwash or a similar washable wool, that would result in a truly heirloom-quality afghan. But that’s up to you. Either way, you shouldn’t have a problem locating yarn that will work well for making these designs.
ISBN 13: 978-1-57486-386-4
Book Format: This is a softcover book with stapled binding.
Number of Pages: 28
Skill Level: The crochet patterns in this book all have a skill level rating of “intermediate”.
The Focus of This Book:
This book is all about giving you 5 different patterns for crocheting textured afghans using post stitches. If you LOVE the look of fisherman’s knits, but you don’t want to knit an entire afghan, the patterns in this book offer you some appealing crocheted alternatives.
These afghans all share some other common elements:
- They’re all solid-colored afghans – no multicolored patterns means no color changes and minimal amounts of end-weaving to finish your projects.
- The afghans are all finished with fringe for an elegant, sophisticated look.
- They’re all made using medium-weight yarn – Red Heart Super Saver, as I mentioned above.
Crochet Projects Included in This Book:
1. Sage Green Aran Crochet Afghan Pictured on the Front Cover
This sophisticated afghan incorporates crochet cables, popcorn stitches, post stitches and a clever “Celtic weave” stitch. Fringe completes the look. This afghan is elegant and timeless – simply stunning!
2. Basketweave Aran Crochet Afghan Pattern
This afghan features an intriguing basketweave pattern made up of crochet post stitches.
3. Tan Sampler Crochet Afghan Pattern
This is a patchwork-style afghan made up of 30 different squares that you crochet individually and then join together using slip stitch.
4. Winter White Aran Crochet Afghan Pattern
A variety of popcorn stitches and a unique textured diamond pattern differentiate this afghan design from other similar patterns.
5. Autumn Orange Aran Crochet Afghan Pattern
This afghan incorporates a variety of interesting textured stitches including a Celtic weave pattern, a Celtic diamond, a lovely popcorn and an interesting arrow stitch pattern.
The Best Things About This Book
These designs are spectacular!
If you’re in need of an impressive project to give as a gift, these patterns would all work well for that purpose.
If you get stuck on any of the stitches in this book, help is only a few clicks away. The author, Bonnie, maintains a Youtube channel where she has demonstrated all the stitches used in her pattern books.
The book includes professionally styled photographs that accurately show each of the afghans presented in the book. There are also close-up photos of the stitch patterns you’ll need to know when you work these patterns.
A technical editor is credited in the book. Knowing that a tech editor was involved in the process gives you the peace of mind that comes from having had an additional, experienced person go over the instructions, ensuring clarity and usability.
Other Observations About This Book
International symbol crochet charts ARE NOT included in this book. You get written-out text instructions to use for crocheting these afghans.
These patterns all have a similar look and style – there’s not much variety here.
Richly textured patterns like these are gorgeous to look at, and they tend to make for really warm, cozy afghans; however, do be aware that they use a lot of yarn – that’s just the nature of these heavily textured crochet stitches.
Conclusion
I’m delighted to recommend this book to other crochet enthusiasts, particularly intermediate and advanced level crocheters who need solid-colored, textured blanket patterns. I think these patterns are simply lovely, and they are well worth the investment of time and yarn.
Where to Buy This Book:
Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.com.
Similar Crochet Books and Related Resources
This isn’t Bonnie Barker’s only crochet pattern book; she has actually authored a bunch of other books that are just as wonderful as this one is. It would be hard to choose a favorite, but I particularly love Bonnie’s book called Noggins and Necks, which is a collection of textured aran-style women’s crochet accessory patterns. Noggins and Necks gives you patterns for 4 ladies hats and 4 matching scarves, all worked using Bonnie’s signature textured crochet stitches. They’re fabulous! They’re designed in enduring classic styles that will remain relevant for years to come.
Another one of my favorite crochet pattern books by Bonnie Barker is called Self-Striping Projects. It features baby blanket patterns and women’s accessory patterns, all of which are colorful because they’re made using self-striping yarns. It’s a wonderful book; I highly recommend it.
Aran Afghans to Crochet is included on our list of best crochet blanket pattern books. If you need crochet blanket patterns, that page is definitely worth browsing through for LOTS more ideas and inspiration.
Further Reading: Find More of Our Picks for the Best Crochet Books
- Click here to find our recommendations for the best crochet stitch dictionaries.
- Click here to find the best crochet books for beginners
Do Any of Your Crocheted Blankets Need Borders and Edgings?
Learn More About Crochet:
- Click Here to Learn How to Crochet; This Link Takes You to a Total Beginner’s Guide to Crochet.
- Click here to find crochet stitch tutorials and instructions.
- Click here to learn more crochet techniques.
- Click HERE to Find Fabulous Yarn for Crochet and Knitting
- Click here to learn about crochet hooks.
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By Amy Solovay
About the Author: Amy Solovay is a real person; she is NOT a robot and does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to write articles for this website. She is a real, live, human content creator and educator who holds a bachelor’s degree with a studio art minor; she has also earned a separate degree in textile design. Amy learned to crochet as a small child, and she still enjoys crocheting all these years later. Beyond that, she enjoys introducing other crafters to the best new craft supplies, and she also loves helping crafters learn new techniques for making the most of the craft supplies they buy.
As an educator, Amy Solovay used to teach in-person college courses in trend forecasting, marketing and surface design at California Design College in Los Angeles.
Nowadays, Amy uses online platforms to teach digital courses to craft pattern designers, content creators and influencers all over the world. If you’re an artist, crafter or DIY enthusiast who is interested in earning income from your creative work, you’re invited to visit Crafterprise.com to learn more about monetizing the arts, craft(s) and / or DIY projects you do.
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This page was last updated on 10-4-2024.