Needs a good accuracy check (some incorrect instructions), but good photos in the how-to portion. I wouldn't recommend this for a beginner, but not bad for intermediate crocheters or learning new skills after having a solid base. The instructions for making a hat go backward from every other hat pattern I've encountered, but it worked fine. ( )

Reviewed on my knitting blog here: http://wyvernfriendknits.blogspot.ie/2013/03/review-cool-girls-guide-to-crochet.... ( )

While this book has an appealing design for new crocheters, it isn't exactly the best book for them. I picked it up because I wanted a book - rather than the Internet! - to refer to while learning to crochet, and I liked some of the patterns within. However, despite promising "jargon-free" explanations, the patterns are somewhat difficult to follow, and no explanation is given for potentially confusing instructions. Furthermore, there is no distinction between the directions for "slip stitch" and "single crochet," which will ultimately prove troublesome for those who are using this book alone as their starting off point.

Overall, the patterns are quite nice for a beginner, and there are a several sections explaining things like what needle sizes mean, or what different types of yarn are, and along with the photo illustrations, that is a handy reference.

This book would be best used in conjunction with Internet sites or another less faddy book for complete novices. ( )