The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets and Afghans

The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets and Afghans features 60 stitches, motifs and edges to help you build your perfect blanket. Whether you're just starting out and learning new stitches, or looking for your next yarny challenge, Anna Nikipirowicz's new book is a treasure trove of inspiration. Pop the kettle on, snuggle up in your favourite corner and while away the hours gazing at gorgeous photos of tactile stitches. 

* Simply Crochet - Issue 168 *

I think this is a brilliant book. A lot of these are mosaic blankets which are fairly easy to learn. I am more than a beginner, and I love this type of book. This book has 60 projects in there with step by step instructions on how to do them. Great explanations for the written patterns, using charts as well. The book is laid out beautifully, with great pictures. If you’re crocheting something and you can’t quite see which way it is meant to go, the pictures give you an idea of how the project should look. I would like to try the diamond motif ‘Textured’ – hopefully it will come out just like in the picture. Mixing up the colours in the book is also a great idea – the puff heart motif would look lovely with red and white. If you are a beginner, you will definitely pick up some skills straight away from this book.

* Alison Russell *

Here’s one for the crochet lovers! Anna Nikipirowicz has just brought out 'The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets and Afghans' with Search Press and honestly… it’s a total gem! It’s packed with stitches, motifs and edges you can mix, match, and play with to turn your projects into something seriously special!

There’s loads inside: textured stitches, mosaic, lace, squares, diamonds, hexagons, edging ideas — plus a whole blankets section so you can see everything in action. The photos are crisp, the charts are clear, and the instructions are the kind that make you want to drop everything and start a new project immediately...which I did!

I’ve already dived in and started making squares for one of the blanket patterns (York Blanket), and it’s been such a joy. Swipe to see inside the book and the squares I’ve made so far, and head on over to Anna’s page for a deeper look at all the crochet goodness.

* @naomialicec *

When I accepted this book to review, I thought it was a knitting stitch dictionary. Clearly, as you can see by the title, it's not. I'm a knitter who has always said the only good use for a crochet hook is for weaving in ends. I take it all back. This is not Anna's first book, and it shows. The photos are full of colour and interest. There are 60 different stitches. There are even some blanket patterns at the back of the book. 

Anna has worked in collaboration with West Yorkshire Spinners to produce this gorgeous book. All the yarn featured is from the ColourLab DK yarn range. It is utilised to its fullest from the contents and all the way throguh to the 'how to' section at the back of the book. 

This book is a sheer delight. It has inspired me to pick up my crochet hook and start working my way through the stitches with a view to making a blanket. I believe this is a great book to give someone wanting to learn to crochet, or someone wanting something different from the basic 'granny square'. 

-- Natalie Tidy * Slipknot - December 2025 *

Inside Crochet designer Anna presents a gorgeous collection of stitches, motifs and edgings, all perfect for combining into blankets - as well as shawls, bags and more! There's a variety of techniques from cables and lace to mosaic crochet, raised stitches and ripples. You can combine the designs in any way you wish, but there are also four beautiful blanket designs to follow. 

* Inside Crochet *

If you’ve been crocheting for a while, you’ll know that blanket projects have a funny way of sitting in the background of our making lives — patiently waiting their turn while we cast on just one more shawl, jumper or pair of socks.

They’re comforting, practical, and endlessly useful — but they can also feel a little overwhelming to plan, especially if you want something more interesting than rows of plain stitches, yet still cohesive and balanced.

That’s exactly where The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets & Afghans by Anna Nikipirowicz comes into its own — quietly rolling up its sleeves and saying, “Right then, let’s make this enjoyable.”

This is not a pattern book in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a carefully curated design companion — a practical reference that helps you make confident stitch choices and combine them successfully into larger projects.

Having said that, here are the deets of what’s included…

• 60 stitch patterns including motifs and edges
• 4 blanket design patterns
• Basic & Advanced Technique info
• Finishing, joining & even making tassels!

A stitch dictionary with a clear purpose

At its heart, this book is a stitch collection, but what makes it stand out is the way those stitches are presented with blankets in mind.

Each stitch pattern is:

• Clearly photographed
• Supported with well-written instructions and charts
• Designed to work well in repeated rows or blocks, making it suitable for larger-scale projects

Rather than feeling like a random selection of textures, the stitches feel intentional — chosen because they lend themselves to blankets and afghans that need rhythm, balance and visual flow.

Helping you think like a designer (without feeling scary)

What I particularly like about this book is that it gently encourages you to think beyond simply following instructions.

Anna provides guidance on:

• Combining stitches successfully
• Creating sampler-style blankets
• Understanding how texture, density and stitch structure affect the overall fabric

This is invaluable if you’re starting to move into designing your own projects, or if you enjoy adapting patterns rather than following them word-for-word — and let’s face it, many of us start tweaking long before we admit we’re doing it.

For anyone interested in pattern writing or tech editing, this kind of structured thinking — understanding how stitches behave over repeated rows and across a larger fabric — is an essential skill.

Clear, accessible and beautifully presented

As you’d expect from Anna Nikipirowicz, the presentation is calm, clear and very approachable.

The photography is excellent without being distracting, allowing you to really see the stitch definition. The layout gives each stitch space to breathe, making the book easy to dip in and out of — perfect for those moments when you’re planning your next project with a cup of tea and a notebook to hand.

What I also really appreciate is the practical support built into the book itself. Towards the back, Anna includes a series of helpful tutorials, all shown with full-colour photographs, covering:

• Basic and more advanced stitches
• Colourwork techniques
• Finishing details
• Joining methods (always a hot topic!)

These sections make the book feel reassuringly complete — the kind of resource that quietly says “don’t worry, I’ve got you covered” while you nod along in relief.

There are also two very handy fold-out flaps at the beginning and end of the book. One lists all the abbreviations used, and the other shows UK vs US crochet term conversions — ideal for keeping open as you work, especially if (like me) you occasionally mutter “double or single?” under your breath.

All of this makes it the sort of book you keep within arm’s reach — the one that stays open on the table while you’re working, rather than being put back neatly on the shelf (because let’s be honest, that never happens).

Who this book is for

I’d especially recommend The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets & Afghans if you:

• Love making blankets but want more stitch variety
• Enjoy sampler projects or modular designs
• Want to build confidence in combining stitches
• Are beginning to explore crochet design
• Appreciate reference books that support long-term skill development

It would also be a lovely addition to the bookshelf of any crochet tech editor or designer who wants a reliable stitch reference specifically suited to large projects.

My Favourite...

Of course - this has to be a Mosaic Crochet pattern! This is me after all.....

This one is worked from the centre out and like all the stitch patterns includes both a chart and the written instructions.

Gorgeous!

Final Thoughts

This book does exactly what a good companion should do: it supports, inspires and quietly nudges you to try something new — without shouting at you or assuming you already know everything.

Rather than telling you what to make, it gives you the tools to decide for yourself. And for me, that’s where the real magic lies. Confidence grows, creativity follows, and suddenly that half-formed blanket idea scribbled in a notebook starts to feel completely doable.

If you enjoy crochet books that earn their place on your desk (not just your bookshelf), this one is very much a keeper.

* Carol Ibbets