Japanese Craft Book Review: Crocheting Q&A

Crocheting Q&A or Crocheting Question and Answer (Kagibariami Q&A)
ISBN 4-8347-2496-4
Printed in Japan
$12.90 at Hakubundo (prices subject to change)

If you want to learn how to crochet, or are just learning, and do not read Japanese, this isn't the book for you.  If you know how to crochet and understand the basics of crochet symbolcraft and would like a handy reference book for use with Japanese crochet books and patterns, get your hands on this book.  Symbols are explained with step-by-step illustrations so that there's no confusion over whether that "x" symbol means slip-stitch or single crochet to you (ah, the joys of multiple English versions of crochet terms!), and this book also illustrates seaming pieces together, joining motifs, basic edgings, sewing on a button, sewing in a zipper, making a pom-pon, adding fringe, crocheting three kinds of cord, and basic embroidery stitches.   If you know how to read Japanese, all the better, but again, illiteracy in this language does not mean that you will not be able to get a lot out of this book.