Book of the Month for May

Welcome back to my Book of the Month blog, where I take a look at a (usually) crochet related book that has recently been published and share my thoughts. This month I'm looking at a book that focusses specifically on crochet borders: '150+ Crochet Borders - Edgings & Decorative Finishes for Every Project' by Bernadette Baldelli. (Quarto January 2026 ISBN 9780760399767).

I liked the idea of this book as I don't always like to follow a pattern's recommendation for a border. Sometimes I like to go a bit simpler, sometimes I like the idea of something a bit more decorative and whilst I have other books that include a handful of border suggestions this book introduces an impressive array of unusual designs. Some of the borders incorporate motifs that could, with a little bit of thought, be made separately from the border, such as parrot and a mini Eiffel Tower.

MIAMI

The book is nicely laid out with clear text, charts and photos for each of the borders featured. It's not a book for beginner crocheters and the 'Crochet Basics' double page at the beginning of the book briefly covers information that readers will need to know for completing the borders, such as how to manage colour changes in the patterns. 

The patterns themselves are all inspired by different cities around the globe, hence the names and yes, you guessed it, the border incorporating the Eiffel Tower motif is named Paris! Each pattern has a difficulty rating from 1 star to 3 stars. This isn't clarified in the book but presumably 1 star is easy, 2 stars intermediate and 3 stars the most difficult! The book uses US terms throughout and there isn't a conversion chart for those who use UK terms, which is a shame. 

I like the idea of using some of these borders as embellishments, for example along the short edges of a hand-towel, and think that would turn something quite ordinary into a lovely item for gifting on a birthday or other special occasion.

The book is widely available online but if you are in the UK you can receive a 20% discount and free delivery (on any purchases, not just this book) at the Search Press website here, with the code DD88.

Next month I'll be taking a look at a book, very recently published, on interlocking crochet so I'll be back in June to tell you all about that one. Until then I wish you lots of crafting time!

NEW ORLEANS

DUBAI