Curious about New Ways With Crochet by Olena Fedotova but not sure if it’s worth your time (or bookshelf space)? This review gives you the honest scoop: what’s inside, who it’s for, and whether it delivers on its promise of exciting new crochet stitches and creative inspiration.
If you’re wondering whether this book is right for you, keep reading. I’ve gone through every page, so you don’t have to.
There’s also a giveaway! Thanks to the publisher, I have a copy of this new book to give away to one lucky winner. Keep reading to learn how to enter to win.
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Thanks to David & Charles Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
About the Author, Olena Fedotova
Olena Fedotova, also known online as Lena Fedotova, crochet designer and the mind behind Cup of Stitches, has long been known as an experimental crochet designer with a flair for creating beautiful accessories and unusual crochet patterns. She’s especially celebrated for her shawl design work, which often features her own twist on traditional techniques.
If you’ve spent any time browsing for unique crochet patterns on social media or have a few of her designs already on your wish list, you know her reputation for pushing boundaries with innovative stitch combinations and new stitches that take your crochet skills to the next level. Find Lena on Instagram as @ravliki
What Patterns and Stitch Designs are Included
This isn’t just a collection of stitch patterns, it’s a carefully structured study guide for those ready to dive into exciting new crochet stitches.
The book is organized into four themed chapters:
- Simple Stitches
- Texture, Lace & Colorwork
- Single-Crochet Ribbing Variations
- Crochet Cables
There are tons of innovative linen stitch variations, single crochet variations and crochet cables. There are 50 different stitch patterns contained in the book.
Each chapter features a beautiful shawl pattern that uses different stitch patterns and combinations from that section. The included shawl projects are:
- Daydream Shawl
- Golden Hour Shawl
- Drop by Drop Shawl
- Morning Mist Shawl
You’ll find written patterns, stitch multiples, diagrams (for some, not all), and visual aids like images of the back of your fabric and photo references to help you identify hook placement for unusual stitch combinations, especially helpful for the more complex stitches.
While I think the shawls are gorgeous, not everyone is a shawl person (raises hand), so showing the versatility of the stitch designs in other kinds of projects would have been a wonderful addition to this guide and made it all the more versatile to a wider audience.
Heads-up: Some special stitches are referenced in the instructions without an immediate explanation. You’ll need to flip to the back of the book (pages 116–117) for full details, which can feel a bit clunky mid-stitching. A note directing readers there would have saved so much time.
👉 Errata Note: A few corrections have been issued. You can find the errata sheet here: David & Charles Errata.
See A Flip-Through Of New Ways with Crochet
Crochet Terminology: US or UK?
The book uses US crochet terminology, but there’s a UK-to-US abbreviation chart on page 115.
What Skill Level is this Book Best For?
There’s no official skill level mentioned, but based on the stitches and patterns included, I’d recommend this for intermediate to advanced crocheters. That said, confident beginners could definitely explore the Simple Stitches section and gradually build up to more complex cable combinations and innovative crochet stitch patterns.
If you love to learn and you’re ready to explore new stitch patterns, you’ll get a lot out of this book.
What Support Materials Are Included For Makers?
Beyond the written pattern instructions and helpful visuals included throughout the book, there’s a General Techniques section (page 112) with clear illustrations of basic stitches and written instructions. The Special Stitches section includes zoomed-in photos of special stitches, though I do wish there were more step-by-step photo sequences for those trickier elements.
Still, if you’re someone who likes to explore fresh stitch ideas, you’ll appreciate the creative freedom this book allows, even if it occasionally leaves you flipping a few extra pages.
Supplies Used In This Book
I really appreciated that the Tools & Materials section spells out the yarn used for each chapter. All stitch designs use Malabrigo Rios (one of my favorite yarns), which helps give a cohesive look across the book.
Other supplies listed:
- A larger hook selection (exact sizes not clearly stated)
- Stitch markers, yarn needle, tape measure
- Blocking mats and pins for shaping your finished pieces
While exact hook sizes for each project aren’t specifed, experienced crocheters will likely have the flexibility and know-how to adjust as needed. There’s no guidance in the book on how to choose your hook size, so beginners may need to rely on trial and error.
Where to Buy New Ways With Crochet
You can grab your copy of New Ways With Crochet at:
It’s also available in select yarn shops and bookstores. Check your local store if you’d like to flip through it in person.
Final Thoughts: Is New Ways With Crochet Worth It?
This is a beautiful book full of stunning, creative stitches and interesting new textures – not to mention beautiful patterns (if you’re into shawls). If you’re tired of the same old crochet stitch dictionaries and you’re ready to experiment and try something new, then New Ways With Crochet may be just the book you’re looking for.
A personal favorite of mine this year, I think this book would be an excellent addition to a crochet library to help you build your skills and take your stitching to the next level. While beginners may not get the most out of it immediately, it is definitely worth adding to the wishlist for when you’ve built your skillset and are ready for a challenge.
Giveaway form is just below this post! Don’t miss your chance to win a copy!
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New Ways With Crochet Book Giveaway
Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have a copy of New Ways With Crochet by Olena Fedotova to giveaway!
This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law). Giveaway ends Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time.
To enter, use the King Sumo form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email address and name options are mandatory. All other tasks (like following social media platforms) are optional, for bonus entries only.
Can’t see the entry form below? Click here: https://kingsumo.com/g/1rj7pz3/new-ways-with-crochet-giveaway
Great opportunity for something free
thanks! good luck in the giveaway