Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

The crochet companion to Debbie Stoller’s beloved knitting book. If you want a guide that teaches technique through humor and personality rather than dry instruction, this is the one. Stoller brings the same irreverent energy that made her knitting book a bestseller.

Why Start Here

Stoller has a gift for making craft instruction feel like a conversation with a witty friend. “The Happy Hooker” covers all the basics, from chain stitches and single crochet through more advanced techniques like Tunisian crochet and working with color. But what sets it apart is the range: 40 original patterns span toys, bags, belts, hats, swimwear, tops, skirts, throws, and even a doormat.

The book also weaves in cultural context and history, giving you an appreciation for crochet as a craft with depth and tradition. Stoller was one of the first authors to reclaim needlework as something cool rather than quaint, and that attitude runs through every page.

What to Expect

At 256 pages, this is a more substantial book than many beginner guides. The first section teaches techniques thoroughly, and the second half is packed with projects. The patterns are designed to be stylish enough that you will want to show them off rather than hide them in a drawer.

The writing style is casual and encouraging. Stoller never talks down to the reader, and she anticipates the exact moments where beginners tend to get confused.