Magical Crochet: 13 Charming Patterns for Imaginative Crowns, Wings, Unicorns, and More

This enjoyable debut from Bentzen shares how to crochet fantasy-themed accessories and toys for children. Aside from a succinct overview of how to read patterns, the introduction assumes familiarity with basic crochet techniques and only describes how to make less common stitches, such as a variant on single stitch in which the “hook goes over the yarn in the first half of the stitch” instead of the yarn going over the hook. Bentzen, who hails from Denmark, brings to the projects a “quiet Nordic vibe,” which comes through in the subdued recommended yarn colors (the crocheted rainbow wall hanging is composed of muted pastels) and reliance on organic cotton and wool. Several of the whimsical designs are intended to spark play, including a unicorn hobbyhorse with embroidered eyes and a ribbon halter, as well as a magic wand consisting of a wooden dowel with a crocheted star on one end. Other projects are meant to be worn, such as the mesh backpack, ruffled hair scrunchie, and fairy wings. Bentzen enables readers to customize their projects by outlining alternative ways of decorating them, as when she shows how to adorn the crown with beads, stripes, or a dragonfly emblem. Though the complicated written instructions are occasionally difficult to follow, this fanciful outing will delight more experienced crocheters. (Mar.)