Working on a project that GREATLY restricts available space.
So if YOU had to choose which would you prefer –
a Table of Content that lists projects/products in the order they appear in the book
or
Index – alphabetical and where appropriate, Numerical listings
I prefer a Table of Contents; personal preference only. Usually after a quick glance through a magazine, pattern book, etc., I then go back and look at the Table of Contents to see what all is included in there. However, if it is a large book, I also like to have an Index for details. For example, if this were to be a huge book with lots of patterns, many stitch examples, then the project might require both a Table of Contents and an Index. (A reference book for example.)
Assuming this to be a knitting or crochet related document and assuming that an index would specify what stitch pattern was located where – independently of its associated project patter, I’d vote for the index.
It is actually a catalog – but some of the “elements” will be the same.