Tunisian crochet begins with a foundation row. Every subsequent row requires two passes: forward pass and return pass.
Make a stitch sampler as a great way to practice Tunisian stitches! Once completed, use it to complete a project like this Tunisian Cables Hat.
Stitches
Tunisian crochet can accommodate many stitches depending on the yarn and project, and most crocheters start out by creating some practice swatches to learn the various techniques. TL Yarn Crafts provides an excellent tutorial for a Holiday Sampler Blanket that uses different Tunisian crochet stitches to create an amazing holiday blanket!
Tunisian crochet is one of the simplest stitches available and resembles knitting’s stockinette stitch by inserting your hook into each chain’s back bump, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Repeating this process, you simply finish off one row before beginning another one! Unlike traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet doesn’t involve turning over its work as you progress – instead you alternate forward passes (working into foundation chain loops) and reverse passes (working to edge of project before returning back) before beginning each row of work – unlike its counterpart.
Tunisian crochet’s basket weave stitch is another popular choice, giving blankets and throws an eye-catching woven effect while providing light airiness for shawls or wraps.
If you’re ready for something a bit more advanced, give entrelac stitch a try. Derived from French for “interlaced,” this stitch creates interlocking rectangles which connect together into fabric – perfect for blankets, afghans and shawls in many different colors!
If you’re new to this technique, it is essential that you realize it will require practice and patience to master. Because the rows are longer and you use both hands simultaneously, looser tension than regular crochet may be needed as tighter tension may lead to curling that’s harder to correct than usual.
One effective strategy to combat curling is adding a border around your work. Not only will this add decorative value, but the weighted border will help maintain flat edges of your project by keeping its edges weighted down and flat. Furthermore, using non-curling stitches in this border may prevent its edges from stretching out too far.
Yarn
Tunisian crochet requires using various yarns and fibers. Your choice will depend on your project; generally speaking though, light, smooth yarn should be easier to work with than something thick and chunkier. Your yarn choice can also impact how your fabric turns out: some fibers work best at producing looser fabric while others provide tighter stitches for an intricate finish.
As your first step to Tunisian crochet, practice stitches. There are many excellent tutorials online that can help get you going; additionally it is wise to work several swatches with different stitch patterns before moving on to an actual project as this will give you a feel for how the technique works and interacts. Once you’ve mastered basic stitches you can move onto more advanced projects and techniques.
Tunisian crochet projects are usually completed in rows. Each row consists of a forward pass – in which stitches are worked into the vertical strands created by the previous row – and a return pass, in which stitches are cast off. When working a Tunisian crochet foundation row, be mindful to skip over any vertical bars of stitches from previous rows until instructed otherwise in your pattern; insert your hook into front vertical bars of stitch in next stitch in next stitch row (yarn over then pull loop), continuing this pattern until completed rows until completed rows are complete.
Once they have mastered the basic stitches, many crocheters find that combining them can produce intriguing textures. One way is adding borders around their project; either as you go along or once it has been blocked.
Try your hand at Tunisian crochet with a twist – working the stitches backwards can add an interesting new texture that could bring something special to your projects!
Crochet Hook
Tunisian crochet can be accomplished using either a regular crochet hook or an interchangeable crochet hook set, giving you more versatility in terms of changing sizes without needing to rethread your yarn each time you switch hook sizes.
Your selection of crochet hook size depends on both yarn weight and stitch choice. Most patterns will specify what size hook should be used for their project; however, keep in mind that Tunisian crochet can be worked using either a larger hook for looser fabrics, or tighter denser structures – larger hooks for looser textures may produce open textures while smaller hooks produce denser textures; it is also common practice to work in rounds; therefore you may require either double-ended or circular (cabled) hooks in this method of working Tunisian crochet.
As a beginner to Tunisian crochet, it’s advisable to start off small projects and build on them gradually in order to become comfortable with the technique and ensure successful projects. When selecting yarn for this technique, try choosing something smooth yet lightweight so as not to stretch too much while crocheting.
Begin your Tunisian stitching adventure by learning a basic stitch like the Tunisian simple stitch, which resembles stockinette knitting stitch. To create this stitch, insert your hook through a vertical bar from a previous row, yarn over and pull up a loop, pass yarn back over your hook loop to complete row and complete row.
Tunisian crochet offers some basic stitches you can utilize, including the Tunisian knit stitch – similar to knitting’s purl stitch – that accentuates its bumpy texture while still being easily combined with other stitches for exciting designs and textures.
Tunisian crochet offers one of the most widely-used stitches: Tunisian half-double crochet stitch. To create it, insert your hook through both front and back vertical bars of your previous row before yarn over and drawing up a loop with yarn overs, before passing your yarn back over the loop to complete it and complete your row.
Patterns
Beginners to Tunisian crochet should start small projects such as scarves and washcloths to hone your skills before expanding to more complex patterns like hats and blankets. A good place to start would be with The Smooth Sailing Infinity Scarf pattern; designed specifically with beginners in mind and featuring an instructional video.
Crossed Double Crochet stitch is a straightforward Tunisian crochet technique to master, producing beautiful texture with every row you crochet. Once you know single and double crochet techniques, this pattern from The Crochet Lady will guide you in learning this stitch with ease. Tunisian Ocean Shell Stitch may require more skill in order to produce its stunning design that looks similar to crocodile scales or ocean waves; to do this stitch well requires knowledge of working both single and double crochet techniques in round.
Tunisian crochet stitches include the brick stitch and the arrowhead stitch, both popular options for creating unique home decor projects. For instance, the brick stitch creates a grid-like fabric featuring straight lines which contrast contrasting colors; similarly, its counterpart the arrowhead stitch has two row repeats for even greater texture effects.
Tunisian crochet can also be used to craft beautiful and stylish shawls, such as the Sydney Shawl. It uses multiple Tunisian crochet stitches to craft this stunning texture-rich garment which would look fabulous with any color combination you desire.
Tunisian crochet can help you craft unique geometric cross stitch pillows and mug rugs – great gifts or simply adding comfort to your home! Additionally, this technique can even be used to make amigurumi (stuffed yarn creatures).
Tunisian crochet can bring many advantages to your craft projects and life in general. Not only can it add texture and dimension, it is a fantastic way to express creativity. Once you learn it, Tunisian crochet will quickly become relaxing and enjoyable hobby!