Tips and Tricks for Tunisian Crochet
Hey All!
I’m Stephanie, the crochet and Tunisian crochet designer behind By Stephanie Erin. I’ve been really getting into Tunisian crochet and expanding on the possibilities of Tunisian. Tunisian crochet is also known as Afghan crochet since typically it has been used for creating thick warm blankets. However, I think that there are so many possibilities for creating garments with the technique and I can’t wait to keep exploring those ideas.
Tunisian crochet is like a combination of knitting and crochet. You have a hook, like crochet, but the hook is either long, like straight knitting needles, or has a cord attached like circular knitting needles. Every row is a combination of a forward and return pass that creates a beautifully textured fabric. Like anytime you’re trying something new, you’re bound to run into a few issues, so here are some of my top tips and tricks for learning Tunisian Crochet!
Go up a hook size
Traditionally when you buy yarn it will give you an approximate hook/needle size for crochet and knitting. This will not generally translate to the same hook size for Tunisian! In order for the fabric to have some drape and not be as stiff go up at least 1-2 mm from what you would generally use. If you’re looking at buying your first Tunisian crochet hook and 8mm is a good place to start since it will work for a number of weights of yarn.
Pull on your work
When you’re getting started with Tunisian it can be difficult to identify the legs of the arches. Especially if you’re using a smaller hook they can get lost. Don’t be afraid to pull up on your work to better identify these stitches. When working your forward pass you will work into these legs so being able to see them is important.
Embrace the curl and block
Tunisian crochet is notorious for the edges curling. Especially in Tunisian Simple Stitch. You can try and combat this by going up a hook size, but keep in mind that may change the overall drape of your fabric and be looser. The best way to get rid of the curl is to block your piece. Block according to the fiber content and the curl should go away. Another method is just embracing the curl! My Tunisian Twist Tee and Tank both use the curl as a design feature on the edges.
Yarn Eater Reputation
It’s true. Tunisian crochet will generally use more yarn than knitting or crochet. However the texture that you can get in the fabric is nothing like either craft so you need to keep that in mind. Even though it is similar to both it is a very different technique and should be kept separate. It will take the amount of yarn that it takes and I can guarantee you’ll be thrilled with the results!
Count your stitches when they are on your hook
With the structure of Tunisian crochet it is easy to get confused by the back bar, and the two legs of the loops you’re working into. Due to this it is easiest to count your stitches when they are on your hook before you complete your return pass. This will be much easier and closer to counting stitches when knitting than trying to figure out what part of the stitch you should be counting after your return pass.
Try Try again!
As with any new craft, try, try again! If you were starting with punch needle or another completely different craft you would try multiple times, multiple ways. Think of Tunisian crochet in the same way!
If you’re looking to get started with some Tunisian crochet patterns, check out the Tunisian Block Scarf or the Love Me Like XO headband. If you’re ready for a bigger project then check out the Tunisian Drop Top, the Tunisian Chill Cover Up or the Tunisian Twist Tank.
Good luck and happy hooking friends!
You can keep up with my Tunisian journey on Instagram, and Facebook or find my patterns on Ravelry!
You can also find the Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set here.
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