Crochet Nirvana
  • About
  • Blog
  • Robin Reads & Writes
  • Booked for Lunch
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact

​

​

Year of Projects: An Introduction to Tunisian Crochet

7/9/2012

16 Comments

 
Picture
I thought it was going to be hard to figure out how to get started with my Year of Projects. Turns out it wasn’t. Here’s what happened. I’ve got quite a bit of cotton in the stash and I want to make washcloths with it. I’m in New England where it’s been in the upper 90s  - hazy, hot and humid for way to many days in a row. Small cotton projects are where it’s at. I was searching for patterns on Ravelry and found two for cotton Tunisian Crochet Washcloths.  In spite of the heat the light bulb was flashing and I knew that I discovered the first lesson in my year long learning adventure. And that friends is how I came to spend my weekend learning Tunisian Crochet.

Picture
I am venturing into uncharted territory, so I began where I always do with something new – I hit the books.  A Rainbow of Afghans (Sedgewood Press1989) offers very limited written information, but a good diagram for the basic technique. The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting & Crochet Stitches (Readers Digest 2003) lives up to it’s name with a whole chapter dedicated to the technique. Additionally, it offers 39 pattern variations. 39! Until yesterday I was only aware of one!

Wondering what it’s all about? Me too! Here’s what I found out:

Tunisian Crochet is often referred to as the Afghan Stitch (which explains why I thought there was one pattern/stitch!). It’s a technique that is worked on a special hook that looks like a cross between a crochet hook and a knitting needle. The hooks are available in the same circumferences used in traditional crochet. Why the long hooks? Because you need it to hold the loops you create on the forward half of the row before you work them off on the return half. Confused? Don’t worry, keep reading and I’ll explain.

Typically in crochet, fabric is created by working a row of stitches, turning the piece over then working another row of stitches. Repeat until desired length. In Tunisian Crochet, each row is done in two parts. Forward and Return.  Forward is done working right to left and pulling loops or stitches onto the hook. (I imagine that this might be what it’s like to cast on in knitting, but since I’ve never done it, it’s pure speculation!).  On the Return, the loops are worked off the hook going left to right. The fabric is created without turning so the right (correct) side always faces you. There is a noticeable difference between the sides – unlike traditional crochet which makes a fabric that is basically reversible.

The fabric produced can be dense and thick. The Sourcebook recommends that you use a hook at least 2 sizes larger than what you ordinarily use based on your yarn choice. I’m using worsted weight (4) cotton which means they suggest I use a J hook. I don’t have a J hook. I have a G hook, and for better or worse – that’s what I’m using. For the purpose of my washcloth I think I’ll be okay.

Basic Tunisian fabric is made using the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), and the Basic Return (BR).  When you see a reference to the Afghan Stitch, this is what they mean. The pattern stitches are worked using the same Forward and Return technique with variations on how you create and remove the loops. It seems like sound advice that you become familiar with the basic Tunisian fabric before moving onto the pattern stitches.  

Now that I’m comfortable with my understanding of the world of Tunisian crochet, it’s time for the yarn and hook to meet.  Join me next time when I put the basics to work and (hopefully) I’ll have a washcloth to show you!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

16 Comments
Minding my Own Stitches link
7/9/2012 12:54:14 am

What a great way to start the new Year of Projects - a new technique! And the fact that the fabric is bulkier than normal is all the better for a washcloth. Can't wait to see what you have to show for your efforts next weekend!

Reply
mary link
7/9/2012 01:29:38 am

I am very intimidated by tunisian patterns, you can be my inspiration!

Reply
Nicole link
7/9/2012 02:34:14 am

I love tunisian, I need to do more of it! Great start on your cloth!

Reply
Sarah - Crafts from the Cwtch link
7/9/2012 02:41:56 am

That's looking great!

It's meant to be summer here but so far it's a total washout so anything goes for us British knitters at the moment. One good thing, I suppose.

Reply
Angeliki link
7/9/2012 03:43:06 am

I'm glad you're constantly learning new techniques through new, interesting books!! !You're taking a great advantage of your job and well done for that! I had no idea that tunisian crochet requires a special hook so thanks for the information! It was this morning that I received an e-mail talking about the knook!!,
http://www.cutratecrafts.com/product.php/sku/160426
Have a wonderful day, I'm looking forward to seeing your tunisian project finished!
Angeliki

Reply
Bailey link
7/9/2012 04:26:18 am

I find dishcloths are a great way to experiment. I practiced on the knitting board with them. I may be different than others, but I can always find a use for a dishcloth even if it isn't perfect when I'm learning something new. It feels good to know my efforts will yield something I can use until my stitches are ready for a bigger project.

Reply
Robin link
7/9/2012 10:40:12 am

I couldn't agree more Bailey! Choosing a washcloth seems to make sense for the reasons you described - and because if I struggle, or really don't like the pattern/technique I haven't committed to a "big" project. And I get to use yarn from the stash!

Reply
Ruth
7/9/2012 04:30:55 am

I love your post, its always great to learn something new and although I don't crochet I found really interesting to read.

Reply
Kate link
7/9/2012 09:18:22 am

I love the fabric of Tunisian crochet. The colour of that cloth is lovely!

Reply
Marie/Underground Crafter link
7/9/2012 09:18:29 am

I'm glad you're enjoying Tunisian simple stitch (a.k.a., the afghan stitch). I love the Ultimate Sourcebook and it has some fun Tunisian patterns. I also have a Japanese stitch guide with over 200 Tunisian stitches!

Reply
Robin link
7/9/2012 10:36:37 am

Holy cow! Over 200 variations?!? That's incredible!

Reply
Pumpkin link
7/9/2012 11:22:38 am

Defintely a great way to start Year of Projects, with a fun challenge of something new! A lot of this went over my head because of my lack familiarity with crochet techniques, but I really like the resulting fabric. It is definitely perfect for washcloths. Good luck staying cool!

Reply
Laura link
7/10/2012 07:16:28 am

What a great way to start the year :) I love Tunisian Crochet - you can make gorgeous lace with it, as well as a lovely sturdy cloth. Looks like your dishcloth is coming on beautifully!

Reply
Contessa link
7/10/2012 08:09:22 am

I tried Tunisian Crochet a year(?!) ago, and--pardon the pun--I really got hooked on it. The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet book has something like 10 different Tunisian stitches (I need to get that Ultimate Sourcebook!!!!), and a Tunisian Entrelac blanket pattern.

Over the course of a couple weeks, I tried my hand at all the stitches. . . It was a lot of fun. Looks like you're really enjoying yourself, too!!!

Reply
HillyT link
7/10/2012 10:51:43 am

That's a strange coincidence, I've just begun to learn Tunisian Crochet myself. A very happy evening I've been having with it to. It will be great to watch another person working on the same new skill!

Reply
Emma link
7/10/2012 11:11:32 am

What an interesting description of the stitch, I learned a lot that I didn't know. I'm really getting the urge to learn to crochet now

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    • Greetings!

    I'm Robin and this is 
    Crochet Nirvana, where 
    laughter is essential,
    learning is supported,
    creativity is nurtured, and sharing is encouraged.
    Thanks for stopping by, 
    I hope you
    ​enjoy your visit!


    Picture
    Click to see what's new on the Craftsy Crochet Blog!

    Picture
    I - Timeline
    II - Classic Granny
    III - Color
    IV - Flowers
    V - Motifs

    Follow Along

    RSS Feed
    Subscribe by Email
    Follow on Bloglovin

    Tutorials and Patterns

    Granny Skull Crochet Pattern
    Skull Crochet Patter
    Picture
    Picture
    Shell Video Part 1
    Shell Video Part 2
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Invisible Join Tutorial Badge
    Daisy's Cloche Crochet Pattern
    Granny Square Bookmark Pattern

    On Instagram



    Read the Printed Word!

    Picture
    Look for me, I'm RobinBrz
    Picture
    Inspired Crochet July Cover
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Places I Post

    Picture

    Picture
    The Blog Farm
    Crochet Blogs
    Powered By Ringsurf

    Archives

    July 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012

    Categories

    All
    4kcbwday1
    4kcbwday2
    4kcbwday3
    4kcbwday4
    4kcbwday5
    4kcbwday6
    5 Minute Friday
    Accessories Home
    Accessories - Home
    Afghans
    Amigurumi
    Art
    Bags
    Beads & Beading
    Blogging
    Blog Reviews
    Blogtoberfest 2012
    Blog Week Iv
    Book Reviews
    Books
    Cables
    C A L
    Cardigan
    Chevron Lace
    Class Review
    Coasters
    Cowl
    Craftsy
    Creative Friday
    Crochet
    Crochet Lace
    Doily
    Doodles
    Downloadable Files
    Earrings
    Fabric
    Fiber Arts Friday
    Fingerless Gloves
    Flowers
    F O Friday
    Giveaways
    Granny Square Project
    Granny Squares
    Guest Post
    Hats
    Holiday Stashdown
    How To
    I Love Yarn Day
    Inspired Crochet
    Jewelry
    Kcco
    Knit Lace
    Knitting
    Library
    Mittens
    Nirvana Designs
    Patterns
    Pincushions
    Projects
    Recipes
    Sewing
    Shawl
    Shrug
    Socks
    Socs
    Stash
    Stitch Markers
    Thread Crochet
    Tunisian Crochet
    Tutorials
    Videos
    Watercolors
    Wip Wed
    Wrap
    Wrist Warmers
    Writing In The Raw
    Yarn
    Yarn Along
    Year Of Projects


    LINKwithlove

    Picture
    Thank you for visiting!
    My name is Robin.  I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith.  I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you.
    Did you enjoy your visit? Let me know by leaving a comment.  I love knowing you dropped by, and hope to see you again soon!
    Be Blessed and
    Stitch & Read with Love!
    Picture
    QRCode


    Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • About
  • Blog
  • Robin Reads & Writes
  • Booked for Lunch
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact