Some say that Tunisian Crochet, or Afghan Crochet, combines the best of both knitting and crochet. It produces a fabric that is a bit more dense than regular crochet but looks more like something that is knit. It makes an excellent fabric for shawls, scarves, headbands, hats, and home goods.
Tunisian Crochet is created on a hook with a long cord and a stopper at the end. Just like crochet, you start with a series of chain stitches, but, like knitting, the next row’s stitches are worked with the hook, but the stitch stays on the long needle; this row is called the forward pass. In the next row, the return pass is worked off the needles, similar to crochet. This crochet a row on, crochet a row off settles into a nice rhythm and is easy to remember.
Did you know that Koryn is a great Tunisian Crocheter and will teach a class in January on the process? (Our November class sold out!) If you cannot make it into the shop and are curious about the process, there are a lot of videos on YouTube to guide you through the steps.
Why learn Tunisian Crochet? As many of you know, I love to master new skills, which is always my number one reason. But if you are a knitter who is not in love with the traditional crochet stitch, this is a nice compromise because the fabric is closer to a knit fabric and feels so good to the touch. It is my favorite for dishcloths.
Speaking of dishcloths, Koryn uses the Purl Soho Tunisian Crochet Washcloth as a jumping off point in her class. It is a great way to learn and practice your Tunisian crochet skills. We have kits using Berroco Pima in our online shop. Solid, striped, the choice is yours and they make a nice hostess gift with a luxury bar of soap.
Once you have mastered a simple washcloth, you can take on this cute Tunisian Crochet Washcloth from Poppy & Bliss. We love a skill builder, and adding a second color in the border will check that box.
Are your drawers filled with dishcloths? Why not tackle this beginner Tunisian Crochet Shawl, Lamia, by Toni Lipsey? In this week's newsletter, we are featuring kits using Woolfolk Tov for this classic shawl. Toni even has a video tutorial accompanying the pattern if you get stuck!
If you are looking for a cute holiday gift for a friend, check out the Mesa Hat and Scarf by Toni. (BTW, she is the best when it comes to Tunisian Crochet patterns.) Wouldn't this be cute in Spincycle Dream State and Woolstok Worsted?
Baby Blankets are a great way to use your Tunisian Crochet Skills, and Toni's Elmore Blanket is an excellent option for the little one in your life. Crocheted using DK weight yarn, this would be buttery soft workuped in Berroco Vintage DK or Elements.
Whether you choose to learn how Tunisian Crochet at the shop on online, there are some great tutorials and pattern out there. Don’t forget to take a gander though Toni Linsey’s page on Ravelry for inspiration!