Is it crocheting, or is it knitting? You may encounter some heated debates in your knitting circle when it comes to defining Tunisian or Afghan needlecraft. Though it may have a knit-like appearance, I think we can all agree that this unusual technique creates the most beautiful patterns, sometimes reminiscent of a cross-stitch tapestry, sometimes of a bubble gum or a web of honeycombs.
This warp and weave combination of stitches will help your crocheted items maintain their original appearance. Warm jackets and coats based on Afghan fabric will never elongate at the hips or elbows, even without lining. The collars and sleeves of sweaters and cardigans will not lose their shape. Jacquard patterns look wonderful using multi-coloured threads in WIPs created in the Scandinavian style. Honeycomb cells made by creating a single braid are ideal for later beading.
It is simple to learn, too. Why not give it a try?
What do you need for Tunisian crochet?
The good news is that you can create all of these beautiful things with just one ordinary crochet hook. Well, not quite so ordinary, after all. The Tunisian crochet hook is almost the same as the classic crochet hook, it only differs in its body, which is about 40 cm long. It also does not have the flattened shaft and comes with either a stop at the end or can be a double-ended hook. The latter is used if you want to add, for example, different colours to your work.
For larger items, such as sweaters, cardigans or blankets there are cable hooks, which are very convenient, as you can just drop the weight of your work in your lap and take the additional strain away from your tendons and wrists. In our practical Symfonie Set of interchangeable Tunisian crochet you will find eight hooks which can be mounted on four different cables with a simple method. The transition between crochet and cord is very smooth to avoid that the loops are getting stuck.
How does Tunisian crochet work exactly?
Tunisian crochet is a method of creating a pattern formed on the basis of a two-tiered row. One runs from right to left, and the second in the opposite direction. So unlike other crochet stitches this way of crocheting requires you to work your row in two steps or passes.
One of the elements of Tunisian crochet is that you do not have to turn the work, you always have the right face of your work facing you.
The first row is formed by marking the required number of loops as you would do it for any crocheted project. When working your chain stitches and keep the thread slightly loose, in this way the chains will not be too narrow.
Then, you insert our hook under that loop which would be your first stitch, and you pull up the loop. You are going to leave that loop on our hook, i.e. you will not be yarning over and pulling through to make a single crochet. In Tunisian or Afghan crochet you always pick up all of the loops in one pass and then crochet all of the loops in the return pass. At the end of your chain you should have the same number of loops on your hook as you did in your beginning chain.
Now you have completed what's called the forward pass of our foundation row; you have gathered all of the loops on your hook, and now you are ready to work them off the hook for the return pass. So to complete the row and start the return pass you have to yarn over and pull through two loops and repeat this all the way down to the beginning of your project.
By pulling the yarn through the loops of the second row or return pass, you create a transverse weave, as a result of which a light, airy and also dense fabric is obtained. This is perfect for all kinds of objects, from house slippers, scarves or hats to large Afghan blankets and cushions.
However, while crocheting your stitches you want to make sure to keep your loops fairly loose. Tunisian crochet has a tendency to curl, and by creating looser stitches you maintain your fabric elastic and manageable at the same time.
To get rid of any curled edges you may want to block and steam your finished item as if you would do with your knitwork.
Don’t miss this exciting way of crocheting beautiful items for yourself and your loved ones. Your Tunisian crochet creations will surely be the centre of attention everywhere you go.
