tunisian sampler scarf
Last Christmas my presents included a set of tunisian crochet hooks. I am aiming to learn a few new crochet techniques this year (broomstick and hairpin crochet are also on my list). After watching Karen – an avowed non-crocheter – enthusiastically embracing tunisan, I decided that it was time. I grabbed a hook and some yarn and started experimenting, then came across Ambassador Crochet‘s Tunisian Sampler Scarf crochetalong. So I pulled out everything I’d already done (which was very dodgy, let me tell you) and made a start on a scarf!
Tunisian has similarities to knitting in that you “cast on” a whole lot of loops onto the hook, but then you cast them off again. It is worked facing you the whole time, and each row consists of two passes, one to cast on the loops and another to cast them off. It’s sort of like weaving as well. You use a long crochet hook with a stopper on the end, in a size much larger than you would normally use for the thickness of the yarn. The stitches vary depending on where you place the hook – there are lots of options – and whether you wrap the yarn around the hook or not.
This is tunisian simple stitch. I’m finding it very challenging going back to being a beginner all over again. I thought that I was very familiar with crochet – and I am with regular crochet! But this is new, although it involves many similar techniques.
Tunisian knit stich – which looks a lot like regular knitted stocking stitch. But it’s much thicker. Tunisian makes quite a warm and sturdy fabric. However, while surfing Ravelry I’ve come across some beautiful tunisian lace shawls. I am planning for these to be in my future! I’ve also signed up with an online “learn tunisian” course via Craftsy. Although I am pretty good at learning from written instructions, it’s also great to be able to watch and listen. I’m looking forward to some time with the hook, the yarn and the laptop to work my way through the class.
So once I get over being a beginner, and the frustrations that entails, I am anticipating that my crochet world is going to expand exponentially!
Looks like you have made a great start. I learnt Tunisian crochet just recently too through my spinning and weaving group. It certainly makes a super warm fabric. One of the ladies showed us an afghan she had made – just beautiful. Got to admit I did enjoy learning the new stitch and found it quite quick to do in the end but I did find I needed a bigger needle than I would normally use for the wool so it wasn’t too tight. Maybe that’s just me. My friend – who does not crochet at all – took to the technique like a duck to water and is making the most beautiful scarves with hand spun wool. I’m quite envious of her skills. Keep practising – it will suddenly all make sense. Ohh and like you I have some patterns I have put aside that I want to make. Thanks for the links too – I do like the look of the sampler scarf.
I got some tunisian crochet hooks last year as well. I’ve made some swatches in the simple stitch but haven’t found time to do any more … but in the interests of learning some more I recently bought Doris Chan’s “Crochet Lace Innovations” which has chapters on tunisian, hairpin lace, broomstick etc… and some gorgeous patterns! Looking forward to seeing what else you make!
Oh me too – I bought tunisian crochet hooks last year too 🙂 It’s on my to do list for this year! Thanks for the links!! I can’t wait to try it!!
I have always wanted to try this too. Thanks for the great links.