I taught my 7 year old granddaughter and 5 year old grandson to do tunisian crochet. Both had tried knitting with variable success but both took to tunisian crochet like ducks to water! A great starter project for children and super for grandma too. I've made a jacket for myself and jumpers and socks for others. Tunisian crochet in the round is very relaxing and satisfying.
I just learned how to Tunisian crochet yesterday. Today I'm working on a C2C reversible pattern. I've crocheted for over 50 years, but never tried Tunisan crochet. I love it! 😊
A little hack for working the first row into the chain. Start your chain with one size larger then when you begin the first row change to your one size smaller. The foundation chain tends to be difficult to work into and can cause your work to go wider. The foundation chain being done one size larger will help keep your work square and flexable. Also add two pencil cushions to the hook first if you are using a straight hook that looks like a knitting needle, this helps cushion your palm and finger thumb grip slides back and forth with ease as you add and remove stitches on the hook.
I’ve just fallen for Tunisian crochet after crocheting for many years. My favourite pieces to crochet are blankets and scarves, so Tunisian is a revelation to me for the reasons you mention - the denser squishiness is just perfect! As I’m working my first piece (a headband in smock stitch) I’m also noticing that the sides are so much neater than in regular crochet, so I’m guessing it’ll be easier to do borders. I also think it’s my gateway into making sweaters and cardigans, which I’ve never been brave enough to attempt. I would recommend anyone give Tunisian crochet a try!
I have tried Tunisian Crochet before. I made a cotton bath mat, but didn't pursue it until i watched one of TL Yarns Toni Lipsey's wonderful videos. She inspired me to try making sweaters, and now i am working on the fifth sweater and using Tunisian crochet stitches. So far the honey 🍯 comb stitch is my favorite ❤ Thank you for sharing your experience with this beautiful craft with us❤😊
I love tunisian crochet, which was called the afghan stitch when I was young. I love doing a cross stitch pattern in them when I am working it up. I get too bored doing the same thing over and over so having to concentrate on a pattern makes my mind happy. I've purchased patterns and I've made them up on graph paper.
I just started learning Tunisian crochet last week and I’m making my first patchwork cardigan! ❤ I’ve been crocheting for almost 10 years. I learned from a massage therapist at work when I use to be a receptionist at a spa. What I really love about Tunisian crochet is that it complements me having dyslexia, dyscalculia and irlen syndrome. I know with crocheting counting and remembering the loops confuse me a lot, which is why I’ve never felt like I was a good crochet, but with Tunisian crochet I feel like it’s much easier for me for some reason. I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit but afraid of doing it because of having my learning disability and I feel like Tunisian crochet has been such a rewarding feeling so far. The one thing I will say that I really do wish there was more of his videos demonstrations on different projects. With my learning disability, I need both written format and visual/audio. I’m not sure if Tunisian crochet isn’t as popular as crocheting knitting, but I wish there was more resources out there in this manner.
28:20 I just picked up a crochet hook two weeks ago and have just been practicing little coasters with the simple stitch crochet but I loved the look of the Tunisian simple stitch. I bought my yarn yesterday, and I picked up the Tunisian crocheting so easily, and it feels so natural to me, I I think regular crocheting will have to be put on the back burner, this is just a beautiful look and feel.
I love Toni Lipsey! She has taught me to crochet and Tunisian crochet. Her videos are light years ahead of other instructional videos. I do own her book and am giving one for Christmas.
Like you, my grandma taught me to crochet as a kid. A few years later, my other grandma introduced me to Cro-Knit, which was a double ended giant wooden crochet hook that my grandpa had made. If you used both ends of the hook, Color A on one end, Color B on the other, the afghan or scarf would feature Color A or B depending on which side you looked at. I kept my hook, and the other 3 my grandpa made for someday and moved along to weaving on a contraption my grandpa made and eventually head over heels with knitting as an adult. Before I knew Tunisian was a thing, I started experimenting with stitches - what does it look like if I put my hook in this row, or behind this stitch, etc. I love what I know now as Tunisian and look forward to learning more from your channel!
@@vivienneconway1926 I have to count rows pretty often to keep my stitch count right. Something I've tried is to put a stitch marker at both ends because that's where I usually drop stitches.
I was a knitter and was just starting to learn crochet when I found Tunisian. It is so much easier for me than regular crochet!! No stitches list or gained
Hi Melissa, i found you by way of teaching myself, TC. I am on my second day and i just don’t what words to use to explain the joy, you get from TC.. i had learned knitting and crocheting as a child. Did the life thing now I’m coming out to the retirement end. I feel like someone slipped a really good Cosmopolitan. Euphoria, fire works and i guess, it is just my time to learn. Everyone take a chance. I learned on my first UA-cam video and i really don’t think I’ll be going back to crocheting. This is far more elegant. And to get a piece of fabric, that resembles knitting. Girlrrrrrrrl. The curl ain’t nothing but a thang. I found that doing a row of sc first, keeps it from curling. I’m over the moon, looking for patterns to make. I ordered my swivel cord today and i purchased Knitters Pride TC set. Perfect length, perfect glide. Easy join, beautiful colors in different sizes. It has me doing the Happy Dance. I was just putting down a piece and i had just wished someone would talk about the Tunisian not making a pattern, per say. You did excellent on explaining and i think p expletive will have to get a feel for which brand to go with. I loved when you said, go cheap, buy again. But you don’t have to mortgage your house to get quality tools. I do my stitches by saying , “bra off, bra on” and it’s just playing good grown up crafting. ❤❤❤😂😂🎉🎉
Great information! I really appreciate it, and also that you actually look at “us” with only quick checks of yourself. It boosts your connection with your audience. Thank you!
Tunisian hooks work great for someone who doesn't like knitting. Knooking is knitting done with these hooks and is so easy for a crocheter to get the hang of. When I broke my hand I couldnt hold my left needle so I learned to knook. Tunisian crochet is also fun.
I’ve learned how to crochet over 45 years ago… but my mom never thought me how to read patterns.. so each year I start a project.. but half way through i get frustrated and not being able to figure out what is wrong the project ends in the corner and I don’t finish it… next year the process repeats.. Until I saw a video of Tony doing Tunisian crochet. I loved the look and instead of starting with a coaster… I started 3 days ago with a blanket LOL😂..no pattern, just rows between 10-30 stitches joining them with a technique Tony shows I alternate colors and stitchtypes to create big blanket containing all different stitches .. Am at the rib stitch now and I love it! Thanks to you I took a good look at some hooksets and ordered the Knitpro ginger set as it was on BF sale 60% off.. containing all features you showed in your set but with 12 sizes.. The blanket can be done with my regulare metal hook.
On doing tunisian stitch if on your return row, every now and then , bring yarn forward and do the stitch as a pearl stitch, dont have to be every other one, i usually do one every 10 stitches or so, do rhis numerous times in your row, complete row, cast on again next return row do same thing again, and stagger your purl stitches like every fifth stitch, and continue across, i just do it when i think of it, helps with curl alot
Lantern Moon wa a Tunisian game changer for me. I was dumb and bought thenChiagoo and Clover sets first. It wasn’t until I got the Lantern Moon set that I really was happy with my stitches AND these hooks are such a joy to use. I absolutely love them!
As someone who has crocheted for 15 years I find that just trying to hold and work with a Tunisian hook is very awkward and my tension is all over the place. Another frustration for myself (which results from not holding the hook properly) is that my stitches don’t look neat and uniform. When doing the return pass, my 2nd loop is significantly larger than the first loop I pull through due to my hook being at an angle. I’ve not seen any videos that address this so maybe it’s just me. But I’d love to see a video that focuses on holding and maneuvering a Tunisian hook.
Yes, just keep practicing and don’t judge yourself. I picked up Tunisian again after not doing it for a few years. I fly a lot and on my last flight I was determined to do only Tunisian since I’m trapped on this plane for hours. I told myself, I’m relaxed, no rush to finish a project. I made a bunch of samples with different yarn and hook sizes. I now find Tunisian very calming. Now I’m working on a blanket and feel very confident my stitches are nice and uniform. And I’m enjoying the journey. Don’t give up!
Lol I hate this chat! The hook learning is hard. So, head bandiss, boot cuffs. See you can use regular crochet hooks. Wrap the end with a rubber band. Once you know the stitches and movements then your learning is down to just adjustments of the hook
I am just getting back into crochet and loved this video. You do a great job presenting and I really appreciate all the tips before starting a new project. Most people don’t give you all this info and you must make all of the same mistakes before you begin to enjoy it. So…thank you so much.
You are so right about Tunisian being a stepping stone! I am a crocheter, so when I tried learning to knit I was so frustrated because I couldn’t seem to hold on to anything. Learning Tunisian was easy, but holding the yarn was so hard for me to get used to. I also love chunky ergonomic hooks, so the fact that I had to hold yarn instead of hook caught me off guard. But after making a tc baby blanket, I tried knitting again and finally (with the new knowledge of continental style) it clicked.
Thank you for saying that any new hobby takes a lot of time to master. The one thing I often hear on you tube videos is IT’S SO EASY PEESY. That has not been my case. I have been crocheting for about a year now and I am still very slow. It’s like learning a new language. And it’s not always easy. It was so nice to hear you talk about that.
I just found your channel and started Tunisian crochet last month. I have been scouring UA-cam finding all sorts of tips for Tunisian crocheting. I love it because it gives me something to learn. I crochet, loom knit and now Tunisian crochet for our H4H group. I am learning Tunisian in the round with the cable hook because I don't like sewing seams. I am testing the waters with using two hooks, one for forward and the other for return pass in the round. I look forward to seeing what is next from you.
I've been Crocheting since the early 70's, just after I was married. I'm 71yrs. By my Mother inlaw & her best friend Beverly. I'm mostly self taught with Tunisian Crochet. I got the Tunisian bug when I started watching Knitting & Crochet, with Bret, Ellen G., on PBS, in Rhode Island. I am the last in my family to Crochet (my Canadian/Nova Scotia grandmother crocheted & sew)
I did my first Tunisian crochet a few years ago. I made a bag right away. Me not really knowing what I was doing it turned out pretty good. But I still didn’t know there were so many different kind of stitches. This year I saw a Tunisian Blanket I had to try. It’s a hexagon in the round. It is absolutely beautiful. It’s a year long CAL.
I'm old fashioned when it comes to the hooks I use. I love the long straight, not interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks. I like the stiffness the full distance of my project because it helps me to see if my tension is even. If all the loops on the hook are the same looseness, I know I'm not going wonky with my tension. The truth for me is that my yarns don't change that much in hook requirement. I don't buy full sets because I rarely use a lot of them. It turns out to be a waste of money. I have done full blankets on regular long Tunisian hooks and that stiff hook helps me to hold the weight of the blanket as it gets bigger and bigger. I only have two sizes of hooks too and it covers everything I've wanted to do so far. I don't do tons of Tunisian crochet, so perhaps for someone who does, they prefer the hooks you show in your video. I recognize that I could be an anomaly. 😂 I also found that the curling can work itself out with use of the product. I did a throw blanket for my first Tunisian project and without needing to block it, as it got bigger and I was manipulating more and more, it seemed like the curl worked itself out. I use this throw blanket all the time and I've washed it several times, and still there is no curl at all. I think the yarn just needs to kind of adjust itself with time and manipulation. I also believe that I loaded the loops with both top strands, which helps too. If you only use the back or the front loop, the curl will be more dramatic.
I knit, crochet and Tunisian crochet and it is slower than traditional crochet stitch for stitch but the payoff is worth it. I would put it somewhere between knitting and crochet in terms of time and it resembles knitting on the front. Playing with colour changes after every forward pass gives interesting results too, playing with colour on Tunisian is a good way to make up scrap blankets too.
Thank-you for the video, I'm just learning this Tunisian crochet, I am loving it, I have spun my own wool and wondered what to do with this beautiful wool I have so I've started my scarf and I'm loving the texture x
Hi Melissa. I happened upon your channel today and appreciate this first episode I watched. My experience has almost been identical! I learned how to basic crochet from my Bubba (grandmother) when I was young. I found Toni Epsey on You Tube recently and instantly loved everything about her teaching, her style and well-just her. I recently got back into crocheting and I picked up some valuable tips from her. Her channel is also where I first heard about Tunisian Crochet. I have been wanting to try this for the past year. I finally decided and ordered the same Lantern Moon set that you also ultimately decided on. They arrived the other day and I finally gave it a go today watching Toni’s video Tunisian Crochet for Absolute Beginners. After I did my practice swatch (a coaster just like yours!), I experienced the same things you and your commenters talked about! Sore hands, curling, falling IN LOVE with this new technique on my first return pass! I happed upon your video here and immediately felt a connection as I totally relayed to all that you spoke of. I actually have a question though. I am not sure how to use the cable? How does that work on longer projects? I tried to practice on some scrap yarn doing a 20 count row but struggled. Do you have or can you do a video for beginners in this technique on how to utilize the cord on longer projects? Love your speckled blanket BTW!
Thank you! You’ll keep the cord attached to your hook to give your loops more space to sit before you get to the return pass! This is handy for larger projects like a blanket where all the loops can’t fit into a regular size hook. :)
Still new at this. I can't seem to get a tight stitch. With the y/o it tends to create very loosely. Also with the Tunisian hook I found if I push the bead through a loose weave basket I have sitting next to me, it keeps it from flopping around and keeps it stationary. I can post a pic. if needed.
I also learned Tunisian from Toni Lipsey. Her video tutorials are wonderful! I also got a Chiagoo corded hook that I did not like using because the knob on the end kept knocking into me or my table. I now have several sets (metal, wood, bamboo, plastic) that I use with different types of yarns. Swivel cords are very important.
I love Tunisian crochet, I tried learning to knit, but the person teaching me was right-handed, and I'm left-handed, it frustrated me and I gave up, but about 6-7 years ago I came across Tunisian crochet hooks, I went to UA-cam to look it up, I got myself the hooks from aliexpress, ND I fell in love with it, it's knitting on a crochet hook.
I’m left handed too, taught knitting by a right handed person, just can’t get my head round chrochet but came across TC and I’m thrilled, I can finally make something!
I never liked crochet very much. I always have the feeling, I'm doing it wrong. Knitting is my thing. I tried Tunesien crochet about 20 years ago, but had no inspiration, what to use it for. Last year, I accidentally found the one Tunesien hook I owned and tried it again. It felt like I was finally coming home. It is just so much fun, and relaxing and satisfying. With all my knitting experience in the back of my mind, it suddenly clicked: I can use tunesien crochet for anything. The sky is the limit. Currently, I'm working on a wool hat for my daughter and a towel and a library of pattern swatches... Can't stop myself from starting new projects.
For my first Tunisian project (last year), I tried replicating a potholder that my husband's grandma made and he inherited. The problem with hers is that for some reason, she made it with acrylic yarn. It was a simple cream colored background with a medium blue stripe about every 1 inch. It had a border around the entire potholder in the same medium blue. It went ok. It turned out nice, but I used the only crochet hook that I had, which was a normal short aluminum one that I inherited from my grandma. For this project, it was too short, and half way through the project my hands were cramping so much from trying not to let the project fall off the end and keeping it scrunched up. Since then, I decided to get proper Tunisian crochet hooks in 2 styles. I got the Clover brand wooden ones in the cream colored canvas wrap, bias taped in lavender, and a set of long aluminum ones. Then life got crazy and I haven't tried out my new supplies. I'm going to try again using the wooden ones first, and I'm going to teach my 9 year old how to crochet too. I can't wait to try the honeycomb stitch. I'll be making some more double thickness potholders and a vintage shawl from a pattern on youtube.
I love Tunisian crochet.....I've been doing it for several decades. Right now I'm using it to make a throw for a daughter of my favorite cousin. She's getting married....so I'm making it as their gift. When I first started crocheting, there weren't any padded hooks or ergonomic ones. We just had aluminum & steel. My first Tunisian hooks were just extra long crochet hooks ....& that was fine except if you wanted to make a blanket. A few years ago I bought an interchangeable set of Tunisian hooks. I'm using one now because the throw is 46" wide. I don't know what the stitch is called....I saw it on YT & thought it was pretty. I agree, Tunisian makes a beautiful, solid fabric. I still use & prefer my original crochet hooks which are Boye mostly & just straight hook. I'm old school, I guess.
To keep your Tunisian crochet from curling if you make the 1st and last stitch (a single crochet , 1/2 double, or double ) whatever stitch you are using , your Tunisian crochet will not curl! 💕🧶 Hope this helps.
Yes, I saw a Mermaid net like pattern alternating two strands (one white, one colors alternated, snipped after each row, that was illustrated and would be beautiful for a baby blanket.
Great video. I first tried it during the shutdown I think. Not only did I keep dropping stitches but I struggled with the last edge stitch. I had to put it to the side for over a year because I was so frustrated. Then I jumped back in and it went much better. I made a scrap blanket with Toni's join as you go video and so this just solidified my TSS before I moved on to other stitches. I'm definitely slower and my pinky tends to cramp up. I go up more like 2 whole sizes and it goes better for me. I love Toni's chill stitch because it doesn't curl, so give this a try if you haven't yet. I still like to stick to narrower projects because I still count from time to time and so wide projects take too long to count lol.
Thanks, this was interesting! I have been doing Tunisian for about a year. I had already experienced that my hands ache a little after crocheting for a long time, but seem to ache LESS with Tunisian than with regular stitches. It may be because I find Tunisian more relaxing and I don't tense up with it, as I do with amigurumi projects for example. Now I do both but Tunisian is more of a treat to do for my own enjoyment.
to fix curling and shrinking for my tunisian crochet (knit stitch) i use a smaller hook size and make a longer than i think i need chain, and then use the larger hook to go and work it up!! it works great
😂 the spreadsheet 😂 sounds like something I would do. Thanks so much for the thoughtful video. I found it very informative and my brain was able to connect, as your way of thinking and learning is similar to mine.
I am just starting to learn...this week as a matter of fact. So, I am glad that your video showed up in my feed as I was searching. This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing. I am struggling with my tension being too tight and I am going really, really slow.
I have crochet/knit for many years. I bought an afghan hook many years ago and finally am learning the Tuscan technique. I am starting a blanket for my grandson and found a pattern where you can make the foundation stitch without having to go back into each chain. I have read twice to single crochet first row to eliminate curling. Also a woman said here she works the 2 rows as “bra on-bra off “.. so I hope I can do this without too much difficulty
I love Tunisian crochet. I'm currently making a shawl for myself and sister but I didn't pick the best stitch and there's also a mosaic element to it so... very ambitious project, lol. But I really enjoy doing it.
I'm just dipping my toe into Tunisian crochet because I want to make a warm sweater with no big holes. This was a lot of good information for me. Currently I'm struggling with the furthest right loop being too loose on all rows. I try so hard to keep that tight, but it ends up being loose. That's my only issue right now. Just that one loop on every row lol. But I'll keep trying!
Well, congratulations....you got me all excited about going back to Tunisian! I'm already drooling over your little blanket and I'm interested in using the DK weight you mentioned. New Subscriber. 😊❤
When I learned Tunisian, it was the 70’s and we used 36 inch hooks….wooden & custom made in Utah, for making baby blankets. They were amazing. Over the years, many military moves, mine were lost. I would kill for those hooks again.
I started on my yarn journey because my gran (born in 1905) used to crochet lace and I wanted to emulate her. I started knitting as I was a little more familiar with it, then crochet. Along the way, I was given a loom so I started weaving as well. I learned many tricks and built some skills. I kept seeing this Tunisian crochet thing and it seemed very complicated. Then one day I decided to try and by the end of my first return path, I was in love with it. All the skills I learned before yarn-wise came together beautifully. (That was last week btw😂) I have stopped weaving atm, it needs too much preparation for my taste and I like to be able to make changes along the way. I'll come back to it later probably. For now, with the way I work, the yarns I like (I got my first skein of merino superwash yesterday... Love love love), my tension in all these different crafts, I go : garment > knitting, accessory or toy > crochet, bags and casings > Tunisian crochet. The weather here is too mild for very thick clothing and I feel the extra thickness is perfect to protect a phone or a laptop. And the Tunisian stitches are really beautiful and so different from what you get with knit or crochet, it's a joy to make. I particularly like the lattice stitch😉. And the thing that really stumped my first project was crochet size, you really need to go bigger😂 Thanks for the vid
Great video. I knit, crochet and Tunisian?..found Tony on UA-cam out the gate. I will get her book at your urging and will learn honeycomb. I found TY crochet tutorial on honeycomb. Thank you.
Melissa, you’ve inspired me to pick up my Tunisian crochet hook again. I made a shawl last year but then didn’t know what you make next…. Now I’m thinking a blanket 💕☺️
I am learning Tunisian crochet for the first time. I am having a hard time with learning to hold the hook. I tend to hold a regular crochet hook like a pencil and you can't do that with TC. So I am struggling with it a little. However, that being said I really love the concept of it and it seems simple to me.
buy it nice or buy it twice is SOOOOO right. i wish i had just bought the clover bamboo tunisian set at michaels first and not botered wasting my money on the crappy set off amazon. the michaels one is perfect. i use them for regular crochet too. i am also now an inlines convert. lol
Amazon has solid tunisian hooks (about 14" long) in aluminum for super cheap, i got 12 different sized hooks for under $10 I made a cashmere/merino scarf 2-color Tunisian Full stitch, and am currently making a 2 yarn twin sized blanket with a double headed hook in Tunisian Simple stich
I took up crotchet a week ago. It took me a few days to learn how to feel the correct tension. I just received some beginner Tunisian crotchet hooks (the bamboo ones with the long tubing) and expect it to take about the same amount of time to learn a different tension requirement. I have a bit of an advantage by being a violist, so my right hand (bow hand) is used to the “knife hold” and my sensitivity to tension in that hand is highly developed. I’m a bit worried though as they came with an Emory board to smooth them down. I’m really good with woodworking, but it raised my eyebrows a bit. I’ll sand them down if I need to, but with the sandpaper I already own that is finer than what was supplied.
I found I loved it at first but I kept losing stitches and I couldn't figure out how and if I made a mistake I couldn't rectify it so I would tear it out and start over and then.....I gave up
Thank you for this interesting video on Tunisian crochet. I taught myself this from other UA-cam videos and have successfully made blankets. However I have been frustrated in finding simple children’s sweater patterns. Also I wouldn’t know the language of making a garment in Tunisian crochet -there must be increases and decreases etc! If you have any suggestions I would be very appreciative.
My first project in Tunisian crochet was from Tonite tutorial of her gingham baby afghan. I continue to make 3 twin size gingham blankets for my grandchildren.
Hooks are personal. Everyone has their preference. Myself I spent over 300 dollars on a set of Chiagoo interchangables hooks with extra cords and I regret it. I found the bamboo dragged my yarn too much, the head wasn't deep enough and I had to twist my wrists too much to catch the yarn to start a stitch. For the price it should have been much better. In the end I bought the lantern moon set and I haven't looked back. but, in the end a good metal tunisian hook worked best although with a lot of yarn loops on it it was weighty and eventually painful on the arms if I can't rest my elbows to take the weight. I cannot say enough about swivel cords for interchangables. So good for sore wrists and forearms. Although if you're not serious about tunisian crochet cheaper hooks will suffice.
I suggest that, if you have never learned any form of the yarn arts, to begin with crochet, as it will teach you to hold the yarn with your left hand, which will be of great help for holding the yarn while learning to knit continental style, then learn Tunisian crochet, as it will be an absolute breeze to learn, and you will already be very familiar with yarn tension, holding and manipulating the yarn, and reading patterns. Also, take the previous advice that others have offered about keeping your stitches LOOSE, because Tunisian crochet stitches create a lot of fabric tension, which is the cause of the curling fabric, so the loose stitches will eliminate the unnecessary tension and pain in the hands of beginners from trying to pull the hook through loops that were too tightly formed. I just learned the basics, as well as several Tunisian stitches in just a few minutes prior to watching this video, which was quite easy for me, after years of crochet and knitting experience, because I was already aware of the potential problems. Of course, you can learn these skills in any order that you wish, but, if you are starting with no experience at all but wish to learn crochet, knit and Tunisian crochet anyway, I know that learning them in this order will serve you very well!
Ik heb haken 3 jaren geleden leren haken en ontdekte een paar weken later tunisch haken. En dat vond ik zo leuk . Ik heb als eerst een deken gemaakt . En omdat ik alleen breide heb ik dat ik toegepast in tunisch haken Kabels en kant heb ik gebruikt in die deken
I really like TC. I'm just trying to relearn how to crochet again. I found out about TC a year ago. I'm wondering about the length of cords for the interchangeable hooks. Are they long enough to make big projects like blankets. I would like to make many TC blocks and then put them together like the granny squares. I wonder if there are patterns out there for that. Lol. Yeah, I'm thinking a lot. 😂😅 sorry.
In all fairness, you purchased a crochet hook that is used for making blankets or Afghans and holding 100 plus stitches. It’s also-called an Afghan hook.
Love my Lantern Moon hooks and Tunisian crochet. You should get the Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Anna Nikipirowicz and Tunisian Crochet Workshop by Michelle Robinson. Hope to see more Tunisian tutorials and patterns from you.
I discovered Tunisian crochet over 20years ago after being taught basic crochet as a child by my mother over 40years before that. Dozens of dollies, and grandmothers flower gardens, even filet stitch curtains have come from my simple hooks. I love Tunisian for large projects. I use my T crochet Rhuana (shawl) nearly every winter evening. It's warm and drapes cuddly. I've never tried a hook with a cord as I don't like the feel of corded knitting needles. I found designing clothing easier with T crochet than knitting, easier to judge the results of increases and decreases. Experiment! Try different hooks, yarns and patterns for different textures. You may have found your perfect craft.
I’ve just started working Tunisian crochet. I’m incorporating it into a jumper I’m making for a friend. My main problem is that if I drop a stitch on the return pass I can’t work out how to pick it up and have to restart the whole row.
Many projects, once you get past doing those where gauge may not be important:coasters/dishtowels/blankets and afghans/shawls, etc., you will need a 7mm hook. Why a set like Lantern Moon, and many other $100+ sets don't have this, is beyond me, and is what kept me from purchasing. My Leeyien set, made by the same folk who do the Denise hooks Toni uses, but half the cost, have many more hook sizes. I use it a lot more than my KnitPicks Bamboo set- swivel hooks, by the way and cheaper than Lantern Moon,PLUS too many folk on a Tunisian group have posted broken LM hooks, and my bamboo have been through many projects with zero issues, or my Lykke set, which also have swivel cables. Neither of those last two have 7mm hooks, and if a patterrn for a top, cardigan or other gauge-important item calls for a 7mm, well, most of the big name hook sets are sadly lacking.
it's so funny to me that some people feel like their project goes slower with Tunisian crochet - I just started yesterday and even my first swatch felt soooo much faster than regular crochet to me, but like you say i think it's just a personal thing. like, i don't actually think it's taking me less time but psychologically it feels less taxing to do one forward pass and one return pass rather than thinking about it as x amount of stitches over and over... idk anyone else feel this way? i've only heard people say it feels slower to them so far and i just think it's interesting.
I love TC as well and the honeycomb stitch will probably always be my favorite, but you should definitely try an entrelac and a ripple. You mentioned the back of the work, I made a Tunisian knit stitch blanket for my SIL because she likes the fluffy back side and puts that out when she displays it.
I have knitted for many years and got [more into crochet] in approx. 2016. And have always liked the thought of Tunisian crochet because of the combination of both stitches. [But] often I kind of lose my stitch count and gain stitches somewhere. How does one keep the correct stitch count and not put more stitches on than what is supposed to be on the needle?
Last year I decided to try Tunisian crochet and attempted making a large throw blanket. I was given an aluminum Tunisian hook (cable attached) but because it was was a size 'G' I needed something larger. I ordered a 'K' bamboo hook. Not good! The wood splintered and would snag my yarn. Returned it but had to wait for its replacement. In the meantime, I ordered a plastic hook. Why? I don't like plastic hooks! They feel awful. My bamboo replacement arrived only to break where it joined the cable. Still determined, I tried to find an aluminum hook like the one that was given to me. How hard would that be since I already knew it existed? Well, I couldn't find it in stores nor online. Knowing it was made by Boye and I like Boye aluminum hooks, I emailed them a picture along with a "Where can I buy?" request. Sadly, their reply stated it no longer exist. Although I ordered another bamboo hook (different brand), I've since moved on to other projects and will eventually return to this WIP. I enjoyed the process of Tunisian crochet. It provided a bit of a challenge in that it combines crocheting and knitting. I enjoyed your video and hearing about your learning adventure.
I just started dabbling in tunisian crochet. I'm an experienced knitter and traditional crocheter. It seems tunisian is much less versatile. Am I missing something? This video is an excellent video.
Tunisian crochet spanned the gap between crochet and knitting for me. It's all now part of the same thing. I recommend the cheapest set of bamboo Tunisian hooks you can find. They are great for learning and will serve you for years. They start to bend after some use, but they are natural bamboo and cheap, so throwing them away isn't a big deal. Attached cords tend to just get in the way.
Absolutly. My son will be 50 in March. I made him a red,white and blue Tunisian blanket. I then cross stitched on top a big sail boat. I still have it and in great shape. I wish I could send you a pic of it.
Have you ever used an Afghan hook? I have one that was in a kit my mother had that was knitting needles and had one long afghan hook. I was a crocheter. I did learn how to knit but I do Continental. I just hated the English style due to the dropping of the yarn. Much slower.
I started with knitting, and found it a little awkward. I went to crochet and found that easier to figure out. Then I went to tunisian with Toni, and then I was able to teach myself knitting but continental style because that transition made sense to me.
![Reviewing EVERY Tunisian Crochet Hook (That I Own) [YARN SNOB REVIEWS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_nD9W2lgne4/mqdefault.jpg)
I taught my 7 year old granddaughter and 5 year old grandson to do tunisian crochet. Both had tried knitting with variable success but both took to tunisian crochet like ducks to water! A great starter project for children and super for grandma too. I've made a jacket for myself and jumpers and socks for others. Tunisian crochet in the round is very relaxing and satisfying.
I just learned how to Tunisian crochet yesterday. Today I'm working on a C2C reversible pattern. I've crocheted for over 50 years, but never tried Tunisan crochet. I love it! 😊
A little hack for working the first row into the chain. Start your chain with one size larger then when you begin the first row change to your one size smaller. The foundation chain tends to be difficult to work into and can cause your work to go wider. The foundation chain being done one size larger will help keep your work square and flexable. Also add two pencil cushions to the hook first if you are using a straight hook that looks like a knitting needle, this helps cushion your palm and finger thumb grip slides back and forth with ease as you add and remove stitches on the hook.
Thanks for posting. This is valuable info.
Tunisian crochet also lends itself beautifully as the canvas for adding a gorgeous cross stitch pattern.😊
I’ve just fallen for Tunisian crochet after crocheting for many years. My favourite pieces to crochet are blankets and scarves, so Tunisian is a revelation to me for the reasons you mention - the denser squishiness is just perfect! As I’m working my first piece (a headband in smock stitch) I’m also noticing that the sides are so much neater than in regular crochet, so I’m guessing it’ll be easier to do borders. I also think it’s my gateway into making sweaters and cardigans, which I’ve never been brave enough to attempt. I would recommend anyone give Tunisian crochet a try!
I have tried Tunisian Crochet before. I made a cotton bath mat, but didn't pursue it until i watched one of TL Yarns Toni Lipsey's wonderful videos. She inspired me to try making sweaters, and now i am working on the fifth sweater and using Tunisian crochet stitches. So far the honey 🍯 comb stitch is my favorite ❤ Thank you for sharing your experience with this beautiful craft with us❤😊
I suck at knitting, but I love the typical knitting stitches, I was so happy when I learned about tunisian stitch 👍
I love tunisian crochet, which was called the afghan stitch when I was young. I love doing a cross stitch pattern in them when I am working it up. I get too bored doing the same thing over and over so having to concentrate on a pattern makes my mind happy. I've purchased patterns and I've made them up on graph paper.
I just started learning Tunisian crochet last week and I’m making my first patchwork cardigan! ❤ I’ve been crocheting for almost 10 years. I learned from a massage therapist at work when I use to be a receptionist at a spa. What I really love about Tunisian crochet is that it complements me having dyslexia, dyscalculia and irlen syndrome. I know with crocheting counting and remembering the loops confuse me a lot, which is why I’ve never felt like I was a good crochet, but with Tunisian crochet I feel like it’s much easier for me for some reason. I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit but afraid of doing it because of having my learning disability and I feel like Tunisian crochet has been such a rewarding feeling so far.
The one thing I will say that I really do wish there was more of his videos demonstrations on different projects. With my learning disability, I need both written format and visual/audio. I’m not sure if Tunisian crochet isn’t as popular as crocheting knitting, but I wish there was more resources out there in this manner.
That's why I keep my favorite Tunisian video on speed-dial😂😂❤❤
28:20 I just picked up a crochet hook two weeks ago and have just been practicing little coasters with the simple stitch crochet but I loved the look of the Tunisian simple stitch. I bought my yarn yesterday, and I picked up the Tunisian crocheting so easily, and it feels so natural to me, I I think regular crocheting will have to be put on the back burner, this is just a beautiful look and feel.
I love Toni Lipsey! She has taught me to crochet and Tunisian crochet. Her videos are light years ahead of other instructional videos. I do own her book and am giving one for Christmas.
Like you, my grandma taught me to crochet as a kid. A few years later, my other grandma introduced me to Cro-Knit, which was a double ended giant wooden crochet hook that my grandpa had made. If you used both ends of the hook, Color A on one end, Color B on the other, the afghan or scarf would feature Color A or B depending on which side you looked at. I kept my hook, and the other 3 my grandpa made for someday and moved along to weaving on a contraption my grandpa made and eventually head over heels with knitting as an adult. Before I knew Tunisian was a thing, I started experimenting with stitches - what does it look like if I put my hook in this row, or behind this stitch, etc. I love what I know now as Tunisian and look forward to learning more from your channel!
I’m really struggling to keep a consistent stitch count. Any tips?
@@vivienneconway1926 I have to count rows pretty often to keep my stitch count right. Something I've tried is to put a stitch marker at both ends because that's where I usually drop stitches.
I was a knitter and was just starting to learn crochet when I found Tunisian. It is so much easier for me than regular crochet!! No stitches list or gained
Hi Melissa, i found you by way of teaching myself, TC. I am on my second day and i just don’t what words to use to explain the joy, you get from TC.. i had learned knitting and crocheting as a child. Did the life thing now I’m coming out to the retirement end. I feel like someone slipped a really good Cosmopolitan. Euphoria, fire works and i guess, it is just my time to learn. Everyone take a chance. I learned on my first UA-cam video and i really don’t think I’ll be going back to crocheting. This is far more elegant. And to get a piece of fabric, that resembles knitting. Girlrrrrrrrl. The curl ain’t nothing but a thang. I found that doing a row of sc first, keeps it from curling. I’m over the moon, looking for patterns to make. I ordered my swivel cord today and i purchased Knitters Pride TC set. Perfect length, perfect glide. Easy join, beautiful colors in different sizes. It has me doing the Happy Dance. I was just putting down a piece and i had just wished someone would talk about the Tunisian not making a pattern, per say. You did excellent on explaining and i think p expletive will have to get a feel for which brand to go with. I loved when you said, go cheap, buy again. But you don’t have to mortgage your house to get quality tools. I do my stitches by saying , “bra off, bra on” and it’s just playing good grown up crafting. ❤❤❤😂😂🎉🎉
Great information! I really appreciate it, and also that you actually look at “us” with only quick checks of yourself. It boosts your connection with your audience. Thank you!
Tunisian hooks work great for someone who doesn't like knitting. Knooking is knitting done with these hooks and is so easy for a crocheter to get the hang of. When I broke my hand I couldnt hold my left needle so I learned to knook. Tunisian crochet is also fun.
I’ve learned how to crochet over 45 years ago… but my mom never thought me how to read patterns.. so each year I start a project.. but half way through i get frustrated and not being able to figure out what is wrong the project ends in the corner and I don’t finish it… next year the process repeats.. Until I saw a video of Tony doing Tunisian crochet. I loved the look and instead of starting with a coaster… I started 3 days ago with a blanket LOL😂..no pattern, just rows between 10-30 stitches joining them with a technique Tony shows I alternate colors and stitchtypes to create big blanket containing all different stitches .. Am at the rib stitch now and I love it! Thanks to you I took a good look at some hooksets and ordered the Knitpro ginger set as it was on BF sale 60% off.. containing all features you showed in your set but with 12 sizes.. The blanket can be done with my regulare metal hook.
On doing tunisian stitch if on your return row, every now and then , bring yarn forward and do the stitch as a pearl stitch, dont have to be every other one, i usually do one every 10 stitches or so, do rhis numerous times in your row, complete row, cast on again next return row do same thing again, and stagger your purl stitches like every fifth stitch, and continue across, i just do it when i think of it, helps with curl alot
Lantern Moon wa a Tunisian game changer for me. I was dumb and bought thenChiagoo and Clover sets first. It wasn’t until I got the Lantern Moon set that I really was happy with my stitches AND these hooks are such a joy to use. I absolutely love them!
As someone who has crocheted for 15 years I find that just trying to hold and work with a Tunisian hook is very awkward and my tension is all over the place. Another frustration for myself (which results from not holding the hook properly) is that my stitches don’t look neat and uniform. When doing the return pass, my 2nd loop is significantly larger than the first loop I pull through due to my hook being at an angle. I’ve not seen any videos that address this so maybe it’s just me. But I’d love to see a video that focuses on holding and maneuvering a Tunisian hook.
It definitely takes some getting used to but worth it once your hands get into a rhythm! 😊
Yes, just keep practicing and don’t judge yourself. I picked up Tunisian again after not doing it for a few years. I fly a lot and on my last flight I was determined to do only Tunisian since I’m trapped on this plane for hours. I told myself, I’m relaxed, no rush to finish a project. I made a bunch of samples with different yarn and hook sizes. I now find Tunisian very calming. Now I’m working on a blanket and feel very confident my stitches are nice and uniform. And I’m enjoying the journey. Don’t give up!
Lol I hate this chat! The hook learning is hard. So, head bandiss, boot cuffs. See you can use regular crochet hooks. Wrap the end with a rubber band. Once you know the stitches and movements then your learning is down to just adjustments of the hook
i learned using a regular aluminum crochet hook, no ergonomic grip. it was a lot easier lol
I would say get a flexible crochet hook! It is awesome.
I am just getting back into crochet and loved this video. You do a great job presenting and I really appreciate all the tips before starting a new project. Most people don’t give you all this info and you must make all of the same mistakes before you begin to enjoy it. So…thank you so much.
Thank you so much!
You are so right about Tunisian being a stepping stone! I am a crocheter, so when I tried learning to knit I was so frustrated because I couldn’t seem to hold on to anything. Learning Tunisian was easy, but holding the yarn was so hard for me to get used to. I also love chunky ergonomic hooks, so the fact that I had to hold yarn instead of hook caught me off guard. But after making a tc baby blanket, I tried knitting again and finally (with the new knowledge of continental style) it clicked.
I appreciated learning about the use of a border and steam blocking to reduce curling.
I also use tablecloth weights to help control the curl during the work.
Thank you for saying that any new hobby takes a lot of time to master. The one thing I often hear on you tube videos is IT’S SO EASY PEESY. That has not been my case. I have been crocheting for about a year now and I am still very slow. It’s like learning a new language. And it’s not always easy. It was so nice to hear you talk about that.
I just found your channel and started Tunisian crochet last month. I have been scouring UA-cam finding all sorts of tips for Tunisian crocheting. I love it because it gives me something to learn. I crochet, loom knit and now Tunisian crochet for our H4H group. I am learning Tunisian in the round with the cable hook because I don't like sewing seams. I am testing the waters with using two hooks, one for forward and the other for return pass in the round. I look forward to seeing what is next from you.
That's amazing! I can't wait to hear how your next Tunisian endeavors go, there's so much to discover!
I've been Crocheting since the early 70's, just after I was married. I'm 71yrs. By my Mother inlaw & her best friend Beverly.
I'm mostly self taught with Tunisian Crochet. I got the Tunisian bug when I started watching Knitting & Crochet, with Bret, Ellen G., on PBS, in Rhode Island. I am the last in my family to Crochet (my Canadian/Nova Scotia grandmother crocheted & sew)
I did my first Tunisian crochet a few years ago. I made a bag right away. Me not really knowing what I was doing it turned out pretty good.
But I still didn’t know there were so many different kind of stitches. This year I saw a Tunisian Blanket I had to try. It’s a hexagon in the round. It is absolutely beautiful. It’s a year long CAL.
I'm old fashioned when it comes to the hooks I use. I love the long straight, not interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks. I like the stiffness the full distance of my project because it helps me to see if my tension is even. If all the loops on the hook are the same looseness, I know I'm not going wonky with my tension. The truth for me is that my yarns don't change that much in hook requirement. I don't buy full sets because I rarely use a lot of them. It turns out to be a waste of money. I have done full blankets on regular long Tunisian hooks and that stiff hook helps me to hold the weight of the blanket as it gets bigger and bigger. I only have two sizes of hooks too and it covers everything I've wanted to do so far. I don't do tons of Tunisian crochet, so perhaps for someone who does, they prefer the hooks you show in your video. I recognize that I could be an anomaly. 😂 I also found that the curling can work itself out with use of the product. I did a throw blanket for my first Tunisian project and without needing to block it, as it got bigger and I was manipulating more and more, it seemed like the curl worked itself out. I use this throw blanket all the time and I've washed it several times, and still there is no curl at all. I think the yarn just needs to kind of adjust itself with time and manipulation. I also believe that I loaded the loops with both top strands, which helps too. If you only use the back or the front loop, the curl will be more dramatic.
I bought a set of 11 anodised straight hooks from Shein for $9 aus. They seem fine.
I knit, crochet and Tunisian crochet and it is slower than traditional crochet stitch for stitch but the payoff is worth it. I would put it somewhere between knitting and crochet in terms of time and it resembles knitting on the front. Playing with colour changes after every forward pass gives interesting results too, playing with colour on Tunisian is a good way to make up scrap blankets too.
Thank-you for the video, I'm just learning this Tunisian crochet, I am loving it, I have spun my own wool and wondered what to do with this beautiful wool I have so I've started my scarf and I'm loving the texture x
Hi Melissa. I happened upon your channel today and appreciate this first episode I watched. My experience has almost been identical! I learned how to basic crochet from my Bubba (grandmother) when I was young. I found Toni Epsey on You Tube recently and instantly loved everything about her teaching, her style and well-just her. I recently got back into crocheting and I picked up some valuable tips from her. Her channel is also where I first heard about Tunisian Crochet. I have been wanting to try this for the past year. I finally decided and ordered the same Lantern Moon set that you also ultimately decided on. They arrived the other day and I finally gave it a go today watching Toni’s video Tunisian Crochet for Absolute Beginners. After I did my practice swatch (a coaster just like yours!), I experienced the same things you and your commenters talked about! Sore hands, curling, falling IN LOVE with this new technique on my first return pass! I happed upon your video here and immediately felt a connection as I totally relayed to all that you spoke of. I actually have a question though. I am not sure how to use the cable? How does that work on longer projects? I tried to practice on some scrap yarn doing a 20 count row but struggled. Do you have or can you do a video for beginners in this technique on how to utilize the cord on longer projects? Love your speckled blanket BTW!
Thank you! You’ll keep the cord attached to your hook to give your loops more space to sit before you get to the return pass! This is handy for larger projects like a blanket where all the loops can’t fit into a regular size hook. :)
Still new at this. I can't seem to get a tight stitch. With the y/o it tends to create very loosely. Also with the Tunisian hook I found if I push the bead through a loose weave basket I have sitting next to me, it keeps it from flopping around and keeps it stationary. I can post a pic. if needed.
I also learned Tunisian from Toni Lipsey. Her video tutorials are wonderful! I also got a Chiagoo corded hook that I did not like using because the knob on the end kept knocking into me or my table. I now have several sets (metal, wood, bamboo, plastic) that I use with different types of yarns. Swivel cords are very important.
I love Tunisian crochet, I tried learning to knit, but the person teaching me was right-handed, and I'm left-handed, it frustrated me and I gave up, but about 6-7 years ago I came across Tunisian crochet hooks, I went to UA-cam to look it up, I got myself the hooks from aliexpress, ND I fell in love with it, it's knitting on a crochet hook.
I’m left handed too, taught knitting by a right handed person, just can’t get my head round chrochet but came across TC and I’m thrilled, I can finally make something!
I never liked crochet very much. I always have the feeling, I'm doing it wrong. Knitting is my thing. I tried Tunesien crochet about 20 years ago, but had no inspiration, what to use it for. Last year, I accidentally found the one Tunesien hook I owned and tried it again. It felt like I was finally coming home. It is just so much fun, and relaxing and satisfying. With all my knitting experience in the back of my mind, it suddenly clicked: I can use tunesien crochet for anything. The sky is the limit. Currently, I'm working on a wool hat for my daughter and a towel and a library of pattern swatches... Can't stop myself from starting new projects.
For my first Tunisian project (last year), I tried replicating a potholder that my husband's grandma made and he inherited. The problem with hers is that for some reason, she made it with acrylic yarn. It was a simple cream colored background with a medium blue stripe about every 1 inch. It had a border around the entire potholder in the same medium blue. It went ok. It turned out nice, but I used the only crochet hook that I had, which was a normal short aluminum one that I inherited from my grandma. For this project, it was too short, and half way through the project my hands were cramping so much from trying not to let the project fall off the end and keeping it scrunched up. Since then, I decided to get proper Tunisian crochet hooks in 2 styles. I got the Clover brand wooden ones in the cream colored canvas wrap, bias taped in lavender, and a set of long aluminum ones. Then life got crazy and I haven't tried out my new supplies. I'm going to try again using the wooden ones first, and I'm going to teach my 9 year old how to crochet too. I can't wait to try the honeycomb stitch. I'll be making some more double thickness potholders and a vintage shawl from a pattern on youtube.
I love Tunisian crochet.....I've been doing it for several decades. Right now I'm using it to make a throw for a daughter of my favorite cousin. She's getting married....so I'm making it as their gift.
When I first started crocheting, there weren't any padded hooks or ergonomic ones. We just had aluminum & steel. My first Tunisian hooks were just extra long crochet hooks ....& that was fine except if you wanted to make a blanket. A few years ago I bought an interchangeable set of Tunisian hooks. I'm using one now because the throw is 46" wide. I don't know what the stitch is called....I saw it on YT & thought it was pretty.
I agree, Tunisian makes a beautiful, solid fabric.
I still use & prefer my original crochet hooks which are Boye mostly & just straight hook. I'm old school, I guess.
To keep your Tunisian crochet from curling if you make the 1st and last stitch (a single crochet , 1/2 double, or double ) whatever stitch you are using , your Tunisian crochet will not curl! 💕🧶 Hope this helps.
Yes, I saw a Mermaid net like pattern alternating two strands (one white, one colors alternated, snipped after each row, that was illustrated and would be beautiful for a baby blanket.
Great video. I first tried it during the shutdown I think. Not only did I keep dropping stitches but I struggled with the last edge stitch. I had to put it to the side for over a year because I was so frustrated. Then I jumped back in and it went much better. I made a scrap blanket with Toni's join as you go video and so this just solidified my TSS before I moved on to other stitches. I'm definitely slower and my pinky tends to cramp up. I go up more like 2 whole sizes and it goes better for me. I love Toni's chill stitch because it doesn't curl, so give this a try if you haven't yet. I still like to stick to narrower projects because I still count from time to time and so wide projects take too long to count lol.
I really appreciate you making this video! Would you consider sharing the spreadsheet you made to help you decide which hooks to buy?
Thanks, this was interesting! I have been doing Tunisian for about a year. I had already experienced that my hands ache a little after crocheting for a long time, but seem to ache LESS with Tunisian than with regular stitches. It may be because I find Tunisian more relaxing and I don't tense up with it, as I do with amigurumi projects for example. Now I do both but Tunisian is more of a treat to do for my own enjoyment.
I tried Tunisian in the round on a sweater and I loved it.
to fix curling and shrinking for my tunisian crochet (knit stitch) i use a smaller hook size and make a longer than i think i need chain, and then use the larger hook to go and work it up!! it works great
That’s a great tip, thanks for sharing!
😂 the spreadsheet 😂 sounds like something I would do. Thanks so much for the thoughtful video. I found it very informative and my brain was able to connect, as your way of thinking and learning is similar to mine.
lol I'm glad you can relate and found it helpful! :)
I am just starting to learn...this week as a matter of fact. So, I am glad that your video showed up in my feed as I was searching. This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing. I am struggling with my tension being too tight and I am going really, really slow.
I have crochet/knit for many years. I bought an afghan hook many years ago and finally am learning the Tuscan technique. I am starting a blanket for my grandson and found a pattern where you can make the foundation stitch without having to go back into each chain. I have read twice to single crochet first row to eliminate curling. Also a woman said here she works the 2 rows as “bra on-bra off “.. so I hope I can do this without too much difficulty
I love Tunisian crochet. I'm currently making a shawl for myself and sister but I didn't pick the best stitch and there's also a mosaic element to it so... very ambitious project, lol. But I really enjoy doing it.
I'm just dipping my toe into Tunisian crochet because I want to make a warm sweater with no big holes. This was a lot of good information for me.
Currently I'm struggling with the furthest right loop being too loose on all rows. I try so hard to keep that tight, but it ends up being loose. That's my only issue right now. Just that one loop on every row lol. But I'll keep trying!
Well, congratulations....you got me all excited about going back to Tunisian! I'm already drooling over your little blanket and I'm interested in using the DK weight you mentioned. New Subscriber. 😊❤
aww thank you & welcome! :)
When I learned Tunisian, it was the 70’s and we used 36 inch hooks….wooden & custom made in Utah, for making baby blankets. They were amazing. Over the years, many military moves, mine were lost. I would kill for those hooks again.
I started on my yarn journey because my gran (born in 1905) used to crochet lace and I wanted to emulate her. I started knitting as I was a little more familiar with it, then crochet. Along the way, I was given a loom so I started weaving as well. I learned many tricks and built some skills. I kept seeing this Tunisian crochet thing and it seemed very complicated. Then one day I decided to try and by the end of my first return path, I was in love with it. All the skills I learned before yarn-wise came together beautifully. (That was last week btw😂) I have stopped weaving atm, it needs too much preparation for my taste and I like to be able to make changes along the way. I'll come back to it later probably. For now, with the way I work, the yarns I like (I got my first skein of merino superwash yesterday... Love love love), my tension in all these different crafts, I go : garment > knitting, accessory or toy > crochet, bags and casings > Tunisian crochet. The weather here is too mild for very thick clothing and I feel the extra thickness is perfect to protect a phone or a laptop. And the Tunisian stitches are really beautiful and so different from what you get with knit or crochet, it's a joy to make. I particularly like the lattice stitch😉. And the thing that really stumped my first project was crochet size, you really need to go bigger😂
Thanks for the vid
Great video. I knit, crochet and Tunisian?..found Tony on UA-cam out the gate. I will get her book at your urging and will learn honeycomb. I found TY crochet tutorial on honeycomb. Thank you.
Melissa, you’ve inspired me to pick up my Tunisian crochet hook again. I made a shawl last year but then didn’t know what you make next…. Now I’m thinking a blanket 💕☺️
Aww that makes me so happy! 🥰 can’t wait to see what you make, I know it will be beautiful! 💕
💕💕
I am learning Tunisian crochet for the first time. I am having a hard time with learning to hold the hook. I tend to hold a regular crochet hook like a pencil and you can't do that with TC. So I am struggling with it a little. However, that being said I really love the concept of it and it seems simple to me.
buy it nice or buy it twice is SOOOOO right. i wish i had just bought the clover bamboo tunisian set at michaels first and not botered wasting my money on the crappy set off amazon. the michaels one is perfect. i use them for regular crochet too. i am also now an inlines convert. lol
So helpful, thank you! I've been wanting to learn this for a long time.
Yay! You’re going to love it! ☺️
I learned from her. Love her book. I made 4 of Kima Cardigan for young women in my life. Free pattern. Tunisian entrelac is fun to do too
I heard to use SC for the first row to stop the curling
Also the honeycomb or half-double Tunisian stitches lay flat.
Amazon has solid tunisian hooks (about 14" long) in aluminum for super cheap, i got 12 different sized hooks for under $10
I made a cashmere/merino scarf 2-color Tunisian Full stitch, and am currently making a 2 yarn twin sized blanket with a double headed hook in Tunisian Simple stich
I took up crotchet a week ago. It took me a few days to learn how to feel the correct tension. I just received some beginner Tunisian crotchet hooks (the bamboo ones with the long tubing) and expect it to take about the same amount of time to learn a different tension requirement. I have a bit of an advantage by being a violist, so my right hand (bow hand) is used to the “knife hold” and my sensitivity to tension in that hand is highly developed. I’m a bit worried though as they came with an Emory board to smooth them down. I’m really good with woodworking, but it raised my eyebrows a bit. I’ll sand them down if I need to, but with the sandpaper I already own that is finer than what was supplied.
I found I loved it at first but I kept losing stitches and I couldn't figure out how and if I made a mistake I couldn't rectify it so I would tear it out and start over and then.....I gave up
I agree with the curling of the cord! It drives me nuts too. Might have to purchase that hook set. Thanks
Thank you for this interesting video on Tunisian crochet. I taught myself this from other UA-cam videos and have successfully made blankets. However I have been frustrated in finding simple children’s sweater patterns. Also I wouldn’t know the language of making a garment in Tunisian crochet -there must be increases and decreases etc! If you have any suggestions I would be very appreciative.
Totally agree! And even for long things I prefer a hard straight hook
I LOVE me some Toni Linsey .
My first project in Tunisian crochet was from Tonite tutorial of her gingham baby afghan. I continue to make 3 twin size gingham blankets for my grandchildren.
I would like to know how to turn strips of tunisian fabric into a blanket.
Hooks are personal. Everyone has their preference. Myself I spent over 300 dollars on a set of Chiagoo interchangables hooks with extra cords and I regret it. I found the bamboo dragged my yarn too much, the head wasn't deep enough and I had to twist my wrists too much to catch the yarn to start a stitch. For the price it should have been much better. In the end I bought the lantern moon set and I haven't looked back. but, in the end a good metal tunisian hook worked best although with a lot of yarn loops on it it was weighty and eventually painful on the arms if I can't rest my elbows to take the weight. I cannot say enough about swivel cords for interchangables. So good for sore wrists and forearms. Although if you're not serious about tunisian crochet cheaper hooks will suffice.
I suggest that, if you have never learned any form of the yarn arts, to begin with crochet, as it will teach you to hold the yarn with your left hand, which will be of great help for holding the yarn while learning to knit continental style, then learn Tunisian crochet, as it will be an absolute breeze to learn, and you will already be very familiar with yarn tension, holding and manipulating the yarn, and reading patterns. Also, take the previous advice that others have offered about keeping your stitches LOOSE, because Tunisian crochet stitches create a lot of fabric tension, which is the cause of the curling fabric, so the loose stitches will eliminate the unnecessary tension and pain in the hands of beginners from trying to pull the hook through loops that were too tightly formed. I just learned the basics, as well as several Tunisian stitches in just a few minutes prior to watching this video, which was quite easy for me, after years of crochet and knitting experience, because I was already aware of the potential problems. Of course, you can learn these skills in any order that you wish, but, if you are starting with no experience at all but wish to learn crochet, knit and Tunisian crochet anyway, I know that learning them in this order will serve you very well!
TL Yarn crafts will teach you all you need to know about TC.
You can do a Tunisian rib stitch as a border to stop the curling, you can find a tutorial on UA-cam
Ik heb haken 3 jaren geleden leren haken en ontdekte een paar weken later tunisch haken.
En dat vond ik zo leuk .
Ik heb als eerst een deken gemaakt .
En omdat ik alleen breide heb ik dat ik toegepast in tunisch haken
Kabels en kant heb ik gebruikt in die deken
I really like TC. I'm just trying to relearn how to crochet again. I found out about TC a year ago. I'm wondering about the length of cords for the interchangeable hooks. Are they long enough to make big projects like blankets. I would like to make many TC blocks and then put them together like the granny squares. I wonder if there are patterns out there for that. Lol. Yeah, I'm thinking a lot. 😂😅 sorry.
In all fairness, you purchased a crochet hook that is used for making blankets or Afghans and holding 100 plus stitches. It’s also-called an Afghan hook.
Love my Lantern Moon hooks and Tunisian crochet. You should get the Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Anna Nikipirowicz and Tunisian Crochet Workshop by Michelle Robinson. Hope to see more Tunisian tutorials and patterns from you.
thank you! i'll have to check those books out! :)
I discovered Tunisian crochet over 20years ago after being taught basic crochet as a child by my mother over 40years before that. Dozens of dollies, and grandmothers flower gardens, even filet stitch curtains have come from my simple hooks. I love Tunisian for large projects. I use my T crochet Rhuana (shawl) nearly every winter evening. It's warm and drapes cuddly. I've never tried a hook with a cord as I don't like the feel of corded knitting needles. I found designing clothing easier with T crochet than knitting, easier to judge the results of increases and decreases. Experiment! Try different hooks, yarns and patterns for different textures. You may have found your perfect craft.
Try honeycomb stitch in the round with 2 colors using a double ended hook! Texture and color!
What is your recommendation for hooks to make a wide afghan
I’ve just started working Tunisian crochet. I’m incorporating it into a jumper I’m making for a friend. My main problem is that if I drop a stitch on the return pass I can’t work out how to pick it up and have to restart the whole row.
Many projects, once you get past doing those where gauge may not be important:coasters/dishtowels/blankets and afghans/shawls, etc., you will need a 7mm hook. Why a set like Lantern Moon, and many other $100+ sets don't have this, is beyond me, and is what kept me from purchasing. My Leeyien set, made by the same folk who do the Denise hooks Toni uses, but half the cost, have many more hook sizes. I use it a lot more than my KnitPicks Bamboo set- swivel hooks, by the way and cheaper than Lantern Moon,PLUS too many folk on a Tunisian group have posted broken LM hooks, and my bamboo have been through many projects with zero issues, or my Lykke set, which also have swivel cables. Neither of those last two have 7mm hooks, and if a patterrn for a top, cardigan or other gauge-important item calls for a 7mm, well, most of the big name hook sets are sadly lacking.
Thank you for this comment. I'm so glad I read far enough down the comments to see this. These are way more attainable for me.
it's so funny to me that some people feel like their project goes slower with Tunisian crochet - I just started yesterday and even my first swatch felt soooo much faster than regular crochet to me, but like you say i think it's just a personal thing. like, i don't actually think it's taking me less time but psychologically it feels less taxing to do one forward pass and one return pass rather than thinking about it as x amount of stitches over and over... idk anyone else feel this way? i've only heard people say it feels slower to them so far and i just think it's interesting.
I love TC as well and the honeycomb stitch will probably always be my favorite, but you should definitely try an entrelac and a ripple. You mentioned the back of the work, I made a Tunisian knit stitch blanket for my SIL because she likes the fluffy back side and puts that out when she displays it.
I wish I’d seen those hooks before I purchased a set of Denise hooks. I don’t care for the plastic hooks. Yours look very nice.
It’s definitely all personal preference, but I really do love the ones I got!
I have knitted for many years and got [more into crochet] in approx. 2016. And have always liked the thought of Tunisian crochet because of the combination of both stitches. [But] often I kind of lose my stitch count and gain stitches somewhere. How does one keep the correct stitch count and not put more stitches on than what is supposed to be on the needle?
How do you steam block it ?
Last year I decided to try Tunisian crochet and attempted making a large throw blanket. I was given an aluminum Tunisian hook (cable attached) but because it was was a size 'G' I needed something larger. I ordered a 'K' bamboo hook. Not good! The wood splintered and would snag my yarn. Returned it but had to wait for its replacement. In the meantime, I ordered a plastic hook. Why? I don't like plastic hooks! They feel awful. My bamboo replacement arrived only to break where it joined the cable. Still determined, I tried to find an aluminum hook like the one that was given to me. How hard would that be since I already knew it existed? Well, I couldn't find it in stores nor online. Knowing it was made by Boye and I like Boye aluminum hooks, I emailed them a picture along with a "Where can I buy?" request. Sadly, their reply stated it no longer exist. Although I ordered another bamboo hook (different brand), I've since moved on to other projects and will eventually return to this WIP. I enjoyed the process of Tunisian crochet. It provided a bit of a challenge in that it combines crocheting and knitting. I enjoyed your video and hearing about your learning adventure.
I love Tunisian crochet! ❤️
Afghan hooks are great for Tunisian crochet projects that are wide, like sweaters, ruanas, blankets, etc.
You are a nice teacher
I just started dabbling in tunisian crochet. I'm an experienced knitter and traditional crocheter. It seems tunisian is much less versatile. Am I missing something? This video is an excellent video.
Tunisian crochet spanned the gap between crochet and knitting for me. It's all now part of the same thing. I recommend the cheapest set of bamboo Tunisian hooks you can find. They are great for learning and will serve you for years. They start to bend after some use, but they are natural bamboo and cheap, so throwing them away isn't a big deal. Attached cords tend to just get in the way.
Absolutly. My son will be 50 in March. I made him a red,white and blue Tunisian blanket. I then cross stitched on top a big sail boat. I still have it and in great shape. I wish I could send you a pic of it.
Melissa is so beautiful and has magical hands…🙏🌟❤️
Love, love, love that aqua super-wash wool? What is the brand and color?
thank you! It's from Hickory Lane Fiber Co. :)
Is the whale blanket in the background made with Tunisian crochet?
It’s actually a quilt! 🐋☺️
@@woodsandwool Oh, wow! Really unique!
@@woodsandwoolThank you for this video! Just what I was looking for!!
Have you ever used an Afghan hook? I have one that was in a kit my mother had that was knitting needles and had one long afghan hook. I was a crocheter. I did learn how to knit but I do Continental. I just hated the English style due to the dropping of the yarn. Much slower.
I love Tunisian crochet for dishcloths! I haven’t done anything more than the basic stitch but want to try some of them because they look so pretty.
I started with knitting, and found it a little awkward. I went to crochet and found that easier to figure out. Then I went to tunisian with Toni, and then I was able to teach myself knitting but continental style because that transition made sense to me.
The description on Amazon says it has a 6.5 and then the 8.0 size hook, but the image shows a 7.0 instead of the 8.0 mm. Which did you get?
The Lantern Moon Tunisian Hook Set comes with a 6.5mm hook! You can purchase a 7mm hook separately that matches the rest of the set too!