Hi!
I know this is a knitting forum but I thought I might ask about tunisian crochet. I crochet and knit and was thinking of trying out tunisian crochet.
I know they use different hooks for it that are longer and have stoppers and ones that look like long knitting needles. Can you buy a cheap set at a big box store? I would probably just be trying out doing scarfs mostly until I get the hang of it (or not).
Is tunisian crochet the same as afghan crochet? I’ve seen hooks that look similar with different names.
Also, does tunisian crochet follow the same rules for regular crochet. For example, the common hook size for worsted weight yarn is usually 6mm for regular crochet. Does that hold true for tunisian as well? Bulky yarn size?
Tunisian crochet is what used to be called Afghan crochet, but I think it’s much more developed. Pretty sure sizes are the same as regular crochet hooks. Like knitting needles, the hooks with cables and stoppers are better for larger projects, that might be wider than one long hook.
I’ve done a very little Tunisian, not really enough to answer your other questions. While I liked the drape of the fabric, it seemed to me to just make crochet take as long as knitting. As far as I know, there are no tall stitches, which make crochet progress quickly, and I found it kind of tedious. But I know several people who LOVE doing it! We all like different things.
Rule #1 for Tunisian: Go up at least two, maybe more, hook sizes from that recommended for the yarn. TC can have a decidedly stiff, cardboard quality. This can be useful for some things but generally isn’t the desired result.
You don’t need to buy special hooks to try out TC. You can TC a whole huge afghan with an ordinary crochet hook! and learn some things while you decide you don’t want a huge afghan. You could also do strips on a regular hook to practice different stitches. I never found a truly cost effective way to buy TC hooks. I have started buying tips that will work with my interchangeable cables.
Because I haven’t done TC much for years I can’t recommend current videos. I think it was Kim Guzman aka CrochetKim who did what I considered really good ones. I should have stated that I didn’t watch the entire video linked above. It does look like it should cover some basics.
Thank you for the info. I have been looking for some advanced patterns for crochet and knitting and can’t seem to find many that catch my eye. I saw a video on tunisian on youtube and thought it would be fun to learn.
Thank you for the info! I will try some stitches on a regular hook and see how it goes. I will look up CrochetKim and watch some videos. If things go well I’ll probably stick with scarves if I can get to that point!
You’re most welcome. I started TC with entrelac and then got hooked … pun intended … and had fun with it. I’m sure if you search you can find all kinds of things, video and written, about TC. Pick something that looks like you should try it out and enjoy the adventure.
Hi, I tried out Tunisian a while back and worked a small washcloth using Eucalyps from Hooked (eucalyptus fibre), free pattern below. You can sub with cotton and the washcloth can be for used for the kitchen or for self care
Reference to the comments, I also worked on the recommended hook size and one size up and the latter was much less stiff and brought out the stitch pattern more, it also was less strain on the hands but I’ve never been great at crocheting ergonomically. I added a little loop onto the corners of them so they can be hung up and I gifted one to my sister and kept the first one for myself. Happy crocheting!
There are lots of different options for budget sets on Amazon. Here’s an example, these are not the cheapest set, just one of the very many options for a bundle
I have not bought or used these, however I have bought a similar budget bundle of straight knitting needles and fixed circular needles (i chose bamboo but there are metal sets too) which came together with a bunch of other handy bits and pieces, tapestry needles, stitch markers, stitch holders and so on and they were all excellent despite the low budget.
I never expected them to last a life time but rather to get me going and they were excellent for that. The wide range of sizes is particularly good if you don’t know what gauge you work at and need to try a few different sizes out (I knew enough about knitting to know buying just the 2 pairs listed in a pattern was not necessarily going to work out well) and also if you don’t know if you prefer straight or cable, or even if you’ll ever make a second project.
I used my budget needles for several adult size sweaters and they lasted really well, even the 2mm bamboo lasted for 2 sweaters before splitting. My most used cable needles eventually developed a kink at the join which turned into a split - and I snipped it off the needle, snipped off the kink/split and re-glued the cable back on making a perfectly usable needle, just a little shorter. Almost constant use for about 2 years before I bought my ‘expensive’ interchangeable needles, but I still use the budget ones for various things.
I also bought a budget set of metal crochet hooks which I can’t fault, huge choice of sizes, neat little zip up wallet, can’t imagine I’ll ever needle to replace them. I seem to remember one had a tiny rough bit sticking out which would damage yarn but it took about 5 minutes with a regular emery board (for shaping nails) to smooth it out and it was perfect.
Bundles like this, in my opinion, are a great starter for a hobby and if you get really into it you can upgrade later and donate the budget set to a charity shop or school.
There are probably similar sets on Ebay and Etsy if you are not an Amazon fan.
Hi, Apologies for the essay
I think the above advice is great. I hope this boosts you confidence also.
I see you’re looking for my complex patterns to work with… I started my TC journey with a backpack! Yes, of all things, was running through my mind as I tried to be brave having let my daughter pick her style of backpack… I watched this video https://youtu.be/jS6KzJZwD-s?si=hDlYXmPqcAgSQzcG
It seemed do-able, although daunting but I trusted the process and by the 3rd square I was loving it. For this project and my natural tension I didn’t change my hook size and thanks to the entrelac style I could use the ones I already had. I have learnt that we really do need to do a swatch to get our gauge prior to each project as the pattern/desired texture/yarn/stitch/our bodies change all the time, so we must chose the hook/needle that fits at the beginning. I was able to increase the bag a bit (to fit All the school stuff) better because I had my gauge and therefore how big my base needed to be. The tightness (& cotton lining) meant it is still going strong a few years later but also it holds it’s structure well yet has the floppiness that went well with the mohair and the other yarn (from the 2nd hand shop, had to be snuggly) have. By the end I was customising the bag thanks to the well explained process and I found there was enough information (not too much) in this tutorial i could see how to work it flat easier than if I had learnt it vs. This pattern gives you the principles for cowls and like the top and bottom edges you would create flat edges on the sides for working in the flat. You choose the dimensions and therefore whether you are making a scarf or a blanket. I have a few other tutorials I watched since (I like learning) that are good , especially if you would click with a different tutorial style. Let me know if you want some other options hope this helps.
As always remember to stretch at regular intervals and have fun
Thank you for all of the info. It sounds like a set is the way to go. I didn’t want to go ahead and buy an expensive set until I knew a little more about tunisian crochet and if it would be worth it. It helps to know more so I know what kind of set to buy! I started regular crochet the same way. I bought a cheap set and figured out and what I use most. A few years later I bought a nicer set I still use today!
No worries I appreciate the time you took to type it all! Wow!!! You are very adventurous much more than I am! I will definitely keep this pattern in mind for later! I love the the Crochet Crowd tutorials. I have used more than I can count for regular crochet projects and they all turn out beautifully!
They’re 2 of my favorite designers, and all of their patterns have been thoroughly tested, so it’s very rare to find errors. User-errors are still possible, though! Both have very supportive FB pages in case you go astray.
You could also do strips on a regular hook to practice different stitches. I never found a truly cost effective way to buy TC hooks. I have started buying tips that will work with my interchangeable cables.
Both have very supportive FB pages in case you go astray.