3 Tips for Tunisian Crochet (2023)

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Tunisian crochet, also called Afghan crochet, is the love child of crochet and knitting. As a cross between the two, it has all the utility of knitting needles with the tight stitching of crochet. Talk about the best of both worlds!

So how can you pick up the hobby and this style again? Is it hard? What tools do you need?

We’re here to teach you all this and more. So, first, what is Tunisian crochet?

Tunisian crochet

Tunisian crochet creates a compact, fluffy texture that is great for making heat mats, blankets and scarves that keep the cold out and the heat in.

Tunisian crochet is not that different from crochet. The major difference is in the tool; instead of a short, six-inch needle with a hooked end, a twelve-inch needle with a hooked end with a bulbous tip to prevent stitches from slipping.

This style of crochet has a smoother flow. Instead of finishing and finishing each stitch at once, work in rows; I picked stitches up in one direction – the forward stride – and finished on the way back – the return stride.

This is why Tunisian crochet to knitting – alone as a faster, better, and easier version.

Through these similarities, knitters will learn Tunisian crochet more easily than basic crochet. I already built the dexterity and muscle memory up!

Is Tunisian crochet better than knitting?

Well, it depends depending on who you ask. Some find knitting more versatile, as it is easier to find all kinds of patterns and designs for knitting projects. 30% more yarn than knitting. But! we may limit Crochet in some ways, but it is so limitless in others. fabric.

Warmth is much better insulated by crochet blankets, hats and sweaters than knit ones, making it a great alternative to winter clothing.

Another plus is that crochet I can complete projects in days when knitting would take weeks. Crocheting a few embellishments, such as flowers, is a fun afternoon of work.

When it comes down to it, it’s a matter of preference. No one can definitively say that crochet is better than knitting. It’s all up to you.

So after all that you’re definitely wondering how to crochet Tunisian.

Tunisian crochet: tips and tricks

Watch videos

Crochet is not so easy to understand by text alone, especially if you’re a beginner in the business.

There are terms that describe certain techniques and steps that make little sense at all to the uninformed. Tunisian crochet stitches are pretty easy once you get into the swing though! with real lessons, then with videos. To learn by practise! A quick Google search turns up hundreds of videos.

Handling curls

Curls happen when also on the yarn being pulled tight, and they are the bane of anyone who crochets. The best way to prevent your project from curling up is to prevent them from ever forming.

To achieve that, it’s a good idea to increase the size of a crochet hook. If you’re overwhelmed with knitting, it may be helpful to go up a size anyway, as crochet requires less tension than knitting; it may take time to get used to this.

In general, it is a good rule of thumb to use a hook size two larger than what the yarn label recommends.

If the crochet fabric curls anyway, it’s best to block. This means stretching the fabric to the desired shape and letting it’relax’in that shape.

Dry blocking only works well with very subtle curls. For more stubborn and exaggerated curls, a wet block . Spray with water until the yarn is damp, not soaked, and let it dry. Depending on the severity of the curl, you may need to do this multiple times.

Whip Stitch

Depending on the scale of your project, it might be easier to work in sections and use a simple whip stitch to tie everything together.

Infinity shawls and the classic patchwork quilt are two outstanding examples of this in practice! (Working in smaller patches this way will also bypass curling!)

Here’s a video with more details on Tunisian crochet.

To Tie It Up

Tunisian crochet is a relatively simple technique to learn. It makes plush fabric samples that take days, not weeks, to make.

This guide has given you some general information and a few helpful tips for getting started. Now go outside and start sewing!