When it comes to yarn art, you handle both knitting needles and crochet. Indeed, you recently knitted doll clothes for your daughter after crocheting grannies square flowers to make a jacket. It’s sure: you like both techniques . However, you would prefer to crochet while having the rendering of knitted stitches.
WHAT IS AFGHAN CROCHET OR TUNISIAN CROCHET?
Whatever the name used, Tunisian crochet or Afghan crochet, it is indeed the same technique!
It is made with a Tunisian crochet (whose characteristics, patience, etc., we will explain to you). Indeed, the points crocheted with the Tunisian crochet resemble to be mistaken there to meshes carried out with the knitting.
Unlike classic crochet, the Tunisian stitch makes it possible to obtain:
- Net and regular meshes of the most beautiful effect
- A tight and solid weft that ensures excellent hold
- An inimitable retro style thanks to the specific geometric effects .
No wonder you fall for this thread art technique!
What is a Tunisian crochet?
The Tunisian crochet is longer than the standard crochet:
- This type of hook measures approximately 30 cm.
- It is reminiscent of a classic knitting needle, and for good reason! It has the same function since it is intended to accommodate all the stitches of the outward row (on the return row, the stitches are passed). Hence the use of a Tunisian hook, long enough. A traditional hook is too small for this technique.
Note: it is possible to use a classic hook to make very small projects with the Tunisian crochet technique. But it is not appropriate.
There are 3 kinds of Tunisian crochet :
- Standard Tunisian crochet (straight) : ideal for beginners and crocheting small flat works.
- Tunisian double-point crochet: necessary for crocheting in the round.
- Tunisian cable (or cable) crochet: it is the equivalent of circular knitting needles . It is a short Tunisian hook but extended by a flexible (flexible cable). Thanks to this feature, it allows you to crochet both in the round and flat, and large projects since you can mount a greater number of stitches on the cable.
How to hold the Tunisian hook?
As with standard crochet, there are several ways to hold Tunisian crochet.
Here is one used by many Afghan crocheters:
On the go row, stretch the thread with the left index finger and hold the work with the thumb, middle and ring finger. Hold the Tunisian hook with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, then join the other 3 fingers to stabilize the hook.
On the return row, hold the work with the left hand as for the forward row. Hold the Tunisian hook like the standard hook, with the thumb and index finger of the right hand. Join the middle finger to stabilize the hook.
Of course, each crocheter has her preference in the way of holding a hook, whether classic or Tunisian! As a pen or as a knife, the choice is yours! The best way is the one you are most comfortable crocheting with. Experiment to find the one that’s right for you!
What creations to make in Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet allows you to respond to your overflowing creativity.
Indeed, with the standard pattern, you can crochet all kinds of patterns that have a reasonable size such as a scarf, a snood, a shawl, a bolero, a pocket square and even a bag!
And to make larger works like a plaid? All you have to do is opt for a wired Tunisian crochet hook!
But before giving in to all your creative desires, you still have to learn how to make the Afghan crochet stitch (or Tunisian crochet stitch)… This is precisely what we will see next in our tutorial!
TUNISIAN CROCHET STITCH
You can’t wait to learn how to crochet the simple Tunisian stitch, the basic stitch of this technique.
But before starting your initiation, here are some remarks:
- The Tunisian point is made up of a forward row and a return row. It is therefore carried out in 2 steps.
- The forward row is crocheted from right to left keeping all the stitches as you go on the hook. At the end of the row, all the stitches are mounted on the hook.
- The return row is crocheted from left to right by sinking the stitches of the hook as you go. At the end of the row, there is therefore only one stitch left on the hook.
- All rows are worked with the right side of the piece facing you. Indeed, you always work on the place so you never turn the work in progress.
- Whatever the creation, the 1st row is always made in simple Tunisian point.
- This technique offers a very tight rendering. It is therefore advisable to use a Tunisian crochet hook larger than that recommended for the yarn .