Tutorial: Tunisian crochet

There are many ways you can be creative indoors. In Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia, one of the most popular activities indoors is crochet and knitting. You can also combine the two things in what is called Tunisian crochet. Depending on which pattern you crochet, the result will either look like crochet, knitting, or a mix of both – only your imagination sets the boundaries! The good news is that this method is not only for the experienced but also for beginners. You can even use the same yarn for Tunisian crochet that you use for regular knitting and crochet. If you think there are many options when it comes to knitting or crocheting, with Tunisian crochet / knit crochet, you will see that there’s a sea of options and exciting patterns that you haven’t seen before. 

Pony Tunisian Crochet Hat Pattern

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You can find Tunisian crochet needles here.

Tunisian crochet – for those who want to challenge themselves, beginners and experienced alike 

“A loved child has many names” is a common Scandinavian saying. Tunisian crochet also goes by many names: Tunisian knitting, Afghan knitting and knit crochet. Despite the different names, however, there is no difference between the techniques or the results. Tunisian crochet can be described as a mixture of both crochet and knitting. This is both in terms of technique but also in terms of the results. Since Tunisian knitting is a mixture of crochet and knitting, the work is also done with a needle that’s a cross between a crochet hook and a knitting needle. It’s called a Tunisian crochet hook. A regular crochet hook is usually short whereas a Tunisian crochet hook for crocheting is as long as a knitting needle but at the end of it, it will have a hook just like in a normal crochet hook. A Tunisian crochet hook is typically 35 cm. The reasons it’s so long is that there needs to be room for a large number of stitches, same as in knitting. In ordinary crocheting, only one stitch is worked at a time. 

Tunisian knitting, Afghan knitting or knit crochet can be done either with the crochet hook as described above, a double-ended crochet hook or two crochet hooks joined together as a circular needle. The choice of crochet hook will depend on the creation you want to make and how. The technique can seem difficult at the start, especially if you are a beginner. If you haven’t tried knitting or crochet before, this should not hold you back. Everyone can learn Tunisian crochet – even if you haven’t mastered regular knitting or crochet. If you don’t know anyone who can help you understand the technique of Tunisian crochet, you can learn all about it on the internet, yarn magazines, or yarn shops. If you want to find great patterns or instructional videos on DIY Tunisian crochet creations, search “Tunisian crochet DIY”. To expand your search, you may also want to search: “Tunisian knitting DIY”. 

In short, Tunisian knitting consists of 2 basic rows called back and forth rows. In some places, these will be referred to as foundation rows. To start Tunisian crochet, a certain number of chain stitches must first be set up. On the rows, the stitches are picked up while the stitches on the back rows are knitted. The details will be described in the pattern you follow.

KnitPro Bamboo Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook 3.00mm

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KnitPro Symfonie Double Ended Tunisian Crochet Hook Set Birch...

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Clover Double Ended Tunisian Crochet Hook Bamboo 15cm 4.00mm

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Pony Tunisian Crochet Hook 35cm 10.00mm

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Tunisian knitting, Afghan knitting or knit crochet-knit for every need and style

Tunisian knitting, Afghan knitting or knit crochet can be used for many things. It is often used to create many different types of pillowcases, blankets and scarves, where beautiful and fine details are desired. For Tunisian knitting, you can advantageously use the same yarn that you use for crocheting and knitting. In the many different DIY crochet patterns, it will state what type of yarn is the best for that particular project. It will also state what kind of crochet needle is the best for the pattern and the yarn. With good yarn and the right crochet needle, there is no creation you cannot make with the Tunisian knitting technique. For example, if you want to crochet a nice infinity scarf, you can use circular crochet needles just like you would when knitting ordinarily. Crochet needles joined with soft wire also allow you to carry out Tunisian crochet with a lot of stitches at the same time. Enjoy! 

Tunisian crochet in short

Tunisian crochet is an old and traditional crochet technique where you work with a crochet hook or long crochet hook. It is also possible to use a Tunisian crochet hook in the case of a larger project. The British people love the Tunisian crochet technique. The technique is considered a mixture of knitting and crocheting.

Tunisian crochet for beginners – How do I get started?

Tunisian crochet is popular among creative people, so is knitting and crocheting. As a beginner, there are many new techniques and concepts you need to know if you are going to master the technique at a high level. You do not necessarily have to attend a course or a workshop, as you can easily learn Tunisian crochet in a different way. Now that you are getting started, you can enjoy our guide on this special crochet technique:

Basic knowledge of Tunisian crochet

• Tunisian crochet = 2 rows – 1 forward pass row and 1 reverse pass row 
• There are countless types of stitches (simple as well as advanced stitch)
• The structure draws parallels with weaving

Choice of (Tunisian) crochet hook

If you’re working with Tunisian crochet, you will first and foremost need the right crochet hook. For this reason, do not necessarily look for the traditional crochet hooks. Click on the category “Tunisian crochet needles” if you want to make sure that you’re buying the crochet needles most suitable for Tunisian crochet. 

You can use the following crochet needles for this purpose:

• Single and double-ended crochet needles
• Crochet needles such as circular needles
• Interchangeable crochet needles

Which crochet hook to use depends on your individual project and its scope. The range is large so you can easily find a Tunisian crochet hook that matches your needs.

Where does Tunisian crochet originate from? Origin and history

As mentioned earlier, Tunisian crochet has been around for many years. It's hard to say when Tunisian crochet came to the world but there are several things that indicate that the technique came into existence in the 19th century. Today, the Tunisian crochet technique is one of the most widely used crochet techniques that more and more people are becoming interested in. There are many concepts that refer to one and the same technique. These include: Tunisian knitting, Afghan knitting and knit crochet, which all use the same technique.

Although it is difficult to say anything specific about the origin, it is true that the British people have like this technique. Tunisian crochet is a technique that every creative-minded person should try. "Practice makes perfect" - Of course, this also applies to Tunisian crochet. If you are a teacher, you can quickly learn the technique.

Books on Tunisian crochet

If you want more information about Tunisian crochet, you may want to invest in some of the books that have been written and published on the subject. There are many designers and writers who have written about Tunisian crochet. Pernille Cordes, Sys Fredens and Lisbet Lücke Larsen are some of the writers you might want to look into. They’re behind a handful of books that have received good reviews since publication. You can start by taking a closer look at the books below, which are part of our range:

• Animal Stool Crochet Part 1 - Book By Anja Toonen
• Sophie's Universe - Book By Dedri Uys
• Lalylala Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies - Book By Lydia Tresselt
• Animal Stool Crochet Part 2 - Book By Anja Toonen
• Cuddly Cushions - Book By Mr. Cey

If you buy one or more books, you can get enough inspiration for the next several years. Common to the books above, of course, is that they are about Tunisian crochet. In addition, they are well written, content-rich and useful for both beginners and the more experienced.

Naturally, there will be some books that are more geared towards beginners than the more experienced - and vice versa. The books are packed with great tips, inspiration, guides and not least patterns. We sell crochet books in English so that all content is easily understandable for everyone.

New books on Tunisian crocheting are being written, which you should, of course, keep in mind. It’s handy to have books standing on the shelf that you can pick up when you need inspiration for your upcoming project.

Tunisian Crochet pattern - A world of patterns

You don't have to reinvent the wheel if you want to try out Tunisian crochet. You will find a world of patterns for Tunisian crochet, so your favourite pattern is always within reach. DROPS Design (Garnstudio) is skilled at designing and developing patterns for Tunisian crochet, which you can, of course, get your hands on.

If you search for "Tunisian crochet pattern", you will be presented with many thousands of patterns. It can seem very overwhelming and unmanageable, so you can do yourself a favour by narrowing down your search. Below are some of the projects you can start with if you’re interested in trying Tunisian crochet:

• Bag
• Hat
• Blouse
• Pot Holders
• Scarf
• Jacket
• Basket
• Wallet
• Wrist and hand warmers 
• Shawl
• Socks
• Baby Blanket
• Scarf
• Headbands
• Poncho
• Socks

There are some projects/patterns that are particularly popular. These include: carpets, pots, sweaters and dishcloths. You can crochet clothes and accessories, but you can also crochet various practical items and interiors: pots, baby blankets, baskets and purses among other things.

You can also read some of our many other guides where we have written about Christmas knitwear and baby knitwear. Click on the desired guide to find inspiration.