Learning Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian Crochet can be a little frustrating for the beginner because of the longer hook and so many stitches on the hook.

This little section is only some ideas to make the early attempts at Tunisian Crochet a little more bearable. If tutorials are needed, click on either Crochet Cabana or Cindy's Crochet Pages.

Here is an idea that saves time and temper:
Use a regular hook and work with fewer loops.

Materials:

  1. Easy-to-work-with worsted weight yarn.
  2. A regular crochet hook with a straight shaft like Prym or Aero. (The Boye/Wright hook should be avoided if you use anything larger than a 5 mm because of its wide finger rest). It should be 1 or 2 sizes larger than you normally use with worsted weight yarn. (if you normally use a 5mm hook then start with a 6 or 6.5 mm hook with your early attempts.)
Procedure:
  1. Start with chain 10 and work with the ten loops. You can use your usual hand position -it will change when you start working with more loops- and just concentrate on the tunisian technique.
  2. When you are comfortable with 10 loops and can get consistent tension, add several more loops. The hook will easily hold 12 - 14. You should work up to about 16 loops before trying the longer "afghan hook".
  3. Next try a different stitch after you learn the basic afghan stitch.
  4. Remember to keep the loops loose by pulling slightly longer loops than in regular crochet.
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