What is Tunisian Crochet?

The first thing you might notice about Tunisian is that it does not resemble crochet stitches.

Tunisian crochet is worked with a modified version of a crochet hook, but the stitches we can create with it are not all crochet. This method has a closer appearance and style to knitting, and some of the terms for this method are even in the knit family. 

What is the difference between traditional crochet, knitting, and Tunisian crochet?

Traditional crochet is worked with just one hook, where each stitch is completed and closed off before the next one begins. Crochet fabric can be turned.

Knitting is worked with two needles, where each stitch is first gathered up onto one needle by collecting a series of loops, then the entire project is completed when all loops are closed off. Knitting fabric is worked with a distinct front and back of fabric.

Tunisian is a mixture of both traditional crochet and knitting; a modified crochet hook is used to gather up stitches onto the hook (just like knitting), then a return row releases each loop to close off stitches, leaving you with just one loop after each row of work (just like crochet).

Is Tunisian crochet easy to learn?

Like learning anything new, this takes practice. 

If you’re familiar with crochet, you may at first find the length of a Tunisian hook awkward to hold and work with. Spend time learning basic stitches in small swatches until:

• You can comfortably hold your Tunisian hook, yarn, and the fabric you create.
• Your stitch and fabric tension are even and uniform.
• The sides edges (start, finish) of each row is even and uniform.
• You can identify the anatomy of each stitch created; front back, top, bottom.
• You can follow and successfully recreate the instructions in a Tunisian written pattern.