|
|
Print-friendly version
Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a craft considered to be a mixture of crocheting and knitting. Some techniques used in knitting are also applicable in Tunisian crochet and it is produced with an elongated hook, which has a stopper on the handle end called an Afghan hook. The work is never turned and once the correct number of loops is obtained, the process is reversed with each loop being worked off from the hook and pulling a fresh loop of yarn through each stitch. The process is done working from left to right. Both parts of this process form a completed row and the tension of the yarn is much looser than in standard crochet and knitting.
There are a variety of stitches that can be created in Tunisian crochet dependent on how and where the hook is inserted and how the yarn is held. Tunisian stitches include variations on knit, purl, post stitch and Entrelac.
The work is begun with a series of slips stitches and once the starting chain is completed, the first row is worked back by inserting the wool back into the previous link in the chain. Unlike traditional crochet the new loop is not then pulled through the initial loop. Both loops remain on the hook and then the process is repeated until each link in the chain has been worked. At the end there will be as many loops on the hook as there are stitches required and this process is called casting on.
The fabric created by Tunisian crochet is slightly less elastic than normal crochet. It's also a fabric which is substantially thicker, particularly when using the knit stitch. Tunisian crochet is suitable for blankets and winter knits but it's not really suitable for fine items such as baby wear and socks. It does have a tendency to make the fabric curl which usually needs to be shaped by wetting or steaming the fabric once the project is completed. It's slightly faster to create a fabric by Tunisian crochet than normal crochet and it is approximately twice the speed of knitting.
|
|