Exploring Tunisian Crochet

October 2, 2023
Designer Harrison debuts with an appealing primer on Tunisian crochet, which is distinguished by the use of long, hooked needles that, as in knitting, are used to hold “multiple active stitches... simultaneously.” Aimed at the true beginner, the introduction offers step-by-step photo illustrations of how to make stitches that use knitting’s terminology—including purl, knit, reverse, and full stitches—as well as such techniques as increasing and decreasing, switching between different yarns, crocheting in the round, and creating cables. Harrison provides patterns for 20 simple cowls, scarves, shawls, and other clothing articles. On the easier end of the spectrum, she shows how to make a “trailhead cowl” with a zig-zag design, and a striped “trekking shawl.” Harder projects include fingerless mittens, a beanie, and the delicate “sunset lace shawl,” which features a yellow center and pink outer edges. The projects are straightforward and the comprehensive directions (Harrison devotes several pages to how to read a crochet pattern) will be a boon to novices. Crocheters will enjoy familiarizing themselves with this distinctive spin on their craft.

November 1, 2023
To a needleworking addict, there is no such thing as too many patterns, instructions, or collections. Harrison, founder of Tunisian crochet company Aklori, offers this guide to Tunisian crochet (which resembles knitting in appearance and crochet in technique) that provides a good entry point for newbies as well as those yearning to hone their skills. Harrison's how-to's are extensive and geared for the visually minded, photographed step by step. The 20 patterns play well with color and texture (only one is truly beginner-worthy). The book is a mini-encyclopedia of all things Tunisian crochet, and tips abound (e.g., use a larger hook, since the fabric created will be very dense and almost impermeable to smaller tips). Harrison analyzes common problems like curling and provides solutions, provides variations on stitches, teaches how to read a pattern, and includes intermediate techniques, such as the magic ring foundation. A wild berries shawl, tree line mitts and hat, and an intrepid capelet will woo crocheters for quite some time.

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January 1, 2024

A back-to-the-basics approaches to Tunisian crochet (a type of crochet that holds multiple loops on the hook) that lists necessary supplies and explains which hook models are best. Harrison also shows readers in detail how to execute every stitch. With step-by-step pictorial and worded instructions, the book takes some of the doubt out of Tunisian crochet in designs for cowls, scarves, shawls, mitts, a hat, a cape, and a wrap. Bonus: instructions for left-handed makers are also included. There's only one easy pattern in the bunch; the rest are mostly level twos and range to level four, which allows readers to make lace. Before introducing patterns, Harrison addresses common problems one might encounter, as well as skills like increasing, decreasing, changing colors, working in the round, and making cables. One admitted downside to Harrison's and other books on Tunisian crochet is that the terms are not standardized. So, while the instructions for most common stitches are clear, the abbreviations may not carry over to patterns in other books. VERDICT A great purchase about Tunisian crochet, suitable as an introductory guide but also for those experienced in the craft.--Sarah Sieg

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