Celebrate National Crochet Month by Learning Tunisian!

It’s National Crochet Month, and I’m going to be highlighting some advanced crochet techniques on the blog every Monday in March. Today, I wanted to take a look at some great patterns that utilize the afghan stitch or Tunisian crochet. If you’ve never heard of Tunisian crochet before, you might be surprised by the technique. Like knitting, you’ll keep all of your stitches on your hook at once while doing Tunisian crochet, which is why you’ll generally use a longer hook that’s specific to this style. It looks like a hybrid knitting needle and crochet hook, with a long shaft, an end-cap on one end and a hook on the other. The simple Tunisian stitch creates a sturdy, dimensional canvas that’s perfect for embroidery or crocheting on top. To learn more about Tunisian crochet, check out the About.com guide.

Once you’re ready to get started, you can try your hand at some small, simple projects, like cuffs or a headband crocheted in Bonbons, or you can dive in to an entrelac afghan or sampler stitch throw in the beautiful colorways of Vanna’s Choice to practice all of your newly-learned stitches.

Tunisian Crochet Cuffs	Tunisian Crochet Headband	Two-Color Tunisian Crochet Tote

Crochet Entrelac Throw	Tunisian Sampler Stitch Throw	Pop-Art Afghan

Have you practiced any Tunisian crochet? What’s your favorite advanced crochet technique?