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Tunisian Crochet Work up a scarf or poncho in no time with this fun crochet technique. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-209

Lisa Piper, of the Tunisian Princesses, shows how to create a scarf in the unique Tunisian crochet style.

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Scarf

Tunisian Crochet Scarf

Materials:

Tunisian hook, size R
2 skeins Island Cotton by Ironstone in Royale
scissors
yarn needle

Tunisian Crochet Tips

• Tunisian crochet (sometimes referred to as afghan crochet, cro-knit, knit-crochet or tricot) is worked on a hook that is longer than a regular crochet hook. Made from metal, plastic and wood, the hooks are primarily available in sizes D-U. Tunisian crochet is very easy to learn; it uses less yarn than regular crocheting and provides a look that is at times similar to knitting or weaving.

• For larger projects, extended Tunisian hooks are used; these hooks have a cable extension that allows more stitches to be worked in the width of the project. Double-ended Tunisian hooks, sometimes called cro-hooks, create a reversible fabric by working a different yarn from each end. Tunisian hooks also come in a variety of woods, colors and shapes.
  

  Figure A

• The stopper on the end of the hook (figure A) is similar to a knitting needle and helps to keep the stitches from falling off.

• To store hooks, use a case that is extra long. Offhand Designs makes a case that fits long Tunisian hooks up to size U. The Lady B Bag by Lexie Barnes has a strap on the inside that will hold a Tunisian hook along with the project.

Beginning Stitches

Chain To begin, start by making chains, just like with regular crochet.

Figure B

Forward pass Tunisian simple stitch (tss) base row:
The forward pass is also known as the forward row. Always skip the first chain when preparing to do tss. Place the hook through the second chain from front to back. Yo, pull the hook back through the chain. Leave the loop on the hook (figure B). Continue the front pass by tss into each chain until there are 15 loops on the hook. The front pass is now complete.

Figure C

Back pass Tunisian simple stitch:
The back pass is also known as the return pass or return row. Yo and pull through one loop. Yo and pull through two loops. Continue to yo and pull through two loops until there is only one loop left on the hook (figure C).

Forward pass Tunisian simple stitch subsequent rows:
Find the posts, also known as vertical bars or vertical threads. Skip the first post and find the second post. Place the hook through the middle of the second post, yo, pull the hook back through the chain. Leave the loop on the hook. Continue the front pass until there are 15 loops again on the hook.

Complete the row with the back pass as before. The back pass is always the same, regardless of the type of Tunisian stitch.

Note: There's never a need to turn your project when doing Tunisian crochet. One row is completed by doing a forward and a back pass.

Beginning Stitches on a Smaller Hook

Using a size L twin birch hook, create a Tunisian swatch that has a more woven look. This happens as a result of the hook's being slimmer. The stitches are the same: ch, tss with a front and a back pass.

Figure D

Tip: A Tunisian scarf may be made by crocheting the width or the length of the scarf. Depending on the yarn, a Tunisian hook can carry 100 or more loops on it (figure D). The woven look creates sturdy, warm scarf that is also beautiful when yarns are combined, such as a wool yarn and a novelty yarn. By using a larger hook, you can make a scarf that is lacier and may be worn year round.

Crocheting the Scarf

1. Ch 90: To begin, start by making chains, just as with regular crochet with a size R maple hook by ArtEdje, and both Labrador yarn in Forest Combo and Squiggle yarn in Fern Mix by Crystal Palace Yarns at the same time for a warm, solid look, or with Island Cotton yarn in Royale by Ironstone for a more lacy, season less look.

2. Tss 90 across: As previously demonstrated, do a forward and a back pass to complete one row of tss.

3. Tss 2nd row: For the 2nd and subsequent rows, find the posts. Skip the first post and find the second post. Place the hook through the middle of the second post, yo, pull the hook back through the chain. Leave the loop on the hook until there are 90 loops.

Complete the row with the back pass as done before. The back pass is always the same, regardless of the type of Tunisian stitch.

Finishing the Scarf

Complete 3 or more rows to finish the scarf. The number of rows depends on how wide the scarf needs to be. Embellish by adding fringe, loops, etc.

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