Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

MORE ON TUNISIAN

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Once you’ve checked out the book I reviewed, Tunisian Crochet by Sharon H. Silverman, you might want to find some more information about tunisian crochet on the ‘net.  Lucky you!  I’ve done the research for you.  There’s a lot of resources available.  While I LOVE having a book to hold onto as an easy reference in my lap and on my bookshelf, I also love this infinite library on my desk – the one we call the internet.

So, here are some sites you might want to check out:

ARNie at chezcrochet has this for you:

http://www.chezcrochet.com/page2.html

There are stitch tutorials for a bunch of things you’ll want to try out and links to sites with free patterns to practice on real projects.

There are free patterns for a scarf and a shawl at this site:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_other/article/0,,DIY_14142_5272557,00.html

Kim Guzman, always one of my favorite resources, has a free tunisian hat pattern and this absolutely lovely afghan that can’t be reproduced in any other form of crochet.  Kim’s patterns are well written and quite inexpensive.

kim-g-tunisian-afghan-0509http://www.kimanedesigns.net/products/Nautical_Waves_Afghan.html

And, what about this great sweater from Dora Ohrenstein?  It’s available as a free pattern:

dora-ohrenstein-tunisian-sweater-0509

http://www.crochetinsider.com/rainbowjacket.html

Don’t forget one of the best resources online for crocheters – http://crochetpatterncentral.com/search.php

This link will take you to the page containing lots of free tunisian patterns.  Should be something there for everyone!

Comments

  1. I HAVE BEEN CROCHETING TUNISIAN[OR ALSO CALLED AFGHAN STITCH FOR MAny years.for 3 yrs i made 100 child’s scarfs for a dr’s coat give away.i think it’s a very fun and fast stitch. marge jonaway

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.