Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Rocking The Tunisian Crochet

by

 cro tunisian shawl

 

Dora Ohrenstein’s new book on Tunisian crochet has just been published.  I decided to turn the blog over to Dora today so she can tell you about her book:

It’s exciting to see Tunisian crochet continue to draw interest and new fans.  If you haven’t yet tried this form of crochet, I urge you to give it a go.  It opens up so many possibilities for new kinds of fabric, shaping strategies and ways to use yarn.

Wanting to learn how to do Tunisian Crochet? Check out this Online course “Tunisian Crochet For Beginners”.

The New Tunisian Book

My just released book The New Tunisian Crochet: (Interweave Press) is chock full of stitch patterns – more than 30! — technical tips and tricks, and stunning patterns by the likes of Vashti Braha, Doris Chan, Lily Chin, and Margaret Hubert, and several others, plus my own designs.  There are stunning wearables, throws, booties, hats and mitts – really useful patterns that I think you’ll enjoy making, and each design has something to teach as well.

tunisian crochet cap and mittens

For example, with Lily’s Terra Hat and Mitts set you can master Tunisian in the round with a double-ended hook, and Lily’s special technique which allows you to change stitches and colors as you go.

Vashti Braha’s breathtaking Rivuline Shawl will change your mind forever on what Tunisian crochet can do — check out these long lacy edges – yes, that is Tunisian crochet!

There’s also a fabulous Entrelac bag by Margaret Hubert, beautiful sweaters by Charles Voth and Andrea Gracierena, Doris Chan’s lace skirt worked on the bias, and Lisa Daehlin’s awesome throw.  My Lorelei sweater (on the cover) has the look of dropped stitches in knitting, and is worked in vertical rows in a very simple Tee shape, and the Najmee rug is based on a mitered concept that transforms into a star shape, dressed up with exciting colors.

One of the things I really enjoyed about writing this book was the opportunity to research stitches from many different sources:  I found them in Victorian era needlework encyclopedias, in Weldon’s magazines reprints, in American and British books from the 1970s, and in modern Japanese books.  I also included special techniques like short row circles, entrelac, cables, combining Tunisian with regular crochet, and converting knitting stitches to Tunisian.

Interweave has done a fabulous job with photos, complete stitch diagrams for all the stitches, and captured the mood and feel of Tunisia in the book’s design.

I do believe this book may convert you to Tunisian if you aren’t already a fan, and for those who are, you will greatly expand your vocabulary of Tunisian stitches and techniques.

Stay tuned for a Giveaway of Dora’s wonderful new book!

Comments

  1. My 12 year old is over the moon with Tunsian crochet! Can’t wait for the giveaway! Maybe I can win a book for her. She has been looking for more patterns and projects for this.

  4. I, too, am just learning basic Tunisian crochet stitches. I’ve been practicing so I can make an entrlac afghan from a pattern I have plus whatever other beautiful things I feel I can handle. I know this book would inspire me. Just signed up for your Crochet Insider newsletter for more helpful and interesting info and plan to try a different yarn hold with traditional crochet. Thanks for all your work to spread knowledge of and joy in crochet.

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.