Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

This Tunisian Is For You!

by

tunisian crochet stitch guide by kim guzman

 

I recently got my hands on Kim Guzman’s latest book, “Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide.”  You’re gonna like this book!  For a fairly small soft cover book, this stitch guide is packed with useful information, excellent photographs, and a large number of interesting stitches patterns.  The cover alone will entice you to pick up the book, even, if like me, Tunisian is not your favorite way to crochet.  Each of the 61 stitches contained in this book is presented in great detail.  The 14 basic Tunisian stitches are presented first as these are the building blocks for all the other stitches which I’ll refer to as stitch patterns.  For each stitch pattern, there is a clear color photo, along with a list of the basic stitches used, and a large, clear chart.

teach yourself afghan stitch book

Although Kim designs in traditional crochet as well, many people will recognize her as one of the leading designers in Tunisian.  I’ve been a fan of hers for some time.  This book is a grand accomplishment in furthering the art of Tunisian.  I have only to look at the previous Leisure Arts publication (Leaflet 122), “Teach Yourself Afghan Stitch” and compare it with Kim’s new book to see how far she has brought the understanding of this form of crochet which goes by several names – Tunisian, Afghan, Shepherd’s Knitting, Railway Knitting, and many others.  They are all essentially the same form of crochet (not knitting) that we now mostly refer to as Tunisian or Afghan Stitch.  Since it can be used for many things besides crocheting afghans, I prefer the term ‘Tunisian’.

Kim’s book is also perfectly sized for stashing in your crochet bag to carry along and refer to as you work.  While the book contains only a single full pattern, a scarf, you’ll find yourself wanting to make that one right away!  And, a scarf is the perfect project IMO to test out a pattern stitch.  I think you’ll find yourself going back, again and again, to refer to the stitch patterns included in the book to create all kinds of Tunisian projects of your own.

Book Specs:

Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide by Kim Guzman

Leisure Arts, 2013

96 pages, 5X8 inches durable soft cover

ISBN:  9781464707391

$9.99USD

Comments

  1. I agree that this is an excellent book, JD. I love the size. And as one who has just now begun a foray into the multi-faceted aspects of Tunisian crochet, this little volume has really been a help in exploring the various stitches and techniques.

Have you read?

Red Melt The Ice Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern Review

Some crochet projects are made simply because we need a warm hat. Some are made because we need a quick gift, a stash-busting project, or something easy to work on while watching television. And then there are crochet projects that carry a message.

This Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF sits firmly in that last category.

Inspired by the Melt the ICE craftivism movement, this red crochet beanie is more than just a wearable winter accessory. It is a handmade political statement — soft, practical, visible, and rooted in the long tradition of protest through craft.

You can find the Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF here.

Crochet as Protest

Crafters have always had a way of saying things with their hands. Quilts have carried coded messages, embroidery has documented women’s lives, banners have marched through the streets, and yarn crafts have wrapped public spaces in colour and defiance.

This beanie belongs to that same creative lineage.

The phrase Melt the ICE gives this pattern its political edge. It connects the humble red crochet hat to conversations around immigration enforcement, detention, family separation, human rights, community care, and the role ordinary people can play in public protest.

And that is what makes this pattern interesting. It is not loud in the way a placard is loud, but it is visible. A red handmade hat catches the eye. It invites questions. It gives the maker a way to wear their values without needing to shout over anyone.

Sometimes craftivism works because it is disarming. People expect political protest to be hard-edged, but handmade work brings something different to the conversation. It says, “I cared enough to make this stitch by stitch.”

About the Pattern

The pattern itself is beginner-friendly and refreshingly straightforward. The hat is worked flat in rows, then seamed and gathered to create a relaxed slouch beanie shape. That makes it especially approachable for crocheters who are still building confidence with wearable projects.

Instead of needing to work in the round or fuss with crown shaping from the start, you are essentially making a rectangle and turning it into a hat. I love that kind of construction because it gives beginners a real sense of achievement. You are not just practising stitches — you end up with something wearable and meaningful.

The design uses a textured crochet fabric, giving the finished beanie a cozy, slightly chunky look. The slouchy shape keeps it casual and modern, while the bold red colour gives it that unmistakable activist feel.

Why Red Matters

The red yarn is not just a colour choice here. It is part of the visual language of the project.

Red is urgent. Red is warm. Red is visible in a crowd. It can suggest anger, love, warning, solidarity, courage, and care all at once. For a political crochet project, that matters.

A red slouch beanie can be worn to rallies, community events, mutual aid gatherings, craftivism meet-ups, or simply out in everyday life as a quiet statement of support. It is one of those pieces that can be as bold or as subtle as the wearer wants it to be.

Of course, you could make the pattern in any colour, but for the Melt the ICE inspiration, red feels intentional. It gives the hat its message before a single word is spoken.