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?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.