Tunisian Crochet For Baby – Meet The Author!

This new book is full of goodies for baby, created by best selling crochet designer Sharon Silverman. I asked Sharon why she chose Tunisian crochet for babies to create these designs. She kindly offered the following information:

Looking for more Patterns for blankets? Check these Crochet Blanket Patterns out on Etsy.

Tunisian crochet can be used to create fabrics and textures that are impossible in regular
crochet. Because the stitches are linked horizontally as well as vertically, Tunisian crochet
does not have the “loopy” look that regular crochet does. Some Tunisian fabrics look knitted or
woven. I am always glad for the opportunity to share Tunisian techniques with other crocheters.
Baby items, including garments, are very popular and seemed to be the logical next step
after my books on scarves and pillows (both from Stackpole Books), and a recent Leisure Arts
title, Tunisian Baby Blankets. Because of their small size, baby projects are the perfect things on
which to practice a new skill. The investment in time and materials is smaller than for a full-size
adult item.
Tunisian crochet stitch patterns seem very well suited to baby items, refreshingly
different from other crocheted designs. Although Tunisian has a reputation for being bulky and
heavy, that’s an unfair characterization. With the right combination of yarn, hook size, and stitch
pattern, Tunisian fabric can be lacy, open, and lightweight. There are a lot of interesting textures
that will appeal to parents and grandparents. The patterns in the book have a variety of styles,
techniques, and skill levels; I think crocheters will welcome the opportunity to try these new
designs. Each pattern has written instructions and at least one symbol chart. Photo tutorials are
also included.
And with new babies entering the world all the time, crocheters always need things to
make for those precious bundles!
About Sharon:
Sharon Silverman is a designer, author, and instructor based in West Chester,
Pennsylvania. This is her seventh crochet title, with several more in the works. She is a
professional member of the Crochet Guild of America and a design member of The National
NeedleArts Association. You can find her at www.SharonSilverman.com; on Ravelry at
CrochetSharon; and on Facebook and Pinterest at Sharon Silverman Crochet. Silverman is also
the author of several travel guidebooks and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. She
currently writes the “Shop!” column for The Hunt Magazine, a Brandywine Valley lifestyle
publication. She and her husband are the parents of two college-age sons

This Free Whip It Up Crochet Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like pure comfort crochet. It is a free download for a crochet afghan, and Mary Maxim describes it as a beautifully textured blanket with a plush, soft texture designed to be worked up quickly.

The yarn choice is what really sets the tone here. This pattern uses Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, with 5 skeins and a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That puts it firmly in the jumbo-yarn category, which usually means fast progress, chunky stitches, and that lovely instant-gratification feeling where the blanket actually starts looking like a blanket very quickly. Mary Maxim lists the yarn as weight 7 jumbo.

The finished size is also generous at 52 x 60 inches, so this is more than a tiny lap throw. It sounds like a proper snuggle-on-the-sofa blanket, and one that would make a nice gift as well. Mary Maxim specifically suggests it as a throw for home décor or as a thoughtful handmade present.

Skill-wise, this one looks very approachable. The page lists it as Beginner / Easy, and the stitch requirements are simple: chain, double crochet, repeat, single crochet, and slip knot. That makes it a good option for newer crocheters who want a chunky blanket project without too much fuss, or for more experienced crocheters who just want something relaxing and cozy on the hook.

I also think this is the kind of pattern that has strong appeal for anyone who likes fast, useful projects. Jumbo yarn blankets are not subtle, but that is part of their charm. They feel squishy, dramatic, and very giftable. Sometimes you want a delicate heirloom project, and sometimes you want a big soft blanket that feels like crocheting with a cloud. This one definitely leans toward the second category. That last part is my take based on the listed materials, size, and description.

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