Have you wanted to give Tunisian Crochet a try, but don’t have a Tunisian hook yet? Have you caught the Tunisian bug, but don’t know where to start? Have I got the project for you! Let’s try a Tunisian crochet project using a regular crochet hook! How about a Tunisian Crochet Sampler Scarf?

First of all, what is Tunisian Crochet? Tunisian crochet is a form of crocheting that uses a long crochet hook. The long hook is necessary because as you crochet right to left (or left to right if you are left handed), the stitches are left on the hook, similarly to knitting. Then, to complete the row, you must crochet back, left to right (or right to left if you are left handed), finishing stitches as you return. Sometimes a Tunisian crochet hook will have a cord or tube attached to it, to hold the stitches for a longer project like an afghan. With many Tunisian crochet stitches, the finished fabric has a knit-look and the fabric is thick. I absolutely love the look of the Tunisian knit stitch in particular.

Abby wearing my Tunisian Crochet Sampler Scarf

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For post #2 of the monthly series, “Hand Spindles Around the World”, we have the drop spindle! Probably the most popular type of spindle, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, the drop spindle is perfect for the beginner and the experienced spinner alike. With practice, all crocheters can learn to spin with a drop spindle. As you can see in the photo to the right, even Abigail, my four-year-old, is learning to spin!

As I wrote in the first post in the series, spindles come in two forms: drop spindles and supported spindles. Supported spindles come in many varieties, but the drop spindle comes in only three forms, the low whorl, high whorl, and center whorl drop spindle. A drop spindle works (like all spindles) by twisting loose fibers together, which binds them. They come in everything from very simple, plain forms, to highly decorated spindles that are carved and painted. I’ve even seen drop spindles with in-laid gemstones!
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If you’ve tried crocheting and beading, chances are you’ve come across beaded ropes. These lovely pieces are simple in concept– they’re made of beaded chains and slip stitches– but they’re easy to mess up, which makes them tricky in practice. Hopefully, by the end of this tutorial, you will have gotten the hang of the basic steps to this devilishly simple way to make beautiful jewelry.

For this tutorial, I’m using four colors to make a simple pattern. This makes it easier to see where beads should be positioned. It is very important that your beads be positioned right when making these ropes, so be careful.
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If you can make a chain stitch and work a double crochet stitch you can make beautiful pieces of art work with filet crochet. Have you wanted to try filet crochet but haven’t taken the plunge yet? Don’t wait any longer! I have some tips for you to get started on this new endeavor!

“Laura Ingall’s Wilder Doily”

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In addition to regular crochet patterns, Crochet Spot is home to many Tunisian (also known as Afghan) crochet patterns. Tunisian crochet is a technique that requires you to work stitches that remain on your (longer than usual) hook until you reach the end of your row then work them off in the opposite direction to finish them. In a way, it’s similar to knitting, and even employs stitches that mimic those used in knitting, but the resulting fabric tends to be thicker.

For a great Tunisian crochet primer, try the Tunisian Simple Stitch tutorial.
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I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something for quite some time. It’s embarrassing, I know. But, it needs to be said. You have visible seams on your hats! Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone; I have a quick fix that will change your winter hats forever! Everyone drop your hooks! Repeat after me…”I… will… not… make… hats… with… visible… seams… ever… again.”

Whether crocheted in half double crochet, single crochet, or double crochet, many winter hat patterns end up with a visible “seam” in the back of the hat where one round ends and the next begins. The picture below to the left shows a few hats with visible seams.
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Foundation rows are great, especially on large projects. You can get right to the good part of crocheting without having to deal with a lot of chains. Those chains are also a problem in the round. Not only do you have to worry about making the right number, but you also have to take care that you don’t twist it when you finally do join the round. Being able to turn a foundation row into a foundation round gets rid of this problem.

To follow this tutorial, you should be familiar with foundation stitches. I am using foundation double crochet (fdc) for the sake of example, but the basic idea will work with other foundation stitches.
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How do you care for your crocheted items? My guess would be that the answer depends upon the materials you used in making your project. While care instructions can be easily found on most yarn labels, I tend to treat my handmade items with a little extra consideration. Today we’ll look at some yarn labels and go over two ways to care for your crocheted items.

Hello, my name is Molly and I’m a doily nerd. Yes, that’s what I said, a doily nerd! I love doilies of all shapes, sizes, and types: ruffled doilies, vintage doilies, oblong, square, and rectangle doilies. Did you know there are doily patterns with 3D swans? Here’s my question for you- Why haven’t you started your first doily!? I remember your New Year’s resolution from 2012. You haven’t made one yet, have you? Well, here’s a few tips to get you started!

Many crocheters have a fear of the tiny, tiny crochet thread. But don’t worry, we can tackle that! There is nothing to be afraid of! It’s just like switching from bell bottoms to skinny jeans- a little tight at first, but then you get used to them!
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One of the hot crochet-related items on many crocheters Christmas list this year was a spindle for hand-spinning yarn. Spindles come in a plethora of types, styles, and models. Many are a mini-art pieces, with beautiful woodwork, designs, and colors. Hand spinning yarn, for me, has become a sister addiction to my out-of-hand crochet addiction! This is the first post in a series that plans to explore hand spindles from around the world. I’m so excited to be writing about a new passion of mine- hand spinning yarn!

Photo by Dan & Jo Stanbrough

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