Tunisian crochet hooks

For lovers of knitting and crochet, today we are talking to you about a process recently rediscovered in Italy: Tunisian crochet. It is a technique performed in back and forth rows thanks to a long needle that keeps the stitches in the crochet hook.

But where did the term "Tunisian crochet" originate?

Its origins remain vague and mysterious and even today it is not clear where the name comes from. Some scholars believe that it was born from sailors and shepherds, who wanted to create simple and quick clothes for them. Other scholars, however, think that this technique was already present in ancient times in the areas of Africa and Asia.

We have sources dating back to 1858 which demonstrate that this processing technique already existed but was not yet defined. In fact, in those years, the English magazine "Belle Assemble" published a cloak made with a new stitch, then known as Princess Frederick William stitch. Two years later, in another English magazine, the "Ladies Home Companion", the instructions for making a crochet hook suitable for crafting were explained. From the absence of adequate tools one can understand that it was truly a new technique.

Only in the 1880s did the term "Tunisian crochet" appear as a synonym for "knit crochet", although the origins of this name are not known with certainty.

In the 1920s this technique was abandoned for a few decades, and only came back into vogue in the 1970s for the creation of knitwear, bags and fashion accessories.

How can we define this processing technique?

We can say that it is a mix between crochet and knitting, and that it can be made with different types of yarns. The final result is similar to a fabric, with a denser and fuller weave, excellent for making jackets, carpets and cushions.

The Tunisian crochet needle is also known as an afghan needle, it has a longer length and a hook at the ends. The basic stitch, known as chain stitch, is what the traditional and Tunisian techniques have in common.

This method makes the work easier because it is always carried out on the right side in a single direction, collecting the stitches on the way and closing them on the way back. To make the circular type instead, use the double-pointed crochet hook and an additional ball of yarn to close the return stitches after turning the work.

By varying the number of crochet hooks and their size we can create an infinite number of ideas ranging from small accessories to outerwear. Available in 11 different sizes, you can find them by clicking here .

And have you already tried this technique? Let us know by sharing your creations on our Facebook page " Create with Tricot Cafè ".