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The New Tunisian Crochet: Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions
Tunisian crochet is hot! Open the door and discover many designers and 30+ Tunisian stitch patterns.
Tunisian crochet, a technique dating back to the nineteenth century, has recently been making its way back into the hands of crocheters. Here, author Dora Ohrenstein presents more than 30 Tunisian stitch patterns and 11 projects, updating historic concepts and introducing innovative techniques using contemporary styles and yarns. The door has officially been opened for those interested in rediscovering this treasured craft.
In The New Tunisian Crochet, you'll begin with Tunisian stitch patterns to create a variety of beautiful fabrics you'll love. Next, follow the inspiration of some of crochet's masters with projects that showcase these stitches in a variety of garments, accessories, and home decor projects. Get ready to explore a craft that's received a fresh jolt of inspiration and insight in The New Tunisian Crochet.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2013
103 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 23, 2013
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Tunisian crochet, and I’m thrilled to see it regaining popularity. Dora Ohrenstein‘s latest book, The New Tunisian Crochet: Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions, is one of several recent crochet publications that explore the versatility of Tunisian crochet.
The New Tunisian Crochet opens just as anyone familiar with Dora’s writings at Crochet Insider and elsewhere would expect: with a history lesson. The first chapter, What is Tunisian Crochet?, reviews the appearance Tunisian crochet stitches in needlecrafts publications in the 1850s and discusses the possible origins of the craft. This section will delight your inner history nerd and will also appeal to your intelligence. Dora’s writing style assumes her readers have brains and she doesn’t feel the need to talk down. She sites her references and even includes a reading list. Dora also mentions some of the contemporary Tunisian crochet designers, such as Carolyn Christmas and Angela “ARNie” Grabowski, who have helped to re-popularize and reinvigorate the craft.
In the next chapter, Tunisian Crochet Techniques, Dora writes in a conversational tone and provides tips and explanations that are useful even to an experienced Tunisian crocheter. The book includes illustrations along with descriptions of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches. In general, I don’t find Interweave’s illustrations helpful and it is hard for me to tell where the yarn and hook are placed. I wish that these illustrations made use of multiple colors (as most of the Japanese stitch guides do) so that it would be easier for me to identify the difference between the previous rows and the current stitch. In many ways, the illustrations are in keeping with the general tone of this book, which assumes a level of knowledge of the basics of crochet and Tunisian crochet. More experienced crocheters will find this lack of review refreshing, but Tunisian newbies may need to consult other resources for more support.
Chapter 3, Tools for Tunisian Crochet, reviews the various available hooks and tools for blocking. Dora includes a list of web resources.
The next chapter, Special Techniques and Effects, is where things start to get very interesting. Dora covers a myriad of Tunisian techniques here, including basic double-ended crochet, short rows for circles, stranded colorwork, and entrelac. Each technique includes a small project or pattern and you will want to pull your hooks out right away and get swatching.
For all you stitch guide junkies, Chapter 5, Stitch Dictionary, is for you. This section includes 33 Tunisian stitch patterns organized into five sections: Basic, Intermediate, Lace, Textured, and Tunisian and Standard Crochet. Each pattern includes US abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The final chapter, Projects, includes 12 project patterns. The project breakdown is
Women’s Accessories – 6 (a shawl, a hat, mittens, a scarf, a bag, and slippers)
Garments – 4 (a cardigan, a pullover, and a skirt for women, and a vest for men)
Home Decor – 2 (a sampler throw and a rug)
This section features patterns by many talented designers, including Dora herself. My favorites from this section are actually the first four patterns: the Marisol Cardigan by Andrea Graciarena, the Mago Vest by Charles Voth, the Rivuline Shawl by Vashti Braha, and the Shantay Skirt by Doris Chan. I also like the Sierra Bag by Margaret Hubert, which changes up the typical entrelac pattern by including different sizes. I can also imagine myself trying out some of the stitch patterns from the Ariadne Sampler Throw by Lisa Daehlin. (Ravelry members can see all of the book’s designs on its source page.)
The book closes with a reference section in the back, which includes a key to the stitch symbols used throughout the book and a glossary of US pattern abbreviations. It also includes illustrated and written instructions for all of the basic crochet and Tunisian crochet stitches. Finally, a bio of each contributor is included.
Overall, this is a great book for a crocheter interested in going beyond the basics of Tunisian crochet. In addition to the wonderful tips and tricks, stitch guide, and history lesson, the book includes many great projects – several of which highlight or teach a specific Tunisian crochet skill. The stitch guide and the patterns use both US pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols. The downside to this book is that the illustrations assume prior knowledge and are really just there to trigger your memory of particular stitches. Also, it is a softcover and it doesn’t stay open when flat. If you are a true Tunisian crochet newbie, you may need to supplement this book with something else (I would recommend Kim Guzman‘s Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet). I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars for any crocheter interested in learning more about Tunisian crochet.
Full disclosure: A free review copy of The New Tunisian Crochet was provided by F+W Media (parent company of Interweave). Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
The New Tunisian Crochet opens just as anyone familiar with Dora’s writings at Crochet Insider and elsewhere would expect: with a history lesson. The first chapter, What is Tunisian Crochet?, reviews the appearance Tunisian crochet stitches in needlecrafts publications in the 1850s and discusses the possible origins of the craft. This section will delight your inner history nerd and will also appeal to your intelligence. Dora’s writing style assumes her readers have brains and she doesn’t feel the need to talk down. She sites her references and even includes a reading list. Dora also mentions some of the contemporary Tunisian crochet designers, such as Carolyn Christmas and Angela “ARNie” Grabowski, who have helped to re-popularize and reinvigorate the craft.
In the next chapter, Tunisian Crochet Techniques, Dora writes in a conversational tone and provides tips and explanations that are useful even to an experienced Tunisian crocheter. The book includes illustrations along with descriptions of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches. In general, I don’t find Interweave’s illustrations helpful and it is hard for me to tell where the yarn and hook are placed. I wish that these illustrations made use of multiple colors (as most of the Japanese stitch guides do) so that it would be easier for me to identify the difference between the previous rows and the current stitch. In many ways, the illustrations are in keeping with the general tone of this book, which assumes a level of knowledge of the basics of crochet and Tunisian crochet. More experienced crocheters will find this lack of review refreshing, but Tunisian newbies may need to consult other resources for more support.
Chapter 3, Tools for Tunisian Crochet, reviews the various available hooks and tools for blocking. Dora includes a list of web resources.
The next chapter, Special Techniques and Effects, is where things start to get very interesting. Dora covers a myriad of Tunisian techniques here, including basic double-ended crochet, short rows for circles, stranded colorwork, and entrelac. Each technique includes a small project or pattern and you will want to pull your hooks out right away and get swatching.
For all you stitch guide junkies, Chapter 5, Stitch Dictionary, is for you. This section includes 33 Tunisian stitch patterns organized into five sections: Basic, Intermediate, Lace, Textured, and Tunisian and Standard Crochet. Each pattern includes US abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
The final chapter, Projects, includes 12 project patterns. The project breakdown is
Women’s Accessories – 6 (a shawl, a hat, mittens, a scarf, a bag, and slippers)
Garments – 4 (a cardigan, a pullover, and a skirt for women, and a vest for men)
Home Decor – 2 (a sampler throw and a rug)
This section features patterns by many talented designers, including Dora herself. My favorites from this section are actually the first four patterns: the Marisol Cardigan by Andrea Graciarena, the Mago Vest by Charles Voth, the Rivuline Shawl by Vashti Braha, and the Shantay Skirt by Doris Chan. I also like the Sierra Bag by Margaret Hubert, which changes up the typical entrelac pattern by including different sizes. I can also imagine myself trying out some of the stitch patterns from the Ariadne Sampler Throw by Lisa Daehlin. (Ravelry members can see all of the book’s designs on its source page.)
The book closes with a reference section in the back, which includes a key to the stitch symbols used throughout the book and a glossary of US pattern abbreviations. It also includes illustrated and written instructions for all of the basic crochet and Tunisian crochet stitches. Finally, a bio of each contributor is included.
Overall, this is a great book for a crocheter interested in going beyond the basics of Tunisian crochet. In addition to the wonderful tips and tricks, stitch guide, and history lesson, the book includes many great projects – several of which highlight or teach a specific Tunisian crochet skill. The stitch guide and the patterns use both US pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols. The downside to this book is that the illustrations assume prior knowledge and are really just there to trigger your memory of particular stitches. Also, it is a softcover and it doesn’t stay open when flat. If you are a true Tunisian crochet newbie, you may need to supplement this book with something else (I would recommend Kim Guzman‘s Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Tunisian Crochet). I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars for any crocheter interested in learning more about Tunisian crochet.
Full disclosure: A free review copy of The New Tunisian Crochet was provided by F+W Media (parent company of Interweave). Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
March 12, 2024
I wrote down several of the stitches in this book. Learned a lot and may check it out from the library again!
September 6, 2024
Great book with a ton of Tunisian crochet techniques I didn't even know existed. I have so many patterns I need to make (LOL) that I didn't save any from here, but the sweater on the cover looks especially cute!
September 6, 2017
Good book. Nice patterns.
May 31, 2013
Finally I got around to writing about this wonderful book!
We have had it in the shop for a while now for review and have looked at it and drooled over it, picked our favourite projects and what yarn to make them in.
I have done tunisian crochet before, but I have to honestly say I had no idea that there were so many different stitches! It is absolutely amazing to see.
The stitches are wonderfully explained and shown in great squares, not just in tiny snippets. I like when you have a good picture of something you are trying new for the first time. This books pictures are really wonderful! You can see everything.
The explanations are well written and easy to understand and on the whole the book just makes you want to grab your hook and get going.
The projects are wonderful and fashionable. I already have found a few I cannot live without! (just look at the great jacket!!! The red one!!! Tell me that one isn't just the bees knees!!!)
We had the book in the shop and let people have a look at it and so many have expressed an interest in learning the craft and said they never even heard of it. I think it is a testament to a book, if it inspires readers!
I adore that the book does not just give you patterns but absolutely gives you the basics you need to get started on your own projects, to go out and experiment and have fun with this technique.
I recommend this book to any crocheter and even knitters that would like to expand their horizons and are looking for something to add to their repertoire! go for it and have some fun.
I am absolutely thrilled to have it at the shop. It also has made me look for other titles by this author and I found to my astonishment that she has published a tunisian stitch dictionary! MUST ADD! :)
We have had it in the shop for a while now for review and have looked at it and drooled over it, picked our favourite projects and what yarn to make them in.
I have done tunisian crochet before, but I have to honestly say I had no idea that there were so many different stitches! It is absolutely amazing to see.
The stitches are wonderfully explained and shown in great squares, not just in tiny snippets. I like when you have a good picture of something you are trying new for the first time. This books pictures are really wonderful! You can see everything.
The explanations are well written and easy to understand and on the whole the book just makes you want to grab your hook and get going.
The projects are wonderful and fashionable. I already have found a few I cannot live without! (just look at the great jacket!!! The red one!!! Tell me that one isn't just the bees knees!!!)
We had the book in the shop and let people have a look at it and so many have expressed an interest in learning the craft and said they never even heard of it. I think it is a testament to a book, if it inspires readers!
I adore that the book does not just give you patterns but absolutely gives you the basics you need to get started on your own projects, to go out and experiment and have fun with this technique.
I recommend this book to any crocheter and even knitters that would like to expand their horizons and are looking for something to add to their repertoire! go for it and have some fun.
I am absolutely thrilled to have it at the shop. It also has made me look for other titles by this author and I found to my astonishment that she has published a tunisian stitch dictionary! MUST ADD! :)
December 1, 2024
I tried my hand at Tunisian crochet a.k.a. Afghan crochet many years ago. I find this technique to be very interesting, since some of the same crochet rules apply, yet new rules are used as well. It's still crochet, but the hook used is different and the stitches almost resemble a knitted look. It's almost as if knit and crochet are blended together to create a unique look and feel.
The books starts off with an informative history of Tunisian Crochet, which I thought was a really nice touch. Designer Dora Ohrenstein also includes a reading list for further research on the craft.
Instructions on the basics stitches, how to increase, adding stitches and changing colors are all included here. Dora also discusses hooks used and gives a list of places where you can purchase Tunisian crochet hooks. Special techniques and effects are also discussed in detail. A Stitch Dictionary is available with diagrams and clear photographs for reference.
There are a nice variety of patterns here as different Tunisian techniques are showcased. Over thirty stitch patterns are included along with eleven projects. It's nice to see the Tunisian crochet technique being brought back and given a more modern look.
The books starts off with an informative history of Tunisian Crochet, which I thought was a really nice touch. Designer Dora Ohrenstein also includes a reading list for further research on the craft.
Instructions on the basics stitches, how to increase, adding stitches and changing colors are all included here. Dora also discusses hooks used and gives a list of places where you can purchase Tunisian crochet hooks. Special techniques and effects are also discussed in detail. A Stitch Dictionary is available with diagrams and clear photographs for reference.
There are a nice variety of patterns here as different Tunisian techniques are showcased. Over thirty stitch patterns are included along with eleven projects. It's nice to see the Tunisian crochet technique being brought back and given a more modern look.
April 26, 2014
I have been looking for a book about Tunisian crochet for years that is informational as well as will guide me in learning this craft. This book is it! It has lots of stitch choices that are easy to follow, as well as projects you would actually wear/use. I am working on an afghan that starts you with the basic skills and works up to more difficult ones as you progress through the squares. Tunisian is a bit tricky at first, but I'm getting the hang of it! A nice change for this avid crocheter!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews