Expert: Marilyn Jane Rimmer - 5/7/2008

Question
Hi Marilyn, I'd really like to learn Tunisian crochet, because I like the concept of not having to turn my work over.  I understand basically how to stitch the Tunisian way--keep inserting the hook into the stitches below until you have 10, 15, etc. loops on your hook, and return.  But what I don't understand is how to make anything larger than the length of your needle in that method.  What if you wanted to make an afghan that was 100 or more stitches across?  You couldn't fit all those chains on your hook... or is the only way to do Tunisian crochet by making squares and then joining them?  Thanks!

Answer
Cassie,
Traditionally, Tunisian afghans were made in long panels.  If you divide your afghan into 3, 5 or 7 panels, you've got a nice amount of stitches on your hook.  You can use different stitch patterns, similar to an Aran style, or use the same stitch pattern and use different colors for different panels.  
Then there are different sized afghan hooks, in many craft-type stores they may only carry the 9-10" hooks, but you can order from catalogs or on-line stores and get 14" hooks.  If you want to work with a wooden hook, you can get 20 - 30" hooks.  I use a lot of 14" hooks, and can easily make a baby afghan with 250+ stitches.
I think you'd be amazed at how many stitches you can squash onto a hook!
You may want to look at some vintage afghan books or booklets.  Those that have knit and crocheted afghans frequently have at least one done in Tunisian (or afghan stitch or tricot, it has many names).
Jane