Here are some tips I found useful as a relative newcomer to Tunisian Crochet gleaned from my reading this week. I thought you might find these useful if you're a newbie too.
- Hook length: Your hook can hold a project width three times its length. For wider projects select a hook with a flexible cable attached.
- In Tunisian Crochet the front is always facing you so you don't need to turn.
- Count the stitches on your hook after the forward row. I know from experience that it's easy to lose a stitch!
- In Tunisian Simple Stitch there are the same number of stitches on your hook as on your starting chain.
- Pull the yarn tight at the start of each forward row to prevent a loose stitch.
- Work into the vertical AND horizontal bars of the last stitch of the forward row to stabilize the row. I wish I'd known this when I was doing my CYC swatch (see below)!
- To prevent curl: Work into the back bump of your chain.
- To prevent curl: Go up a hook size.
- To prevent curl: At the beginning of your work, crochet a row of Tunisian purl stitch to redistribute the weight.
- To prevent curl: Block your work.
I had heard of Tunisan knit and purl stitch but there is a whole world of Tunisian crochet stitches and stitch patterns out there. The Honeycomb skirt by Sharon Hernes Silverman is made in a variegated yarn and is simply stunning! Have a look at the project page on Ravelry.
Anyway, before I get carried away I will start with a simple project for the CAL which is the fantastic looking Cobbled Street Cowl. If you're interested in joining in check out the Ravelry group/thread and use #tccTunisianCAL to see the fun on Instagram!