Sry for being so quiet. Here is a brief update.
I'm preparing brand new patterns and stitch patterns for you…
I'm preparing brand new patterns and stitch patterns for you…
If you have ever considered working with the Tunisian Reverse Stitch, you might want to read along here.
What you do with the right hand (dominant hand) and what you do with your hook, is also important.
Here is a way to do that. And this technique might be even easier than the two-hooks casting on.
You can also cast on, when doing Tunisian crochet - as in without a starting chain. And it is much faster than doing chains first.
Here are a couple of tips for you, so you are prepared next time you find a fluffy or furry yarn.
Back-Linked Stitches
When doing 'ordinary' linked stitches, you get a visible link at the front of the stitch. Sometimes you don't want that. In that case, I've work out a method, where you use a bump on the back of a stitch to link into.
Back linked stitches. Almost invisible at the front.
See the back side below.
Notice. You can link double crochet (dc) and taller stitches (US terms), though you can also link a dc to a half double crochet stitch (hdc), if the hdc is made first.
Tutorial
Like linked stitches, back-linked stitches are also made by replacing the normal yarn-over (YO) with a link. In back-linked stitches you insert the hook into a bump on the back of the last stitch. Look at the back of a chain stitch. There is a bump there, we will use.Taller stitches usually start with 2 or more YO. Each of these YOs should be replaced with a insert-into-the-back-bump-yo-pull-up-loop.
Foundation. Make a row of 8 chains. Turn with 2 chains. Be careful NOT to tighten the last chain and the loop on the hook too much or you cannot insert the hook in the bump.
Note. The 2nd chain from the hook will be the 'footer' of this 2-chain turn stitch (for regular linked stitches the 3rd chain is the 'footer'.)
- Make the first back-linked stitch by turning your work, so you can see the back of your last chain. Find the first back bump close to the hook and insert the hook here. YO and pull up a loop.
- Skip one chain and insert the hook in the next stitch/chain as you would do with a normal dc. YO and pull up a loop.
- Finalize the dc as usual. *YO and pull through two loops.* Repeat this.
- The back-linked stitch is done. If you count the 2-chain-stitch, there are now 2 stitches in the row.
All the following stitches look alike. Turn your work a little, so you can see and find the back bump closest to the hook.
- Insert the hook in the back bump. YO and pull up a loop.
- Insert the hook it the top of the previous row or chain (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.
- Finalize your stitch as usual. *YO, pull through two loops* until there is only one loop left on the hook.
Turning
Turn with 2 chains. Do not tighten the last chain too much.The first linked stitch can be difficult, if you tighten your chains too much.- Find the back bump of your last chain and insert the hook here. YO and pull up a loop.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch of the previous row (as usual). YO and pull up a loop.
Finalize the stitch as usual with *YO and pull through two loops* twice. Repeat 5)-7) all across for a full row of linked stitches.
Two rows of back-linked stitches.
Video
I know some of you like a video. So I hope this is useful for you. Remember to click like, if you like it and I would also love if you subscribe to more on youtube.The Geeky Note
When I had worked with linked stitches for a short while, something hit me. If you have tried linked stitches with taller stitches and if you know Tunisian crochet by heart, maybe you have seen it too. To me, linked stitches are similar to short rows of Tunisian crochet stitches.Ordinary linked stitches are Tunisian simple stitches and the back-linked version is similar to the Tunisian top stitch - which btw, is one of my favorite Tunisian stitches due to its drape and how it can be used for a flexible rib.
What Name to Use?
So, maybe we could just call linked stitches for short rows of Tunisian simple stitch and the back-linked stitches for short rows of Tunisian top stitch?Well... my problem is that I need to add a disclaimer here. I believe some has argued that linked stitches are NOT Tunisian stitches. I don't see any difference, but now I'm not sure, if we should call them one thing or another - or if the purpose and way of thinking of them can justify two different names.
Funny world, right?
It is very useful, if you want to use a tall stitch for an amigurumi figure or just want another stitch in your stitch collection.
If you bought the pattern already, remember to get the updated version. If you haven't bought it yet, go get the pattern for the two beautiful pillows.
See, what just happened?
The Picky Pillow is now also available in a Danish version: 'Pernitten Pude'. Therefor the introduction price periode will last a few more days.
You will find a Danish version at LoveCrochet or at Ravelry.
(The English version at LoveCrochet is here).
You will find a Danish version at LoveCrochet or at Ravelry.
(The English version at LoveCrochet is here).
The Tunisian twisted stitch pattern is used and a full photo tutorial for this is included in the pattern, so all you have to know in advance, is the Tunisian simple stitch and how to do a regular single crochet.
NOTICE
For a limited time only, the pattern is available at an INTRODUCTION PRICE....AND if you buy it now, then make sure you are logged in, as you should then automatically get access to updates. You might be happy about that later on... hint, hint.
Buy the Pattern
The pattern is available in English (US terms) from Ravelry and LoveCrochet. It is also available in Danish, where it is called 'Pernitten Pude'. Find the Danish version at LoveCrochet and Ravelry.LoveCrochet also happens to have a sale starting right now. So find your yarn there.
About the Pattern
As usual you get a pattern with lots of photos and guidance helping you out.Cro-hook
The main part of the pillow is worked in rows back and forward. You will need a cro-hook / double-ended hook for this. With or without cable. This also means that the length of your cro-hook doesn't matter much, as you don't have to do a full forward pass before you start a return pass.
Inner Pillow
In the pattern I suggest using an inner pillow. This is optional as the stitches are tight enough to hold the filling in. Personally I think and inner pillow gives you a more expensive looking pillow, and it will of course also help the pillow stay in shape. So instructions for making an inner pillow are included. And it is NOT difficult to make one.Adjustable
The pattern also includes instructions for adjusting the pillow size any way you want. So it can fit any inner pillow you have already or whatever you decide you need.Testers
It has been quite a journey to make this pattern. No less than three testers have helped me out and once again, I'm surprised how much testing can improve a pattern. Thank you to Marjolein, Ewa and Karen!Selling Finished Products
Yes, you can do that. No problem! Read more in the menu: About > Copyright, Selling and Affiliate Links
If you have any questions, just ask. You can find me here, on Ravelry or Facebook.
It's just not at all impossible. Nor do you need to cut the yarn and sew in ends all the time.
I'll show you, how you add more color to this stitch pattern row by row.
I used Color Stacking which is a member of the Planned Pooling family. A great way to have fun with colors. The tutorial here helps you with your first color stacking project.
I'm experimenting with mitered corners and have developed a way to do the left side increase without it being too tight and knotted.
They are perfect for Summer crafts and you can find an incredible amount of fantastic patterns for the beaded crochet ropes.
Learn How To
The first rounds are confusing and they might make you incredibly frustrated. I sometimes start over again and again - especially if I crochet with one color beads. Once you got the first rows, the rest of the beaded crochet necklace is easy to make.It can be difficult to find good tutorials, but I've hand-picked some, that can help you get started. The tutorials I've found are clever and use different colored beads.
Also notice that some tutorials start with a row of regular chains (without using beads yet) and make a circle with this, while other tutorials will get right on to using the beads.
You will need:
- beads (see later about beads)
- thin crochet hook, maybe around 2mm (US 0, UK14) The smaller your beads, the tinier the hook.
- strong thread in a color that matches the beads (or a contrasting color for the first sample)
- needle to put the beads on the thread
- Optional: end caps and a lock - or be creative.
You can practice with huge beads like HAMA beads for children. It will make it easier for you to see, what you are doing. Use a 3mm (US C/D, UK11) hook or likewise.Animation Tutorial
If you are impatient, I found this simple page on Fiosarterapia that explains the different steps with only 5 animations. First animation shows how to make the first round of stitches including beads. The other animations show the 4 steps you need for doing sc with each bead:- Insert hook
- push the already attached bead to the side
- make the next bead ready on the loose end
(push the loose end over the already attached bead) - finalize your sc
Photo/Image Tutorials
Fusion Beads has good and lots of images. Just don't get paralyzed when you see the amount of images. Step 1-10 is enough for a good start. Step 16 shows how to join the ends of the first row to make a circle, and then you might only need to look at step 17-19 to know how to do all the rest of the beads.Making Beaded Jewelry got great photos and text. Here is how to crochet over beads (for the first round), and for the rest of the beaded rope, follow the How to Crochet Beaded Ropes tutorial.
Video Tutorials
A great and very straightforward video tutorial is made by Beadaholic. The actual tutorial starts around 3:15.Ann Benson made a detailed youtube video tutorial that starts with info about what you need and a couple of great tips too. Around 3:12 the 'real' tutorial starts by showing how to make the first row of stitches. She uses nice animations as well as short videos to show the details.
Need a break? It is not easy to start on a beaded crochet rope. If you need a break before you try again, there are other versions of beaded crochet necklaces you can have fun with. See what Lampwork Diva has for you or check out Design Sponge. Both include photo tutorials.
Finalize the Necklace
Only some tutorials show how to end the rope. You can do this, just like you would end another crocheted project. Make a slip stitch, cut the thread and pull it through. You decide whether to attach end caps or not. There are many options. Be creative.
About Beads
The more perfect beads you have, the easier to get a perfect outcome. The beads have to be 'perfect' in the way that they should be very similar in size and shape. Because when you are new at this you might crochet pretty tight and then uneven beads will give you a messy looking rope. When you get more advanced, you can mix bead sizes in a controlled way to make more complex ropes.
Useful Links
When you are familiar with the rope technique, I found some good links on biser.info. It is a Russian page, but with lots of great photos. It will bring you joy and hours of work:- A collection of patterns and images of beaded crochet ropes.
- Photo tutorial on how to split a crochet rope into two.
- Photo tutorial on how to make a twisted spiral shape on the crochet rope (use Google Translate to get the whole meaning)
