This adorable double heart is double love. Give it to someone extra special or make it for your own joy.
The heart ornament is made in one piece, so there is no sewing the parts together in the end.
Tunisian Crochet is fun and can be very meditative. Here is how you make a traditional foundation row to get started.
Now turn your work sideways, so you can see all the bumps that might usually be on the back of your work. These are the loops you will insert the hook into.
Choose whatever works best for you with a specific Tunisian Crochet Project.
If you are a newbie to Tunisian Crochet, try it!
Updated September 2021. Originally posted as part of the Tutorial: Tunisian Top Stitch from 2016.
Tunisian Crochet in General
Is this your first try on Tunisian Crochet? If so, you should know it is all about a forward motion/ forward pass and a back motion/return pass. On the forward pass, you pick up loops. On the return pass, you finalize each of the crochet stitches.You also insert the hook a little different from regular crochet in most cases - as you have other options here - which makes the stitches look a bit different too.
However, the way you work each of the stitches is still crocheting.
The outcome of a Tunisian Crochet piece can be a lot more like knitting, which is great for the drape and thereby for making wearables, scarfs, and other soft crochet pieces.
Tunisian Foundation Row
Choose a yarn and a hook that is at least two sizes bigger than the yarn label suggests. Most hooks will easily have space for 10 stitches on the neck. Else, just make fewer chains in this tutorial.
1) Chain row
Make a slip stitch and insert the hook. Crochet 9 chains for a foundation. This will give you 10 stitches, as the loop on your hook is number 10.
Now turn your work sideways, so you can see all the bumps that might usually be on the back of your work. These are the loops you will insert the hook into.
2) Forward Pass - pick up loops
Insert your hook into the first bump, right next to the hook. (Some skip the first bump and it CAN be difficult to hook into. So if it suits you better, do that.)Yarn over (yo) and pull through one loop. You now have 2 loops on the hook. They stay there during the forward motion.
*Insert the hook into the next bump, yo, and pull through one loop only.* Repeat this till you have used all bumps. When you have reached the end, you have 10 loops on your hook.
*Yo and pull through two loops.* Repeat until you only have one loop left on the hook.
AVOID the temptation to pull tight, when there is only one loop left on the hook. You can tighten your work so much, that it is difficult to proceed from here with a nice result.
*Insert the hook into the next bump, yo, and pull through one loop only.* Repeat this till you have used all bumps. When you have reached the end, you have 10 loops on your hook.
3) Return Pass - complete each stitch
Chain one. (Yo and pull through one loop only). This is the left edge of your work.
*Yo and pull through two loops.* Repeat until you only have one loop left on the hook.
AVOID the temptation to pull tight, when there is only one loop left on the hook. You can tighten your work so much, that it is difficult to proceed from here with a nice result.
Tadaa!! Now you are ready for your next row :)
From here most people learn the Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss), the most commonly known stitch in the Tunisian Crochet world.
You could also try something nice and a bit different like the lovely Tunisian Top Stitch. It's one of my favorite stitches and it doesn't get enough attention in the crochet world.
You could also try something nice and a bit different like the lovely Tunisian Top Stitch. It's one of my favorite stitches and it doesn't get enough attention in the crochet world.
You will find a tutorial right here: Tutorial: Tunisian Top Stitch
Did You Know?
Instead of starting with a chain row, it is also possible to do a cast-on. You can either do the Tunisian Single Hook cast on or the Tunisian Crochet Cast On. The last one requires two hooks but is really beautiful and very popular on this site.
Choose whatever works best for you with a specific Tunisian Crochet Project.
Learn to crochet the Tunisian top stitch - aka bump stitch. It is a VERY easy stitch and the stitch is also very fast to work with.
You crochet beautiful scarfs and more with this stitch.
If you are new to Tunisian crochet, this is a great stitch to learn, as it is very different from other Tunisian crochet stitches.
If you want a little extra, then try the 3 Skein Scarf with the neat color change.
If you are new to Tunisian crochet, this is a great stitch to learn, as it is very different from other Tunisian crochet stitches.
Updated and split into two posts in September 2021. Originally from September 2016.
Tunisian Top Stitch
Choose a yarn and a hook that is at least two sizes bigger than the yarn label suggests. Make a foundation row of just about 10 chains - or cast on if you prefer that. Now you are ready for the first row of Tunisian Crochet Top Stitches.
Related posts:
- Tunisian Crochet Foundation Row
- Tunisian Crochet Cast On (2 hooks)
- Tunisian Single Hook Cast On (1 hook)
- Tunisian Crochet Foundation Row
- Tunisian Crochet Cast On (2 hooks)
- Tunisian Single Hook Cast On (1 hook)
Forward Pass
You need to locate and hook into the 'bump' from the return passes. It's on top - and maybe a little behind - the vertical strings, we often use in Tunisian crochet. It is very similar to the back bumps of a chain row you use for a traditional foundation row.
Tilt your work a little if it helps to find the right bump.
If your last stitch of the first row got tight, it might be impossible to see or enter the first bump. So, be careful about that.
Tilt your work a little if it helps to find the right bump.
If your last stitch of the first row got tight, it might be impossible to see or enter the first bump. So, be careful about that.
1. Insert the hook into the first bump, right next to the hook. Yarn-over (yo) and pull through one loop. You now have 2 loops on the hook. (img below)
2. *Insert the hook into a bump, yo, and pull through one loop only.*
Repeat ** till you have all 10 loops on the hook.
Repeat ** till you have all 10 loops on the hook.
Return Pass
3. Left edge: Chain one (pull through one loop only).
4. *Yo and pull through two loops.*
Repeat ** till you have only 1 loop left on the hook.
Repeat ** till you have only 1 loop left on the hook.
You are now done with the second row :) Make a couple more rows just for practice.
Finishing Off
You end it like you do on regular crochet. Cut the yarn end and pull it through the last loop on the hook - at the right side of your work.Tips
Tip 1. Leave extra long ends when you start and when you finish. Weaving the ends in and out takes more yarn than other stitches.
Tip 2. When you are doing a back motion, then stretch the work a little with your left hand. This gives your work a more uniform look.
Tip 3. In a return pass: When you need to pull yarn from the yarn ball, then hold on to the first loop with your index finger, so you don't accidentally pull the previous bump too tight.
Make a Scarf
Imagine a scarf made purely with the Tunisian Top Stitch. Great drape, right?!If you want a little extra, then try the 3 Skein Scarf with the neat color change.
Have fun with it :)
If you haven't met the cute Junior Egg already, let me introduce you now. He/she likes to sit in a nest of yarn - or hang from a twig or a tree. And the Junior Egg pattern is free!
Years ago, right before Easter, the kids and I played with paper and cardboard and we came up with an egg with legs because it was pretty easy to draw and cut out and glue.
For shaping the top of the egg, I recommend invisible decreases*: Insert the hook into the front loops of the next 2 stitches right after each other (do not yarn-over in between). Yarn-over and pull through two loops. Yarn-over and pull through the last loop.
Foundation option #1: Ch 5. Slip stitch it into a ring. [5]
Foundation option #2: Magic Ring with 5 sc. [5]
Finishing Off
Thank you to Sofiia Norah Rasmussen for helping me test this with short, short notice.
Crochet a heart for Mother's Day.
This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.
My latest pattern is now available. The hat and tube are square and are very light, despite the bumpy, fluffy look.
It was my 3-year-old daughter, that requested the hat.
Here is a beautiful open Valentine's Heart for you. It is a free pattern.
Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.
Here is a free snowflake pattern for you, that can bring bright snow into your life.
Use it for Christmas or use it as decoration, when other Christmas decorations are put away and everything feels a bit empty and dark.
Have you been told to hold your hook as a pencil or maybe as a knife? This might be wrong for you.
Then, how to hold the hook? And how to avoid pain, if you want to crochet a lot?
Make a nice decoration for your bottle of water. Use it as nice touch or for more practical reasons.
Everybody brings a bottle of water at the fitness center or at a field trip. Some of the bottles look very much alike, and occasionally it can be difficult to find the right one.
Here is a pattern for a bottle decoration, that makes your bottle unique.
Say hello to another happy member of the baby toy family. The Smiley Cloud.
As a gift to everyone on the newsletter list and following on Facebook, The crochet pattern is FREE for a few days - but on Ravelry only! Use the coupon code FREECLOUD.
We loved it! We thought the result was eggcellent. An egg with a lot of personality. So I thought. Why not make a crochet version?
Abbreviations (US terms)
Materials
- Hook size 2-2.5mm (US 0-B1, UK 14-13)
- Scissors
- A long piece of scrap yarn to use a stitch marker
- Filling
Yarn
Cotton yarn with yardage around 170m/50gr (186y/1.76oz)
A tiny bit of white and orange.Spiral Note
The egg and leg are worked in a spiral. Working in a spiral means working in continuous rounds without ending each round with a slip stitch. Put your scrap yarn stitch marker in place, when a round is done, and continue with the next round immediately. The yarn stitch marker show what round you are working on.
The egg and leg are worked in a spiral. Working in a spiral means working in continuous rounds without ending each round with a slip stitch. Put your scrap yarn stitch marker in place, when a round is done, and continue with the next round immediately. The yarn stitch marker show what round you are working on.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase. Make two sc in the same stitch.
- dec = decrease. Work 2 sc together.
- 3dec = decrease by working 3 sc together.
- () = repeat instructions between parentheses as many times as directed – OR throughout the round/row.
- [] = the number of stitches in a round or row.
Junior Egg Pattern
Work in a spiral.- Begin with 5sc in a magic ring. Pull tight. [5]
- 1 inc in each stitch all the way. [10]
- (inc, 1 sc) 5 times. [15]
- (sc, inc, sc) 5 times. [20]
- (inc, 3 sc) 5 times. [25]
- (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) 5 times. [30]
- (inc, 5 sc) 5 times. [35]
For shaping the top of the egg, I recommend invisible decreases*: Insert the hook into the front loops of the next 2 stitches right after each other (do not yarn-over in between). Yarn-over and pull through two loops. Yarn-over and pull through the last loop.
*Don't make invisible decreases if you plan to turn the backside out like I sometimes to do.
Closing Off the Egg
Cut a long yarn end. Expand the loop on the hook and pull until the yarn end is out and the work secured.- 1 sc, (dec, 15 sc) 2 times. [33]
- (9 sc, dec) 3 times. [30]
- (4 sc, dec, 4 sc) 3 times. [27]
- (7 sc, dec) 3 times. [24]
- (3 sc, dec, 3 sc) 3 times. [21]
- (5 sc, dec) 3 times. [18]
- (2 sc, dec, 2 sc) 3 times. [15]
- (1 sc, dec) 5 times. [10]
Closing Off the Egg
Attach a needle to the yarn end. Insert the needle into the front loop of every stitch all the way around (9 stitches). Pull tight and the hole closes.
Only if needed, secure the yarn again, by weaving it in and out a couple of times.
Use the yarn end for hanging the egg on a twig.Related blog post: The Easter Bunny Egg pattern
Bunny Egg & Junior Egg
Leg
Work in a spiral.Foundation option #1: Ch 5. Slip stitch it into a ring. [5]
Foundation option #2: Magic Ring with 5 sc. [5]
1-6) Sc all the way for 6 rounds.
7) Toe: Ch 4.
8) Use the back bumps of the chains. Skip the first and slip stitch into the next three.
9) Slip stitch into the middle of the foot through front and backside.
10) - 11) Repeat line 7-8.
12) Slip stitch into the left side of the foot.
12) Slip stitch into the left side of the foot.
13) - 14) Repeat line 7-8.
15) Slip stitch into the side of the foot again.
15) Slip stitch into the side of the foot again.
Cut a long yarn end and pull the yarn end through the slip stitch.
Pull the yarn through the leg, so both yarn ends are at the top of the leg. (Find the nearest ’hole’ to pull it through. Use a needle or your hook).
Make another leg.
Sew the legs on the egg. Place them somewhat on the same side. ’Fold’ the legs, with the toes pointing forward and the ’knees’ slightly bend.
Pull the yarn through the leg, so both yarn ends are at the top of the leg. (Find the nearest ’hole’ to pull it through. Use a needle or your hook).
Make another leg.
Sew the legs on the egg. Place them somewhat on the same side. ’Fold’ the legs, with the toes pointing forward and the ’knees’ slightly bend.
Thank you to Sofiia Norah Rasmussen for helping me test this with short, short notice.
If you want ideas of how to make a colored version, then check what Margie did on Instagram and give her a little love.
Enjoy!
Note. The original blog post is from March 2017. The latest update is of March 2021.
Share and Selling Note
You are welcome to share or sell any products you make from my patterns. :)
Read more about copyright and selling here.
You are welcome to share or sell any products you make from my patterns. :)
Read more about copyright and selling here.
To all the little stars in the world. Crochet a little star or two.
Below is the crocheted star pattern. Have fun ❤️
In a few weeks, it is December 1st. I'm not good at being ahead of the season, but this year my sweet kids started making little ornaments a while ago, so I joined them.
Making the star pattern was a bit frustrating at first. :) Sometimes making things very simple is difficult. I also wanted it to somehow match the Valentine's heart, which can be used as a Christmas decoration as well.
Making the star pattern was a bit frustrating at first. :) Sometimes making things very simple is difficult. I also wanted it to somehow match the Valentine's heart, which can be used as a Christmas decoration as well.
Read more: See more hearts at Stonegnome
I think they will look good together in a window or at the Christmas tree.
Below is the crocheted star pattern. Have fun ❤️
Star Pattern
While working on the pattern it can be difficult to see the star shape. The further you get, the better it should be, and once blocked and shaped, it should be just how you want it.
Little star: around 5cm wide (2")
Medium star: around 6cm wide (2.4").
Medium star: around 6cm wide (2.4").
- hook size 2.25-2.5mm (US: B/1, UK 13)
- cotton yarn. Yardage around 170m/50g (185y/1.76oz)
- optional. A stitch marker.
- glasses, if needed.
Abbreviations (US terms)
ss = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
yo = yarn over
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
yo = yarn over
[ ] = instructions for the medium star
Foundation
Chain 30 [medium star, chain 40]. Join with a ss to make a ring.
Optional. Turn the work, so you can see the back bumps of your chains. Hook into the back bumps.
1) chain 3
2) 1 dc and 1 hdc in the base of the 3 chains
3) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]
2) 1 dc and 1 hdc in the base of the 3 chains
3) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]
Now make a cluster-decrease of two hdc with a skipped chain between. like this:
4) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
5) skip a chain
6) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
7) yo and pull through all 5 loops on the hook
5) skip a chain
6) yo, insert the hook into the next chain and pull up a loop
7) yo and pull through all 5 loops on the hook
Continue with:
8) 1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]
Star point
Tip: when working a lot of stitches into a single chain, the chain right AFTER might get very tight. Avoid it being tight by inserting a stitch marker into it before you start the previous group of stitches.
9) (optional. Place a stitch marker in the second chain from the hook)
Make 5 stitches in the next chain (= the first chain from the hook): 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1dc, 1hdc
Make 5 stitches in the next chain (= the first chain from the hook): 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1dc, 1hdc
Continue with:
10) (optional. Remove the stitch marker)
1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]
1 hdc in the next chain [medium star, repeat the line]
Repeat from line 4 until you reach the last star point, which is already halfway done.
(The initial 3 chains you made in the beginning, are substituting the tr.)
11) In the base of the 3 chains make two more stitches: 1hdc, 1dc
Join with a ss, cut the yarn, and secure it by pulling it through the last loop on the hook. Sew in the yarn end from your foundation chain. Make it come out at the top of the star. Use the two yarn ends for hanging up the ornament.
Wash and block* it for a perfect shape and you've got a star!
Let me know if you find any typos in the pattern. ❤️
*Wash and block
I highly recommend blocking for the best final touch.
Handwash the star. Press out excess water by wrapping it in a towel. Place the star on a flat surface and pull the outer and inner star points till you are happy with the shape. Use water-safe needles and a foamboard or likewise if you prefer - I just do it freehand.
The star points can be pointed or more rounded. Let the star dry.
Make a Whole Family of Stars
You might have figured out by now how to make an even bigger star. Every time you add 10 more chains to the foundation row you go up one size. And the line with 1 hdc is also repeated once more (lines 3, 8, 10).
I tried and ended up with 4 different sizes of stars. After blocking and a little nursing, even the bigger one got very good.
I'm not sure how far you can go and keep the shape, but feel free to try :) Just be aware that the larger the star, the more wobbly it will be and you might need to use stiffener if it is to be hung up.
Tag me on Instagram @stonegnomedesign to show me your star(s).
Enjoy!
Sell & Share
You are welcome to sell/share any products you make from my patterns. For further information look at Copyright and Selling
Snowflakes
This December has been all about rain and rain and rain, so I've made a free snowflake pattern that pair up well with the one I made almost two years ago.
This is my X-mas present for you.
This is my X-mas present for you.
December is calling for cozy crochet projects. I know, I'm looking forward to peace and quiet* and my crochet projects! I've found a few links for free projects you might want to try.
This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.
It was my 3-year-old daughter, that requested the hat.
Use it for decoration or as a bookmark.
Use it for Christmas or use it as decoration, when other Christmas decorations are put away and everything feels a bit empty and dark.
Christmas gets closer every day. All full of love and (Xmas) hearts. Here is a free heart pattern for you.
I'll guide you at the beginning of the diagram as well as at the parts, when new things happen. So even if you are a newbie, you should be able to finalize this.
I'll guide you at the beginning of the diagram as well as at the parts, when new things happen. So even if you are a newbie, you should be able to finalize this.
Then, how to hold the hook? And how to avoid pain, if you want to crochet a lot?
Everybody brings a bottle of water at the fitness center or at a field trip. Some of the bottles look very much alike, and occasionally it can be difficult to find the right one.
Here is a pattern for a bottle decoration, that makes your bottle unique.
As a gift to everyone on the newsletter list and following on Facebook, The crochet pattern is FREE for a few days - but on Ravelry only! Use the coupon code FREECLOUD.
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