You can also cast on when doing Tunisian crochet - as in without a starting chain. And it is much faster than doing chains first.
If you have ever considered working with the Tunisian Reverse Stitch, you might want to read along here.
I'm sharing my preferred methods for each of the basic slip stitch types with you. They are almost invisible on both sides of the work.
Then, how to hold the hook? And how to avoid pain, if you want to crochet a lot?
This one doesn't need blocking, but it is still super cute and easy to do.
Making a perfect flat circle is not always easy. There are a lot of things to consider. Most blogs only cover a small part of this exercise. Therefor I've collected some good guides and tutorials for you.
With this in hand, you should know the most important things, there is to know about a (perfect) flat circle.
With this in hand, you should know the most important things, there is to know about a (perfect) flat circle.
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?
You've found this little project on the internet you want to try. It is Tunisian Crochet, so... do you need to buy a special Tunisian hook for it? Maybe not.
Use the Perfect Stitch Marker
Once in a while you work on something, were you need to count and count and count. Most of the time you are counting rows and sometimes you need to make sure, you do the increase/decrease or color change in the right place.
FYI: You don't need to count the same rows again and again.
Last week I wrote about the Forgotten Crochet Stitch - aka the very versatile slip stitch. Since then, I've spent hours chatting about it and got requests for tutorials too - especially for video tutorials. So I've got a lot coming up about slip stitches, that will hopefully be helpful.
Have you noticed Double Crochet Stitches (dc) tend to get skewed/slanted? Sometimes it's very visible and if you want to straighten them out, the solution is simple and easy to remember. It can be used for taller stitches too.
For me this mostly applies to open crochet projects, However, it does happen that I also use this technique in something like a granny square with lots of DCs next to each other. It just adds a little extra to the overall look.
When your double crochet (dc) stitches don't line up as beautiful as you want, the reason can be, that you have a very open pattern and/or very loose stitches. The loose work makes room for the foot of the stitches to move a little in the horizontal direction. Chevron patterns can make the imperfection even more visible.
Another Double Crochet Tip: Start a Row with a Fake Stitch
The Workaround
You avoid the messy look by inserting your hook differently. If you look closely at the top of a dc stitch, you can see the hole you would normally use. At the bottom right of the regular hole is a small loop. If you stitch through this loop, it will help the foot of your dc stay put on top of the previous dc.
The slope only exists at the top of higher stitches, so don't look for it, when you are about to hook into a chain stitch.
Related article: Linked Stitches
Stitch Height
Your workaround stitches will be slightly shorter, than a regular dc. So don't change the way of stitching in the middle of a project. If you are about to start on a new project, then make sure to do your gauge swatch with the exact stitch you want to use.
When (Not) to Use the Workaround
As said already, this little double crochet trick is mostly needed, when you work on something loose, open, and/or chevron. If you work on a project with a lot of dc stitches close to each other - or a tighter piece - chances are, the stitches fill in all holes beautifully.Only in a few tighter cases - like an outside-in granny square I recently played around with - it makes sense. Here, the hole pattern relies a lot on stitches being placed upon each other. Hence I used the dc workaround and got really nice stitches.
Btw. the granny square idea shown here, was presented to me by Tuula Maaria @instagram. See her youtube video, if you want to try one too :)
Note. The original post was made in July 2017. The latest update is from May 2021.
Happy Valentines! Let us do the first part of the StoneGnome Infinity Scarf. I have released the new video for the CAL.
I'll recommend that you watch the full video at least once. There are several tips in there, you might need. Later, you can get back here and use the notes for a better overview.
I'll recommend that you watch the full video at least once. There are several tips in there, you might need. Later, you can get back here and use the notes for a better overview.
Some DIY pages have omitted a few details about splitting yarn. I've added these points to this guide.
Though - come to think of it. Sometimes it is not necessary. See here how to do a Reversed Tunisian Top Stitch - aka Reversed Bump Stitch.
It is SO easy!
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.
- a 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. The 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 number 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 steps 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.
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)
Updated May 2020
The back of the Tunisian Top Stitch has similarities to a chain mail when using a large hook.
It is perfect for halloween or for any everyday childrens play.
The project is fast and it doesn't matter, if you make a little mistake here and there. So feel free to try even if you just learned to do the Tunisian Top Stitch.
This is a detailed guide. Grab your yarn, measure tape, a shirt of approximately the right size and your creativity.
You need
- scissors - for your yarn only, do NOT cut the sample shirt you found!
- needle for sewing in ends.
- yarn: acrylic is fine.
- yarn weight: DK (133m/50g or 145.5yds/1.76oz)
- I used: Torino from Lane Cervinia - 120g (4.2oz) for a size 3-4 year old.
- at least one size 10mm straight hook with a rubber band around the far end.
- OR - if possible - a Tunisian hook with hooks on both ends (or make your own).
Step 1 - Draw and Measure
Get the measurements from the shirt you want to copy. If you want to adjust anything, do it now.The top stitch is very flexible, so the sizes on my drawing makes the costume large enough to be worn on top of a jacket as well as on top of a regular shirt.
Use Google to convert the cm into inches if you like and if you want the exact same size as I.
I took one of my 3-year olds shirts and added a little length to make room for a side seam slit.
I also changed the neck to an easier one with a slit making plenty of room for my kid's huge head.
And finally I decided to make the arms straight and not too long, as I think this goes well with a chain mail.
Notice: The top stitch likes to stretch. So when you measure the work laying flat down, it should be 10% shorter, as it stretches when worn (due to gravity). Does that 10% explanation make sense to you? If it is supposed to be 40cm (15.75in) long, then make it 36cm (14.2in) when laying flat on a table.
My measurements on the drawing are those I used, when the costumes was laying flat on a table.
AND REMEMBER: We want The BACK of the top stitch. So the side you look at, when you crochet, will be the WRONG side of the final shirt.
Step 2 - Crochet the Front and Back
You can start from the top or the beginning. The top stitch will look the same.I started the shirt from the bottom. I regretted that, as my boy suddenly came by and wanted it to be knee length - and then changed his mind back, when he saw the result. So I had to frog the neck. It would have been easier to frog the part with the side seams. - Or at least to do a reality check on the way down there :)
Continue working in a spiral to make the back and then front at the same time: When you have the two rectangles, you start picking up loops on one of them and when you reach the end of the first one, continue on the other piece.
See ChiCrochets video for Tunisian Crochet in the Round.
Ignore that she changes colors. It just makes it easier for you to see, what she does.
If you work in a spiral, then remember to stop, when you get to the sleeve openings (make plenty of room here). My work measured 24cm (9.5in)here - laying flat. From here I crocheted in rows. Back and forward. Back side first and then the front side.
Neck
5cm (2in) from the measurement target, mark the center of the work for the neck slit. Stop crocheting, when you get to the slit and worked your way back again doing one side first. When done, cut the yarn and do the second part afterwards. This leaves a 5 cm slit in the middle.
Slip Stitch Shoulders Together
Now, stitch the back and the front together on top of the shoulders. You can use a regular slip stitch for that. Remember: You want the WRONG side to be visible. So put the front and back side together, so the wrong sides face each other. That way your slip stitches will be on the back of the costume.Step 3 - The Arms
Remember that the top Stitch likes to stretch lengthwise? Currently there should plenty of room for the armpits. Make sure to pick up stitches anywhere possible, so there keep being plenty of space in the armpit.
If you work back and forward in rows, then make the arm as a huge rectangle. The seam should be placed under the arm and will be slip stitched together.
No decreases.
When both arms are done, cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop on the hook. Hide the closing off, when you sew in ends. This shirt is for dressing up, not an everyday garment, so it doesn't matter if it looks a little rough.
Step 4 - Assembly
If you didn't work in a spiral, then you can crochet pieces together now with loose slip stitches. Remember that the BACK side of your work is the one we want to show, so put things together while you watch the front side of your work.Weave in Ends
Tadaa ! Chain Mail done!
Optional - Making Highlights
Put paint on a big brush and wipe the brush off, so there isn't too much paint. Don't put pressure on the brush while painting. Paint in the direction of top to bottom only. Highlights are supposed to look like sunlight and they only come from one direction.
You should rather add a little paint at a time and then do the maneuver several times, than give it too much from the beginning.
Put it on a hanger and let it dry.
