[Nfb-krafters-korner] Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of

[Cathy]

Hi all,

 

As is my habit, I decided to do a bit of research to try to get a better
understanding of something I do not know anything about. So I researched to
find out what Tunisian crochet actually is. so I found this description on
wikkipedia, one of my favorite research sites. I thought I'd share my
findings with all of you. 

 

Yes, certainly I will still take the class. it sounds interesting and a bit
daunting as well.

 

Cathy

  

 

Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of 

crochet

 that uses an elongated 

hook,

often with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook. It is
sometimes considered to be a mixture of crocheting and 

knitting.

As such, some techniques used in knitting are also applicable in Tunisian
crochet. One example is the 

intarsia

 method.

 

The work is begun with the traditional starting chain, a series of slip
stitches. Once the chain is completed, the first row is worked by inserting
the

hook back into the previous link of the chain, and a loop from the free end
of the yarn is grabbed with the hook and pulled back through the link.
Unlike

traditional crochet, however, this new loop is not then pulled through the
initial loop. Both remain on the hook and then the process is repeated,
working

from right to left, until each link in the chain has been worked. At the
end, there will be as many loops on the hook as there are stitches required.
This

process is called 

casting on.

This is the first of two parts for creating a row.

 

The work is never turned. Once the correct number of loops is obtained, the
process is reversed with each loop being worked off from the hook by pulling

a fresh loop of yarn through each stitch, working from left to right. It is
both parts of the process which form a completed row. The tension of the
yarn

is much looser than in standard crochet or knitting.

 

Tunisian crochet can also be worked in the round, as when making a seamless
cap. To work in the round a double-ended crochet hook and two balls of yarn

are used. The first hook and ball of yarn are used to add loops (casting
on). When the process is reversed (as described above), the loops are worked
off

using the second hook and second ball of yarn.

 

There are a variety of stitches than can be created, dependent on how and
where the hook is inserted and how the working yarn is held. Tunisian
stitches

include variations on knit, purl, post stitch, and entrelac, to name a few.

 

The fabric created by Tunisian crochet is slightly less elastic than normal
crochet and substantially thicker, particularly the knit stitch. This makes

it most suitable for blankets and winter knits, but unsuitable for finer
items like babywear and socks. The fabric also has a tendency to curl, and
usually

needs to be shaped by wetting or steaming the fabric (known as blocking)
upon completion. It is slightly faster to create fabric by Tunisian than
normal

crochet, and approximately twice the speed of knitting.