If Knitting and Crocheting Had A Child

A Tunisian crochet hook is like a standard crochet hook, except it's about a foot long and has a capped end like a knitting needle. Working Tunisian crochet is a little like picking up a row of stitches from right to left and then binding them off from left to right. I know. It hurt my brain, too, at first. It makes more sense if you watch it being done.

Tunisian crochet pieces are usually flat. Rectangular pieces are easiest to work, and if the "Tunisian Simple Stitch" (Tss) is used, they're also the best for embroidery, since that stitch has a grid-like appearance. Once you learn how to work round pieces, a process that is completely different from working in the round with regular crocheting or knitting, the project options become nearly endless.

Working Tunisian crochet in the round is similar to working short rows in knitting. Fewer stitches are worked in certain rows, and then picked up again in later rows. Experimenting with this technique left me with a FO I really like:



I haven't finished weaving in the ends yet, but it's already the most comfortable hat I own. Since this was a prototype, I used some Caron (One Pound "Evening Jewels") acrylic from an old, aborted project. I think I'll make another one in a nicer yarn sometime soon.

Here's a look at the top of the hat. Can you tell where the short rows are?



I'll get back to knitting now. ;)