Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hooks
with instructor Steve Butler
Class 132
What is it?
Remember the old Donnie and Marie song “A Little Bit Country – A Little Bit Rock ‘N Roll”? The message of the song was that something special exists between the confluence these two musical genres that could not be enjoyed by either separately. Kind of like Tunisian crochet which, in addition to being a very cool niche of crochet, is also a very cool niche of knitting. That’s because Tunisian Crochet takes its DNA from both disciplines. It’s a little bit from crochet and a little bit from knitting. And what’s the result? A unique type of needlework that holds all of the loops on our crochet hook in a manner consistent with knitting but done on a special crochet hook. This creative combination of both crochet and knitting technique produces a much thicker, denser and less elastic fabric than with standard crochet. The final product of Tunisian Crochet possesses many of the qualities of woven fabrics and is ideal for clothing, blankets or other items where we want an extra density for warmth or protection or style.
What does it do?
Tunisian Crochet is unique. It begins with chain stitches as with traditional crochet but after that it’s a whole new ball game. After this initial step our crocheted fabric is worked onto and then off of our hook with “forward” and “return” passes. Our work is never turned, just the same side worked back and forth. That’s the technique. The creative process, however, is not so simple. To enable that process, Clover has assembled all of the requisite tools and made them available individually or as a complete set.
Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hooks – Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hooks have a warm, organic feel to them with just the right amount of flex to make them comfortable. The unique bamboo surface allows smooth, fast crochet but is not so “slick” that you have to work to keep your loops in place. Clover Interchangeable Crochet Hooks come in nine sizes, E (3.5mm), F (3.75mm), G (4.0mm), H (5.0mm), I (5.5mm), 7 (4.5mm), J (6.0mm), K (6.5mm), and L (8mm).
Interchangeable Cords – Clover Interchangeable Cords are smooth and flexible with seamlessly smooth connections to the hooks. This allows your loops to move easily across them as you crochet. The cables are available in five sizes, 16″, 24″, 29″, 36″ and 48″.
Interchangeable Tunisian Combo Set – The entire set of hooks and cords is also available in a combination set. All nine sizes of bamboo crochet hooks and all five sizes of connecting cords. Now all of the tools required to accomplish the most lofty creative aspirations is available in one place.
How do I share it?
Tunisian Crochet hooks are a must have for any serious fiber artist. As always, samples sell. That includes in-store demo’s. Show everyone all of the possibilities with the new stitches. Teach a few classes ranging from beginner to more accomplished and you’ll have a new and growing fan base. Fiber artists are always looking for something new and exciting to fuel those creative fires. Tunisian Crochet may just be it.