Do you want to combine knitting and crochet in your craft? This technique is known as Tunisian crochet, which helps you to create a dense and textured fabric that many beginners love. However, like many other techniques, beginners may face common issues that can be resolved with the right technique and tools. In this blog, we will focus on key tips and incorporate the best practices around using your Tunisian Crochet Hook.
Top 7 Tunisian Crochet Mistakes Every Beginner Should Prevent
1. Picking Up the Wrong Hook Size
One of the most crucial steps in a craft project is selecting the right crochet hook for Tunisian crochet. This technique requires a looser tension to prevent the fabric from becoming stiff and curling. Due to excitement, beginners often pick up the hook, which is too small, resulting in tight and curled stitches.
Tip: To fix this issue, we recommend that you check the yarn label for the right hook sizes. You can consider an interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set that allows you to test different hook sizes and decide on the perfect one. If you are using a softer fabric, you can select a metal Tunisian crochet hook with cables or a cabled Tunisian crochet hook to enhance yarn flow and ease.
Read in Detail: TUNISIAN CROCHET: THE BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF KNITTING AND CROCHETING EVERY MAKER LOVES
2. Ignoring the Foundation Row Tension
The foundation row or chain (CH) is the backbone of any project that you plan to create, and many beginners face the issue of too-tight stitches. The yarn tension issue results in a bumpy, uneven start and affects the fabric. When starting, be sure to use a loose tension on the chain, or you can switch to a larger hook only for the foundation chain. Using a Tunisian crochet hook with cord can easily help you manage tension evenly over the long row of loops.
Tip: For a smooth project, loosen your grip and remember, the foundation needs to be looser than the rest of the fabric to avoid stiffness.
3. Forgetting the Stitches Count
Do you often encounter forgetting a stitch count in your project? The reason behind this is that the stitches in Tunisian crochet have a distinct look. This usually confuses beginners who fail to count the edge stitches properly. As a result, you get uneven edges and an inconsistent stitch count, which adds to frustration.
Tip: Use stitch markers or make a habit of counting loops on your hook to avoid losing track. This beginner crochet tip works great if followed properly.
4. Not Completing the Return Pass Correctly
Firstly, as a beginner, you must understand the technique of the return and forward pass in Tunisian crochet. The forward pass is basically when you pick up loops onto your hook, working right to left, especially if you are a right-handed crocheter. While in the return pass, when you work those loops off the hook (left to right), you complete the row.
The return pass is crucial in Tunisian crochet because it will change the overall look and tension of your work. Many beginners misunderstand the yarn-over technique or accidentally drop loops during this phase.
Tip: Practice using a Tunisian crochet hook with a cable to maintain smooth loop management throughout your work and avoid tension issues.
5. Not Blocking the Finished Piece Properly
As you know, when you work on Tunisian crochet, the fabric naturally curls, which can be frustrating if you want crisp edges in your fabric. Blocking is essential for professional, flat results.
Tip: For perfect blocking, you can use a steam or wet blocking by pinning them out to shape while they are still damp. Whether you used a Tunisian Crochet Hook Set with flexible cables or a regular fixed hook, always remember that blocking helps resolve the issue of curling and evens out tension across your fabric.
6. Skipping or Ignoring the Fabric Curling
Due to the stitch structure of Tunisian crochet, you usually face a curling issue. Instead of fighting this, it's essential to manage the curl by using larger hooks, adding edge stitches like Tunisian Reverse Stitch (TRS).
Tip: You can choose stitch patterns that are designed to reduce curling. However, Double-Ended Tunisian Crochet Hooks can help manage curling by allowing you to work stitches from both ends of the row, balancing tension more effectively.
7. Started Working on Complex Stitches Too Early
The advanced stitches, such as honeycomb or entrelac, look beautiful, but trying them too quickly can overwhelm beginners. So, start working on simple stitches first, and then move to the complex ones.
Tip: Start by mastering essential stitches such as Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) or Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS). Use your interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set before progressing. These simple stitches reduce Tunisian crochet mistakes and frustration during the learning process.
Learn More: 5 SIMPLE STITCHES FOR TUNISIAN CROCHET BEGINNERS
Summary
Mistakes happen with everyone, whether you are a beginner or an expert, but you don't need to frog or unravel the entire work often. By following certain tips, such as careful counting and learning to recognize stitch components, you can fix loops dropped or added during forward or return passes. So, practice patience and use the right hook size and tension tools to prevent errors.