Who doesn’t want to crochet their stress away? Grab your tunisian hook, yarn, and let’s get stitching together! Today, we begin working on our Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan, the official May 2020 Rohn Strong Crochet Along project.
We’ll cover how to block your blocks, seaming and assembly, and even cover a little bit of cross stitch!
As always, there is a full video tutorial for each of these steps available below!
Remember, you can add your project to your Ravelry library by clicking HERE!
You can find the FREE pattern below! ALSO, don’t forget;
I have changed the rules a little bit…cause I make them! You can still post your entries for giveaways on Instagram by using the hashtag, #RohnStrongCAL and following me. However, I also will be making a weekly post on Friday in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club Facebook group where you can share your progress to be entered! YAY!
Sponsors & Prizes
Each of these prizes is a minimum value of $50! Remember, you can enter each week’s giveaway is to post a picture of your progress using #RohnStrongCAL on Instagram OR you can post in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club! You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.
Week 4 – May 29:Joann $50 Gift Card and Prize Pack!
Prizes will be awarded at the beginning of the following week at around 11:00am EST. Weekly winners will be picked randomly. More details will be announced in each week’s blog post. The schedule of prizes is subject to change.
Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan
Today’s finishing instructions are pretty basic and can be found in the final PDF download!
That’s it friends! I mean…how easy were those blocks!? Like I said, just a few minutes and a couple colors of worsted weight yarn and you’re good! Remember to share your projects with me on Instagram HERE and to join the Rohn Strong Crochet Club HERE!Next week we’ll tackle three new tunisian crochet stitches! Have fun stitching this week friends!
Who doesn’t want to crochet their stress away? Grab your tunisian hook, yarn, and let’s get stitching together! Today, we begin working on our Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan, the official May 2020 Rohn Strong Crochet Along project.
This week, we’re speeding things along and working blocks 7, 8, and 9!
This week we are tackling some next level tunisian stitches! With that in mind, we’re going to stitch up the Tunisian Double Stitch Lace, Tunisian Cable Stitch Patterns, and Tunisian Entrelec!
As always, there is a full video tutorial for each of these blocks available below!
Remember, you can add your project to your Ravelry library by clicking HERE!
You can find the FREE pattern below! ALSO, don’t forget;
I have changed the rules a little bit…cause I make them! You can still post your entries for giveaways on Instagram by using the hashtag, #RohnStrongCAL and following me. However, I also will be making a weekly post on Friday in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club Facebook group where you can share your progress to be entered! YAY!
Sponsors & Prizes
Each of these prizes is a minimum value of $50! Remember, you can enter each week’s giveaway is to post a picture of your progress using #RohnStrongCAL on Instagram OR you can post in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club! You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.
Week 3 – May 22:Red Heart Yarns – A yarn filled prize pack valued at $50!
Prizes will be awarded at the beginning of the following week at around 11:00am EST. Weekly winners will be picked randomly. More details will be announced in each week’s blog post. The schedule of prizes is subject to change.
Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan
Materials
US K/6.5mm Tunisian Crochet Hook US J/6mm Crochet Hook Main Color Color A, B, and C Scissors
Finished Measurements
Finished Block: 9.5″ by 9.5″
Gauge
12 sts and 12 rows = 4″
Abbreviations
Ch = Chain FwdP = Forward Pass RetP = Return Pass Tss = Tunisian Simple Stitch Tks = Tunisian Knit Stitch Trs = Tunisian Reverse Stitch
Pattern Notes
Each block is worked by working your Foundation Row and building from there. Final round of single crochet is worked into row ends, top, and bottom rows.
Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan Week 3 | Tunisian Cables, Lace
BLOCK 7PATTERN
With B, Ch 27
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (27 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Row 1:
FwdP: *Yarn over twice, skip next stitch, insert hook into next stitch as if to do a Tunisian Knit Stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left on hook); rep from * across. (27 loops)
Note: Take care to count the loops on your hook at this point.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian simple stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 8 PATTERN
With A, Ch 30
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Row 1
FwdP: 2Trs, 6Tks, 3Trs, 6Tks, 3Trs, 6Tks, 2Trs, work last stitch as normal.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Rep Row 1 three times more.
Row 5:
FwdP: 2Trs, *(3Tks, slip these three stitches to a stitch holder and hold in front, 3Tks in next three stitches, place stitches on holder back on crochet hook taking care not to twist stitches)**, 3Trs; rep from * twice more ending last rep at **, 2Trs, work final stitch.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) 5 times, ch 1, *(yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) 9 times, ch 1; rep from * once more, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) 5 times.
Rows 6 – 10:
Work as for Row 1.
Rep Rows 5 – 10 three times more.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a Tunisian Reverse Stitch or Tunisian Knit Stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 9 PATTERN
For this pattern you’ll simply need a US K/6.5mm Standard Crochet Hook.
Pattern uses all four colors of Afghan.
FIRST STRIP (uses color A)
Ch 33
First Triangle
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not turn.
Note: We’ll work the remaining chains as we work across this first strip. For now, leave these unworked.
Row 2:
FwdP: Draw up loop in left leg of first sc, draw up a loop in next ch (3 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 3:
FwdP: 1Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (4 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 4:
FwdP: 2Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (5 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 5:
FwdP: 3Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (6 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 6:
FwdP: 4Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (7 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 7: Sl st loosely in each of the next 5 vertical bars. Sl st in same sp as last st worked. 1 loop should remain on the hook.
First Square
**Row 1: Draw up a loop in each of the next 6 ch and leave on hook, (7 loops on hook).
RetP for all rows: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Rows 2 – 5: 5Tss, draw up a loop in next ch.
Row 6: Sl st loosely into each of the next 5 vertical bars. Sl st in same ch as last st worked.**
Next Square
Rep from ** to ** as given for first square.
Last Triangle
Row 1: Draw up a loop in each of the next 6 ch (7 loops on hook).
RetP for all rows: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 2: 5 Tss, do not work final stitch.
Row 3: 4Tss.
Row 4: 3Tss.
Row 5: FwdP: 2Tss. RetP: Draw through 2 loops, ch 1, fasten off yarn.
SECOND STRIP (Uses Color C)
With RS facing, join next color with a sl st at top corner of First Triangle.
***Row 1
FwdP: Working into Tss on last row of First Triangle, Tss in each of the first 5 vertical bars, draw up a loop in first row end of Square of Previous Strip. (7 Loops on Hook).
RetP for all rows: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Rows 2 – 5: 5Tss draw up a loop in next row end of Square of Previous Strip.
Row 6: Sl st loosely into each of the next 5 vertical bars. Sl st in top of next square.***
2nd and 3rd Square:
Rep from *** to *** as given for First Square of Second Strip.
Fasten off at end of last Square.
THIRD STRIP (Uses Color B)
First Triangle
With RS facing, join next color with Sl St to same sp where First Square of the previous row started.
Row 1
FwdP: Ch 1, sc in same sp as sl st. Draw up a loop through left leg of first sc. Draw up loop in first row end of First Square on Previous Strip. (3 loops on hook).
RetP for all rows: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 2:
FwdP: 1Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next row end (4 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 3:
FwdP: 2Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (5 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 4:
FwdP: 3Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (6 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 5:
FwdP: 4Tss, draw up a loop in next st and in next ch (7 loops on hook).
RetP: (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook) across.
Row 6: Sl st loosely in each of the next 5 vertical bars. Sl st in same sp as last st worked. 1 loop should remain on the hook.
First and second Square:
Work as given for First Square of Second Strip.
Last Triangle:
Row 1:
Tss in each of the first 5 sts. Draw up a loop in same sp where last st was made. (7 loops on hook)
Work from **** to ** as given for last Triangle for First Strip.
Fasten off at end of last row.
Repeat Second and Third Stripe once more changing colors as in photo.
Top and Bottom Triangles (uses MC):
These triangles are not traditionally entrelec BUT they do square the block up which is needed for this afghan.
Row 1:
With RS facing, join yarn in upper right hand corner with a Sl st. Ch 1.
FwdP: Working into the tss on last row, 5Tss, draw up loop in next row end of next square.
RetP: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops across to last 3 loops, yarn over and draw through 3 loops.
Row 2:
FwdP: 4Tss, draw up loop in next row end.
RetP: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops across to last 3 loops, yarn over and draw through 3 loops.
Row 3:
FwdP: 3Tss, draw up loop in next row end.
RetP: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops across to last 3 loops, yarn over and draw through 3 loops.
Row 4:
FwdP: 2Tss, draw up loop in next row end.
RetP: Yarn over and draw through 2 loops across to last 3 loops, yarn over and draw through 3 loops.
Row 5:
FwdP: 1Tss, draw up loop in next row end.
RetP: Yarn over and draw through 3 loops.
Sl st in next sl st on top of next square.
You’ll work three of these triangles at both the top and bottom of the block.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
That’s it friends! I mean…how easy were those blocks!? Like I said, just a few minutes and a couple colors of worsted weight yarn and you’re good! Remember to share your projects with me on Instagram HERE and to join the Rohn Strong Crochet Club HERE!Next week we’ll tackle three new tunisian crochet stitches! Have fun stitching this week friends!
Who doesn’t want to crochet their stress away? Grab your tunisian hook, yarn, and let’s get stitching together! Today, we begin working on our Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan, the official May 2020 Rohn Strong Crochet Along project.
Learn all About the Tunisian Delight CAL in this Video:
This week, we’re speeding things along and working blocks 4, 5, and 6!
Now that we have our foundation row complete, it’s time to build on those skills and tackle some more challenging stitches. With that in mind, we’re going to stitch up the Tunisian Double Stitch, the Tunisian Full Stitch, and the Tunisian Rib Stitch!
As always, there is a full video tutorial for each of these blocks available below!
Remember, you can add your project to your Ravelry library by clicking HERE!
You can find the FREE pattern below! ALSO, don’t forget;
I have changed the rules a little bit…cause I make them! You can still post your entries for giveaways on Instagram by using the hashtag, #RohnStrongCAL and following me. However, I also will be making a weekly post on Friday in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club Facebook group where you can share your progress to be entered! YAY!
Sponsors & Prizes
Each of these prizes is a minimum value of $50! Remember, you can enter each week’s giveaway is to post a picture of your progress using #RohnStrongCAL on Instagram OR you can post in the Rohn Strong Crochet Club! You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.
Prizes will be awarded at the beginning of the following week at around 11:00am EST. Weekly winners will be picked randomly. More details will be announced in each week’s blog post. The schedule of prizes is subject to change.
US K/6.5mm Tunisian Crochet Hook US J/6mm Crochet Hook Main Color Color C Scissors
Finished Measurements
Finished Block: 9.5″ by 9.5″
Gauge
12 sts and 12 rows = 4″
Abbreviations
Ch = Chain FwdP = Forward Pass RetP = Return Pass Tss = Tunisian Simple Stitch Tks = Tunisian Knit Stitch Trs = Tunisian Reverse Stitch
Pattern Notes
Each block is worked by working your Foundation Row and building from there. Final round of single crochet is worked into row ends, top, and bottom rows.
BLOCK 4 PATTERN
With Color MC, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Double Stitch
Row 1
FwdP: Working from right to left, *yarn over, insert hook under next vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook (Note: last loop of this stitch will remain on hook as you work across); repeat from * across row to last stitch, to work last stitch, yarn over, insert hook through stitch as if working a single crochet, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook. (28 loops)
Note: Take care to count the loops on your hook at this point.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian simple stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 5 PATTERN
With Main Color, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Full Stitch
Note: Remember this stitch is worked in the spaces between stitches and not in the stitches themselves.
Row 1
FwdP: Skip first vertical bar, insert hook in next space between the second and third stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, *insert hook in next space between stitches, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * across row to last stitch, work last stitch as if it is a tunisian knit stitch.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Row 2
FwdP: Insert hook in space between first and second stitch, yarn over and pull ip a loop, *insert hook in next space between stitches, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * across row to last space between last two stitches, skip this space and work last stitch as if it is a tunisian knit stitch.
RetP: Ch 1, *yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain. Make sure you stop working after you have finished an even row.
Final Row
Note: This final row is worked similar to what we’ve done so far but to maintain pattern we inserted our hook in the spaces in between stitchesand complete the slip stitches as normal.
FwdP: Skip first vertical bar, insert hook in next space between the second and third stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, complete slip stitch, *insert hook in next space between stitches, yarn over and pull up a loop, complete slip stitch; repeat from * across row to last stitch, work last stitch as if it is a tunisian knit stitch.
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 6 PATTERN
With Color C, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Rib Stitch
Row 1
FwdP: *TKS in next st, insert hook in back bump of next stitch; rep from * across to last stitch, insert hook through stitch as if working a single crochet, pull up a loop. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian knit stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
That’s it friends! I mean…how easy were those blocks!? Like I said, just a few minutes and a couple colors of worsted weight yarn and you’re good! Remember to share your projects with me on Instagram HERE and to join the Rohn Strong Crochet Club HERE!Next week we’ll tackle three new tunisian crochet stitches! Have fun stitching this week friends!
Who doesn’t want to crochet their stress away? Grab your tunisian hook, yarn, and let’s get stitching together! Today, we begin working on our Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan, the official May 2020 Rohn Strong Crochet Along project.
Learn all About the Tunisian Delight CAL in this Video:
This week, we’re going to be working blocks 1, 2, and 3!
We’ll begin from the ground up, working our Tunisian Foundation Row covering both the forward pass and the reverse pass. Then we’ll move into learning the Tunisian Simple Stitch, the beginner stitch everyone knows and loves! From there we’ll move on and cover two beginner friendly stitches that build on what we’ve learned so far the Tunisian Knit Stitch and the Tunisian Reverse Stitch.
Remember, you can add your project to your Ravelry library by clicking HERE!
You can find the FREE patterns below! ALSO, don’t forget;
You are eligible to win prizes every week by posting your progress to Instagram, following me @rohnstrong, and using #RohnStrongCAL you will be entered into that week’s giveaway! Each week is sponsored by an amazing company, hand picked by me! You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.
Sponsors & Prizes
Each of these prizes is a minimum value of $50! Remember, the only way to enter each week’s giveaway is to post a picture of your progress using #RohnStrongCAL on Instagram! You must have a public Instagram profile to participate.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the week around 5:00pm EST. Weekly winners will be picked randomly. More details will be announced in each week’s blog post. The schedule of prices is subject to change.
Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan
Click HERE to Download a PDF of the Following Pattern!
Materials
US K/6.5mm Tunisian Crochet Hook US J/6mm Crochet Hook Main Color Color A Scissors
Finished Measurements
Finished Block: 9.5″ by 9.5″
Gauge
12 sts and 12 rows = 4″
Abbreviations
Ch = Chain FwdP = Forward Pass RetP = Return Pass Tss = Tunisian Simple Stitch Tks = Tunisian Knit Stitch Trs = Tunisian Reverse Stitch
Pattern Notes
Each block is worked by working your Foundation Row and building from there. Final round of single crochet is worked into row ends, top, and bottom rows.
BLOCK 1 PATTERN
With Color A, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Simple Stitch
Row 1
FwdP: Working from right to left, (insert hook under next vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop) across row to last stitch, to work last stitch, insert hook through stitch as if working a single crochet, pull up a loop. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian simple stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 2 PATTERN
With Main Color, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Knit Stitch
Row 1
FwdP: Working from right to left, (insert hook from front to back between vertical bars, yarn over and pull up a loop) across row. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian knit stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
BLOCK 3 PATTERN
With Main Color, Ch 28
Foundation Row:
FwdP: Pull up a loop in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Tunisian Reverse Stitch
Row 1
FwdP: Working from right to left and with hook in back, (insert hook through the next vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop) across to last stitch, insert hook through stitch as if working a single crochet, pull up a loop. (28 loops)
RetP: Ch 1, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) until there is one loop left on hook.
Repeat Row 1 until Block measures 9 inches from beginning chain.
Final Row
Slip stitch in each stitch across as if you were working a tunisian reverse stitch. After last slip stitch, ch 1.
Rnd 1: Work 25 sc evenly spaced along each edge of block, placing 3 sc in each corner. (112 sc)
Fasten off.
That’s it friends! I mean…how easy were those blocks!? Like I said, just a few minutes and a couple colors of worsted weight yarn and you’re good! Remember to share your projects with me on Instagram HERE and to join the Rohn Strong Crochet Club HERE!Next week we’ll tackle three new tunisian crochet stitches! Have fun stitching this week friends!
Today is Day 1 of our Rohn Strong May 2020 Crochet Along! As a reminder, we are crocheting the Tunisian Delight Sampler Afghan Crochet Along and I couldn’t be more excited! For all the information you need to get started including dates, yarn amounts, and more please head to this blog post HERE or watch this video below:
Today, we’re going to work our Gauge swatches and chat a bit about why gauge is so important, even on an afghan like this!
So, what is gauge.
Gauge, sometimes referred to as ‘tension’, is the number of stitches and rows per inch. This is listed in the pattern near the beginning and usually given in a 4 inch by 4 inch multiple.
For example, most of the blocks in this pattern have a gauge of 3 sts per inch and 3 rows per inch. Given in the 4 inch by 4 inch multiple, the pattern reads, 12 sts by 12 rows.
So, why do we try to match gauge in a pattern?
You want to make sure your afghan comes out the right size.
You want to make sure you have enough yarn!
Yarn is the biggie here. Because we are working from stash, ensuring we have the right gauge will mean we don’t need extra yarn. A tighter gauge than that I used will mean you need more yarn. A looser gauge will mean you need less yarn.
Why wouldn’t gauge match?
Chances are you are not using the same yarn and hook as me. You might hold your yarn a little different. You might even crochet different than me! All those things have a big impact on your gauge and can change the stitches and rows per inch.
So, keep that in mind!
Making the Gauge Swatch
The pattern below is what we will follow today. Remember, there is a video tutorial that covers all this info and shows how to work the gauge swatch, step by step. You can find that below!
Gauge Swatch Pattern
Ch 20
Foundation Row: With yarn in back, *insert hook in next ch, yarn over and pull up a loop; rep from * across. (20 loops)
Return Pass: Ch 1, *yarn over, pull through next 2 loops on hook; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on hook.
Row 1: With yarn in back, insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop; rep from * across. (20 loops)
Return Pass: Ch 1, *yarn over, pull through next 2 loops on hook; repeat from * until 1 loop remains on hook.
Rep Row 1, 8 more times. This will give you a total of 10 rows including the foundation row.
Last Row: With yarn in back, insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop, pull first loop near head of hook through loop on shaft of hook; rep across row.
This final row is called a tunisian slip stitch!
Image (C) Annie’s Publishing
That’s it! That is your gauge swatch!
Now, we need to get a ruler and measure our stitches and rows per inch. Count the number of sts and rows over four inches.
Now, if you have fewer stitches per inch than I do, you’re a tight crocheter and need to go up in hook size. If you have fewer stitches per inch than I do, you’re a loose crocheter and need to go down a hook!
Really, that is all there is to it!
But…what if I’m off?
It can be hard as heck to get the right gauge in tunisian crochet! Don’t fret though. I’m going to share my three tips for getting gauge in tunisian crochet the first time every time!
Use the right hook. The general rule of thumb is that corded hooks will give you a slightly tighter gauge whereas straight hooks will give you a bit looser gauge. This isn’t universal but it’s one of those ‘rules’ that I’ve always followed. If you are typically a tighter crochet, stick with a straight hook. If you are a looser crocheter, try a corded hook!
Rows vs Stitches. Typically it’s easier to change the row gauge versus the stitch gauge. Why? Well, the stitch gauge is, in part, determined by the row gauge. So, a tighter row gauge will often mean a tighter stitch gauge. Simply going up a single hook size won’t have the much of an impact on your stitch gauge, if you’re having trouble matching it. If your stitch gauge is really tight, you’ll want to go up two hook sizes, minimum.
It’ll block out. What? Yes. I promise. Tunisian crochet has a touch of horizontal stretch which will make it easier to block your swatch and make it a touch wider. Have you ever heard the saying, “It’ll block out”? It will! I promise! This will only work if you’re less than an inch from the desired width. Anything more than an inch will not block out. It’ll result in a warped piece.
Getting gauge is tough, I know. It can be super frustrating but it is really really important to make sure that the piece you are working on is just the right size and you won’t ruin out of yarn. There is nothing worst than making a project and running out of yarn when you are nearly through! A correct gauge will make sure that doesn’t happen in the long run.
Rohn Strong 