TUNISIAN CROCHET IN THE ROUND

TUNISIAN CROCHET “IN THE ROUND”

Tunisian crochet in the round

Just like in knitting and crochet, you can create “round” items - such as hats, cowls, sweaters, socks - in Tunisian crochet as well. To work Tunisian crochet “in the round” (as it's called) you need a special Tunisian hook and you have to learn how to do it. As you read in my previous blog post “Tunisian Crochet: Tools and Equipment”, to work Tunisian crochet in the round you will typically need a double-pointed Tunisian hook, i.e. a straight hook in different lengths and sizes with two hook tips at its opposite ends. In alternative, you can also use 2 Tunisian hooks in the same size, joined by a short cable. You will also need 2 separate balls of yarn, either in the same colour or in a different colour, if you want to obtain a nice contrast in shade.

Tools for Tunisian crochet worked in the round

HOW TO WORK TUNISIAN CROCHET IN THE ROUND

As I mentioned earlier, in order to be able to work Tunisian crochet in the round you need to learn a new procedure. The reason for this is simple: if you start drawing up loops on the hook from a chain closed into a circle, you will soon struggle in doing so, because the hook is straight and the form you want to obtain is circular. So what you need to do is pulling up as many loops on the hook as you can and, when you feel you can no longer proceed, flip the hook, move all the loops towards the working tip of the hook and start casting them off with a Return Pass using the 2^nd ball of yarn. After you have brought most loops off the hook, you will be able to pull up new stitches, so you will need to flip the hook again and resume drawing up loops as you were doing before. Again, you will pull up loops as long as you can and then flip the hook again and cast those loops off the hook.

Working Tunisian crochet in the round means working in spiralling rounds, in continuous cast on and cast off stages. This is why I often describe these motions as “a continuous Forward Pass followed by a continuous Return Pass”.

WORKING TUNISIAN CROCHET IN THE ROUND IS FUN!

I suggest you take a look at my video tutorial on how to work Tunisian crochet in the round on my YouTube Channel “HookloopsarahCrochet”, because a visual explanation is often better than any written description!

Don’t be put off by this “new technique”: I know it sounds complicated, and may seem so at first, but I promise after a while it will become absolutely easy and natural for you to crochet this way. Tunisian crochet in the round also allows wonderful projects where you can obtain stunning colourful effects. Take a look at my “Moroccan”market bag in Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch worked in the round, for example: see what I mean with “stunning colourful effects”?

Market Bag worked in the round

And what about a chunky and cosy beanie with pom pom in Tunisian Rib Stitch? Makes you want to give Tunisian crochet in the round a try straight away, doesn’t it?

Beanie worked in the round

Enjoy your Tunisian crochet practice and stay tuned for further lessons and stitches!