GAUGE AND CURLING (again!) IN TUNISIAN CROCHET
Gauge in Tunisian crochet is obtained in the same way as in regular
crochet, i.e. usually by measuring a 4” (10 cm) square swatch block and
counting how many rows and stitches are contained in that area. In Tunisian
crochet, however, you always need to take into consideration the curling tendency
mentioned in my blog post “Tunisian crochet: choosing hook size and yarn”. Gauge
and “curling” are related to each other for a number of reasons, and I will
explain you how.
HOW TO KEEP THE CURLING UNDER CONTROL
It has probably already happened to you as well, and no, you are not
doing anything wrong: Tunisian crochet tends to roll up at the edges, mostly at
the bottom and top border, but also right and left (in case you are crocheting
a scarf, for example). This happens because in Tunisian crochet we are always
working on the front side only, without ever turning our work, which means the tension
is concentrated there and produces the typical curling. Now, as I briefly
mentioned in my previous blog post, there are a couple of solutions to keep
this phenomenon under control:
- Choosing a bigger hook size than the one indicated on the yarn’s label (half a size, or even a full size up) helps maintaining a looser hand when working, consequently producing looser stitches;
-
Blocking an
item once it is finished is often the ultimate solution to flatten out a
crocheted piece: spread out the item flat onto a blocking board and block it
with pins, spray it with water and let it dry: the piece will stay in place and
the stitches will loosen up a little. Ironing an item – if the yarn allows it –
also greatly contributes in giving it the right form.
All of the above has to be taken into consideration when making a swatch to calculate the correct gauge for a project, obviously.
Here's a video I've made on this topic that you can find useful: HOW TO AVOID THE CURLING IN TUNISIAN CROCHET.
If what I’m saying seems a little too
much to deal with when learning Tunisian crochet, do not panic! These are all
hacks that can be learned simply through experience. You can complete any
project in Tunisian crochet skipping all of the “rules” given above. But remember:
the moment you notice how annoying it is that your beautiful scarf rolls up
when completed and you wonder what you can do to avoid this in the future…well,
I’ve written it all here for you already. 😉
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