Customer Reviews

101 Easy Tunisian Stitches: Crochet

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am novice in Tunisian crochet and the book was really helpful in teaching me how to do it. There are a lot of stitches presented, with some unusaul effects - some are easy, some are not. I did not try all stitches, but the ones I did - came out nicely, and it was easy to understand the descriptions.

I love Carolyn Christmas' designs and Tunisian Crochet, so I had high expectations for this little tome. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed. Instead of a nice juicy explanation of Tunisian, you get like a two paragraph overview, then it launches straight into the stitch explanations on the same page.

Also, of note is the *Easy Tunisian (trademark here)* in the title. Gosh, I thought that meant the stitches were easy! It isn't a problem that they aren't, it is simply misleading. Turns out *Easy Tunisian* is a copyright owned by the author and refers to a set of large tunisian hooks branded *Easy Tunisian* hooks. Unfortunately, never once in the book is it mentioned what size the hooks are (or any indication of the type/weight of yarn used), so heaven help you if you already have a hook that you want to use on hand and try it to get the result in the picture (which is too small IMHO).

One other unfortunate ommission is indexing. It would have been nice to look under a heading entitled popcorn stiches, for instance and get some page references, or stich number reference (see below).

I'm sure this due in large part to the fact that almost none of the stitches have names, just numbers. So if you were looking for say, an explanation of tunisian lace stitch (abbreviated elsewhere in the world as tls), it won't be found here. I mean it might be here, but I can't tell, because there is no reference to lace stitch or tls, and I can't tell from the pictures in the openwork chapter which one it would be. Could be number 47, 22, 99, who knows?

I'm giving this a lukewarm rating due to what I think are publisher problems: no stitch names, small pictures, lack of comprehensive introduction (ok, that one may be an author problem), missing index, misleading titling (how 'bout 101 Stitches to Go with you Easy Tunisian Hooks, Sold Separately), maybe a few examples of projects *using* the stitch would have been helpful or some notes on appropriateness of each stitch for particular projects, not so much author problems.

I still think there is a *mother lode* of tunisian stitch information here. I mean 101 stitches, that's certainly more than the 4 I knew before I got the book. Furthermore, I still love Carolyn Christmas and I still love Tunisian. And I will probably still use the book often, I just wish they'd have made it a little easier!

I bought this book when I was first learning how to do the tunisian crochet method. Being a long time crocheter and part time knitter, I love the quick way crochet makes up, but like the more pliable and stretchy knit for certain projects. However knitting takes me forever and I like to having something done fast. Tunisian or afghan crochet is just what I needed. This book is one that gives so many different adaptable patterns that I have tried just about everyone. It gives a really good explanation of how to do the simple stitch which is really the only one needed for most patterns. I found a website that also gives a demonstration of working the stitches that is helpful also. -http://www.nexstitch.com/v_tunisian_spike.html - It is just different than either knit or crochet and the comfort level with working the yarn has to be mastered on your own. I think that how you work the yarn on and off the needle depends on whether you are basically a knitter or basically a crocheter. Either way this is a must have for those who want to try tunisian, those who are already experienced, and for those who like to try something completely different and a little challenging at first.

Carolyn Christmas did a great job with this book. There are so many Tunisian stitches that are just beautiful. So many that you will never run out of a new stitch to try. Beautiful photo's of every stitch and easy to understand instructions! A+

An absolute must have for your library!

I was looking for a book that would help me expand my repertoire of Tunisian crochet stitches, and this was perfect.

This book is an excellent resource for Tunisian stitches. It contains far more pattern stitches than general crochet dictionaries do. The color photographs clearly show what the finished stitches should look like; instructional photographs in the front of the book are less clear (yarn is too dark, photos are too small). I had to eliminate the extra chain at the beginning of some two-color patterns because it made the beginning too loopy. There is also no information about shaping--Tunisian crochet is too pretty to be limited to afghans and scarves!

I used several of the stitches shown here for items in my book, "Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting," which features 16 original designs. I include instructions for shaping Tunisian crochet to create sweaters and other garments.

I encourage all crocheters to try Tunisian crochet for the beautiful effects it creates. This book is a worthwhile volume for reference and inspiration.

Easy to follow instructions and clear pictures. This is the closest to knitting I'll ever get.

And I love this book! I bought it when it first came out in 2004. I practiced all the different stitches and then moved on to create my own patterns and projects using the stich information in the book. (I got pattern making info from another book.)This is a great book to learn tunisian crochet from. If you add a desire to make something beautiful and willingness to let your imaginatione flow, you will make gorgeous heirlooms for yourself and family, also!

This stitch guide features Tunisian (also known as afghan or tricot) crochet stitches.

What I like:
The introduction includes photographs to guide Tunisian crochet beginners through the basic stitches and the different methods of hook placement. The booklet is organized into five sections (Puffs, Pebbles, & Popcorn; Shell Stitches; Openwork Patterns; Cable & Post Stitches; and Pattern Stitches), making it easier to find stitches. There is a large, well lit photograph of each stitch in vibrant, colored yarn. (This booklet is fun to flip through!) The booklet is more affordable and lightweight than a book (especially if you get it from the publisher directly!). Stitch multiples are included so that you can easily adapt the stitches for a project of a different width. There aren't many English language stitch guides available for Tunisian crochet, so it's mere existence is something I enjoy.

What I don't like (or what's missing):
There is no pattern difficulty rating listed. There are no stitch symbols, only pattern abbreviations.

This booklet is great fun if you are already familiar with Tunisian crochet, but probably doesn't have enough directions if you are a total beginner. Like most stitch guides, there are no projects included. If Amazon had a 4.5 rating, that is what I would give this book.

The author informed me that 101 Easy Tunisian Stitches: Crochet the book as well as the .pdf will be out soon as well from Annie's Attic anniesattic.com. Be glad you waited!!