Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting [Paperback]

Sharon Hernes Silverman (Author), David Bienkowski (Illustrator), Alan Wycheck (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2009

Tunisian crochet, sometimes called the Afghan stitch, combines the ease of crocheting with the appearance of knitting. This instructional pattern book brings Tunisian crochet into the realm of high fashion with exquisite stitch patterns, meticulous shaping, and attractive finishing. Sixteen chic projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor are explained in detail. Readers will learn how to make wearable items such as a chain mail scarf, child's jumper, honeycomb skirt, and man's vest. Home decor projects include an ottoman cover, placemats, afghan, pillow, and more--all using Tunisian crochet techniques.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Have you always wanted to learn about Tunisian crochet but couldn't find anyone to ask? Your quest is over! Here is the best explanation of Tunisian crochet you'll ever need. These detailed step-by-step technique photographs make you feel as if the author is at your side, guiding you along the way as you become more proficient at this delightful skill. Once you have learned the basics, you'll want to practice what you have learned by making the magnificent projects, including stylish garments for girls and women and fascinating accessories to decorate your home. Another must-have book for crocheters by author Sharon Silverman! --Rita Weiss, President, Crochet Guild of America

About the Author

Sharon Hernes Silverman is a crochet designer and instructor based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She is the author of eleven other books, including Basic Crocheting (978-0-8117-3316-8) and Beyond Basic Crocheting (978-0-8117-3392-2). Silverman is a design member of The National NeedleArts Association and a professional member of the Crochet Guild of America. She has appeared several times on the HGTV and DIY networks' fiber arts show, Uncommon Threads, and her crochet designs have been published by leading yarn companies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1 edition (April 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081170484X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811704847
• Product Dimensions: 0.3 x 8.1 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sharon Hernes Silverman writes crochet books and travel guides from her home base in Pennsylvania. A lifelong crafter, Sharon is known for her fashionable crochet designs and crystal clear instructions, from Tunisian crochet garments to "regular crochet" home decor items. A professional member of the Crochet Guild of America and a design member of The National NeedleArts Association, Sharon has been a featured guest on HGTV's "Uncommon Threads" and has been interviewed on numerous radio podcasts. She is an active instructor whose classes invariably get rave reviews. Sharon's crochet titles are "Basic Crocheting;" "Beyond Basic Crocheting;" "Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting;" "Crochet Pillows with Tunisian and Traditional Techniques;" and "Crochet Scarves: Fabulous Fashions, Various Techniques."

To learn more about Sharon, her patterns, and her books, visit SharonSilverman.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Sharon Silverman Crochet, and on Ravelry under the name CrochetSharon.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars very nice May 10, 2009

By M. Poller VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have Sharon's second book on crocheting so I was ready for the nice photos and good layout in this book. Sharon has designed everything herself this time plus all the instructions. Photos showing the most basic Tunisian stitches begin the book followed by 16 projects which include scarf, wrap, skirt, shawl, shell, duster, clutch, vest, jumper, sweater, pillow, baby blanket, afghan, pillow, ottoman cover and placemats. I like the woman's shell or vest, second vest, baby jumper, sweater, and the two afghans. All instructions are written out with no charts. Skill level, and schematic included with each project and also helpful notes and working photos included. In the appendix is a standard sizing chart and one chart for the standard yarn weights. So my one criticism is that nowhere in the patterns are the yarns given that important information and some of the yarns are a bit unknown to me such as Blue heron yarns rayon metallic. I'll have to go look them up online and add that information to this book. Otherwise, certainly recommended for anyone interested in this lovely type of crochet that so closely resembles knitting.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you needed to know about Tunisan Crochet is in here.. June 12, 2009

By Crochet Freak

Format:Paperback

If there were a higher rating than 5 stars, this book would get it!

As a deigner, I write a lot of patterns, and I have to say, this book is so very well written. It will be the standard that I hold my future pattern writing too.

The pictures are very clear, and the instructions are very detailed, without being too wordy. If you have not done Tunisian Crochet yet, but were tempted, this book is the one.

The book has some great patterns, and makes it easy to test the stitch before starting the project. I can not say enough good about this book.

Tunisian Crochet is a bit of a mystery... Sharon helps to bring it into the main stream.

Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting

54 of 63 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book, but... March 21, 2010

By Rudy Fan

Format:Paperback

I knew nothing about Tunisian crochet. This book helped me to understand how it worked. The illustrations and directions were top notch and clearly showed me how to do the stitches. After making a sample piece, just to get the hang of it, I realized that it did indeed, look like knitting, BUT this kind of crocheting makes an extremely thick finished product. I got to thinking about the implications of this as my ball of yarn disappeared at an astounding rate. This way of crocheting really eats up yarn!

More patterns playing to the strength of Tunisian crochet would have strengthened the book. The patterns are for various clothing items (most of which I wasn't too excited about), but there was not one purse in there. Tunisian crochet would make a wonderfully sturdy handbag or even a nice, thick winter hat. I used it for the strap of a crocheted purse that I had almost completed. No worry about a too-stretchy strap now!

I give the book 3 stars weighing in the look of the book (beautiful), ease of learning how to do the stitch (very easy with great illustrations), types of patterns (lacking, uninspiring), and unfortunately, my new understanding of the yarn eater that this type of crochet is (think the Cookie Monster here). Yes, it looks like knitting, but definitely doesn't have the draping, feel, or stretch of knitting. Lovely book though!

EDIT: I have upgraded this book to 4 stars. I understand that just because I don't like Tunisian crocheting now, it doesn't mean that THIS book is the problem. I certainly stand behind my review in that the patterns are average, but I can see now that the format and the pics lend itself to 4 stars. Those who like Tunisian should find something useful here. :-)