10/02/2023
Designer Harrison debuts with an appealing primer on Tunisian crochet, which is distinguished by the use of long, hooked needles that, as in knitting, are used to hold “multiple active stitches... simultaneously.” Aimed at the true beginner, the introduction offers step-by-step photo illustrations of how to make stitches that use knitting’s terminology—including purl, knit, reverse, and full stitches—as well as such techniques as increasing and decreasing, switching between different yarns, crocheting in the round, and creating cables. Harrison provides patterns for 20 simple cowls, scarves, shawls, and other clothing articles. On the easier end of the spectrum, she shows how to make a “trailhead cowl” with a zig-zag design, and a striped “trekking shawl.” Harder projects include fingerless mittens, a beanie, and the delicate “sunset lace shawl,” which features a yellow center and pink outer edges. The projects are straightforward and the comprehensive directions (Harrison devotes several pages to how to read a crochet pattern) will be a boon to novices. Crocheters will enjoy familiarizing themselves with this distinctive spin on their craft. (Nov.)
Exploring Tunisian Crochet by Lori Harrison is the perfect book for all makers! Whether you are just starting to think about dipping your toes into Tunisian crochet or you’re an experienced Tunisian crochet maker already, this book has plenty to offer. With detailed, thorough stitch instructions and helpful photographs throughout, Lori’s style is destined to make you fall in love with this craft. Lori is also an incredibly thoughtful and inclusive designer, doing her best to make sure her designs are accessible to all makers (e.g., tips and instructions for left-handed makers included). Having made one of Lori’s more complex garments, I can attest to her clear pattern writing style that makes you feel like you can tackle anything. I cannot wait to dive into some of the beautiful patterns in this book and add them to my collection.”
I appreciate the detailed process swatches to understand hook placement as it relates to the final swatch. It’s very helpful to see these process photos in the same color as the final swatch. This helps me to understand how the process relates to the final product. The book does a good job of building on techniques and then introducing patterns. I found myself flipping back and forth to the technique section after seeing it in the patterns, and it’s nice to have this all contained in a single resource. I appreciate that the patterns have differing degrees of difficulty. I understand how the techniques are used in different patterns. This book is a comprehensive resource for someone wanting to learn the basics and advanced skills of Tunisian crochet. Well done, Lori: this book is a wonderful compilation of resources and design!”
"Thorough and incredibly well-written, Exploring Tunisian Crochet is a godsend for aspiring stitchers. Lori guides makers through the basics of the craft, then pushes boundaries by adding intermediate level techniques and modified stitches. The final volume is informative without being overwhelming, and transitions into 20 eye-catching designs. This one is a must-have for your craft library."
"If you, like me are intrigued about Tunisian Crochet, then this is the definitive book you need. With clear explanations and graphics of how to get started to more advance techniques and 20 patterns it is perfect for beginners and aficionados alike. Lori has created modern wearable items and you will be wanting to make them all. Trust me, you will be hooked."
If you’ve mastered standard crochet and have thought about diving into the world of Tunisian crochet, or simply love this technique and want to further your skills, then Lori Harrison’s new book Exploring Tunisian Crochet is the place to start!
Lori’s detailed collection showcases 20 beautiful patterns, from wraps to scarves and so much more. Not only does this book provide you with a whole host of exciting patterns to add to your wardrobe, but they’re accompanied by striking photography that really shows off the detail that you can achieve with Tunisian crochet. With this technique, you can elevate basic stitches and add some textural intrigue to your everyday makes!
These patterns are for beginners and advanced crocheters alike, and the book begins by walking you through all of the essential stitches and techniques, from the basics of a Tunisian knit stitch to more complicated stitch variations and problem solving to set you on your path to crochet success! Lori provides clear photos and detailed step-by-step imagery to ensure that readers receive as much guidance as needed throughout the entire book so that you can become the Tunisian crocheter of your dreams.
Learn how to make fun stash busters like fingerless mittens, or embark on a bigger journey with projects like the beautiful but complex Sunset Lace shawl, which features a radiating lace pattern and intricate bind-off technique. These delicate and sophisticated makes are showcased in a vivid colour palette and demonstrate how you can mix technique and colourwork to make a striking accessory, such as the Trailhead cowl, which features a trailing zigzag design. If Lori hasn’t catered to everyone already, there are also helpful tips and tricks for left-handed crocheters so everyone can get involved!
We think this book is the perfect way to further your crochet skills and take on a new crafting challenge. We’ve included one of our favourite patterns from the book, the Vista shawl, on the next page so, you can hook up a brand-new project now!
I’ve been teaching crochet classes for over a decade now and time and again I find that providing Tunisian crochet resources for students is one of the greatest challenges I have faced. Which is why I’m so excited about this book from Lori! She includes beautifully detailed instruction that is super clear, even for the beginner crocheter, as well as more advanced pieces to inspire the maker and spark their imagination with many wonderful ideas for what they can achieve with this technique. I can’t wait to share this book with my students!”
In Exploring Tunisian Crochet, Lori expertly explains the toughest Tunisian crochet concepts. She goes above and beyond by meeting you where you are, helping you level up your skills with patterns that will push you to learn something new, and finish with a beautiful project.”
I love the book! I have never seen one with this many detailed photos. I love how the book takes you from the beginning to more complex stitch patterns. The patterns are easy to follow but can keep even the most experienced crafter entertained. I'm definitely planning to make more from it.”
"Thorough and incredibly well-written, Exploring Tunisian Crochet is a godsend for aspiring stitchers. Lori guides makers through the basics of the craft, then pushes boundaries by adding intermediate level techniques and modified stitches. The final volume is informative without being overwhelming, and transitions into 20 eye-catching designs. This one is a must-have for your craft library." - Toni Lipsey, Author, The Tunisian Crochet Handbook
"If you, like me are intrigued about Tunisian Crochet, then this is the definitive book you need. With clear explanations and graphics of how to get started to more advance techniques and 20 patterns it is perfect for beginners and aficionados alike. Lori has created modern wearable items and you will be wanting to make them all. Trust me, you will be hooked."—Louise Davidson, Bow Fiddle Yarns
“Exploring Tunisian Crochet by Lori Harrison is the perfect book for all makers! Whether you are just starting to think about dipping your toes into Tunisian crochet or you’re an experienced Tunisian crochet maker already, this book has plenty to offer. With detailed, thorough stitch instructions and helpful photographs throughout, Lori’s style is destined to make you fall in love with this craft. Lori is also an incredibly thoughtful and inclusive designer, doing her best to make sure her designs are accessible to all makers (e.g., tips and instructions for left-handed makers included). Having made one of Lori’s more complex garments, I can attest to her clear pattern writing style that makes you feel like you can tackle anything. I cannot wait to dive into some of the beautiful patterns in this book and add them to my collection.”—Kasey R. (@TheSkeiniac)
“I appreciate the detailed process swatches to understand hook placement as it relates to the final swatch. It’s very helpful to see these process photos in the same color as the final swatch. This helps me to understand how the process relates to the final product. The book does a good job of building on techniques and then introducing patterns. I found myself flipping back and forth to the technique section after seeing it in the patterns, and it’s nice to have this all contained in a single resource. I appreciate that the patterns have differing degrees of difficulty. I understand how the techniques are used in different patterns. This book is a comprehensive resource for someone wanting to learn the basics and advanced skills of Tunisian crochet. Well done, Lori: this book is a wonderful compilation of resources and design!”—Shana S Cohen, Shanalines Designs
“In Exploring Tunisian Crochet, Lori expertly explains the toughest Tunisian crochet concepts. She goes above and beyond by meeting you where you are, helping you level up your skills with patterns that will push you to learn something new, and finish with a beautiful project.”—Brittany Garber, KnotBadBritt, Crochet Designer
“I’ve been teaching crochet classes for over a decade now and time and again I find that providing Tunisian crochet resources for students is one of the greatest challenges I have faced. Which is why I’m so excited about this book from Lori! She includes beautifully detailed instruction that is super clear, even for the beginner crocheter, as well as more advanced pieces to inspire the maker and spark their imagination with many wonderful ideas for what they can achieve with this technique. I can’t wait to share this book with my students!”—Connie Lee Lynch, CrochEt Cetera
“I love the book! I have never seen one with this many detailed photos. I love how the book takes you from the beginning to more complex stitch patterns. The patterns are easy to follow but can keep even the most experienced crafter entertained. I'm definitely planning to make more from it.”—Natalie Thomas, Crochet Designer, Detroit Knots
01/01/2024
A back-to-the-basics approaches to Tunisian crochet (a type of crochet that holds multiple loops on the hook) that lists necessary supplies and explains which hook models are best. Harrison also shows readers in detail how to execute every stitch. With step-by-step pictorial and worded instructions, the book takes some of the doubt out of Tunisian crochet in designs for cowls, scarves, shawls, mitts, a hat, a cape, and a wrap. Bonus: instructions for left-handed makers are also included. There's only one easy pattern in the bunch; the rest are mostly level twos and range to level four, which allows readers to make lace. Before introducing patterns, Harrison addresses common problems one might encounter, as well as skills like increasing, decreasing, changing colors, working in the round, and making cables. One admitted downside to Harrison's and other books on Tunisian crochet is that the terms are not standardized. So, while the instructions for most common stitches are clear, the abbreviations may not carry over to patterns in other books. VERDICT A great purchase about Tunisian crochet, suitable as an introductory guide but also for those experienced in the craft.—Sarah Sieg
