Week #1: Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along
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Are you ready for the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along?! I am SO excited for the first square! It’s never too late to start, so if you’re ready too, grab your hook and yarn and let’s get started!
Tunisian Basics Crochet Along Square #1
This is the FIRST week of the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along and I couldn’t be more excited. In this CAL we are starting with the basics. The goal of this project is for you to walk away with not only a snazzy new blanket, but with a firm grasp of all things Tunisian crochet. This includes all of the basic stitches, how to read the patterns, mastering your tension, and so much more.
One of the most basic Tunisian crochet stitches is the Simple Stitch, so that is where we are starting today. This is a fun, quick stitch that is fairly wide compared to other stitches and works up quickly. This is an excellent stitch to use for all kinds of things, including blankets, garments, and squares. 😉 Let’s work up this first square together.
Because I want my blanket to be of a decent size, I decided to make 24 squares, two of each week’s pattern. My finished blanket will be 4 blocks wide and 6 blocks tall, plus the width of the border. This is going to be an epic blanket!
See more about blanket sizing here.
Square #1: Tunisian Simple Stitch
If you are new to this Crochet-Along, you will want to start here with the Materials & Information post. You will also benefit from the Ultimate Guide to Tunisian Crochet. This will not only help beginners to learn the techniques used in Tunisian crochet, there are helpful tips and notes for any skill level
Now… let’s get started!
Materials:
Brava Worsted Yarn
-approx. 109 yards
Crochet hook in size 7mm (or needed to obtain gauge)
Gauge: approx. 12.5 sts x 10 rows = 4″ (10 cm) square
Finished Dimensions: approx. 11.75″ (30 cm) square
It is most important that your squares throughout the Crochet-Along remain consistent in size to each other, even if they don’t exactly match my measurements. If you find that your square is not the correct size, you can either change your hook size or adjust the number of chains needed to start.
There is no stitch multiple for this pattern so you can start with ANY chain length needed.
Pattern Notes:
Pattern written using US terms.
Return Pass: Ch-1, * YO, pull through 2 loops * repeat from * to end.
Tslst = Tunisian Slip Stitch (to fasten off, use the vertical bar for slip stitching)
If you would like to follow along with a VIDEO for this square, simply start with a chain of 36 while watching this video:
Tunisian Simple Stitch Square:
Row 1 (Foundation Row): Ch-36, pull up a loop in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each ch to end. Return Pass. (36)
Rows 2 through 30: TSS across. Edge stitch. Return Pass. (36)
Bind off row: Tslst across
Border: Ch-1, rotate, * sc in each row end to corner, 3sc in corner st, sc in each st across, 3sc in corner st * repeat between * * one more time. Fasten off using Invisible Join and weave in all ends.
You will want to block each of your squares as they are completed. See this full tutorial on how to block your crochet pieces.
Of course you could wait and do them all at once before we assemble the blanket at the end of the Crochet-Along, but doing it as we go gets it out of the way while also ensuring that our sizing is correct for each square as we go along.
For my blocking board I marked out a 12″ square using my T-Pins. I then used a contrasting yarn to tie round the perimeter of the square to make blocking the square in straight lines to be easier and faster.
I am keeping this blocking template handy for the duration of the CAL so I can block as needed. Awesome!
When you finish your square be sure to comment with a photo of it on this post in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook. You can also tag me by using @HeartHookHome across all social media, and/or use the hashtag #2023TunisianCAL so we can ALL see!
Stay tuned for NEXT Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, when the second square will be released.
More Tunisian crochet for you:
The Ultimate Guide to Tunisian Crochet (Printable Version)
How to Unkink Circular Knitting Needles and Tunisian Crochet Cords
2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along: Materials, Dates & Information
