Tunisian Crochet Hooks

Tunisian crochet hooks are a type of crochet hook with an elongated shaft, often with a stopper on the handle end. Another way to describe them would be a knitting needle with a crochet hook at the end. Tunisian Crochet, or sometimes called Afghan crochet, is considered to be a mixture of crocheting and knitting. Similar to knitting multiple stitches are held open before they are completed in the next row but in Tunisian Crochet a long crochet hook is used rather than a needle. Therefore some techniques used in knitting are also applicable in Tunisian crochet but a special ‘Tunisian Hook is required.

Like single-pointed needles, Tunisian crochet hooks come in a range of diameters and materials such as metal or plastic. Generally, the larger diameter hooks are made from plastic to reduce the weight and improve comfort for the crafter.

Here is a great selection of Tunisian Crochet hooks in a range of sizes and materials.

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What is Tunisian Crochet used for?

Tunisian Crochet creates a beautiful dense stitch that looks like a combination of knitting and crochet. It is slightly less elastic than normal crochet and substantially thicker, particularly the knit stitch. This makes it most suitable for blankets and winter knits, but unsuitable for finer items like babywear and socks. The fabric also has a tendency to curl, and usually needs to be shaped by blocking upon completion. It is slightly faster to create fabric by Tunisian than normal crochet, and approximately twice the speed of knitting.

Tunisian Crochet in the round?

When working in the round you will need a double-ended crochet hook. There are straight ones (like a knitting needle but with a hook at both ends) or there are 2 hooks with a cord attached between them. Using a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook is sometimes called ‘knooking’.