I’ve been designing in Tunisian crochet since I first learned my first foundation row in 1998 or so. And, I’ve written about a dozen books on Tunisian crochet in that time. I’ve had two books published this year and, in just a couple of months, I’ll have two more. So, why this amazing resurgence of Tunisian crochet? It’s been around for over a century, but only now are we seeing a tremendous number of patterns. Check out my Pinterest page for the recent patterns I’ve seen on the internet.
When I first started creating projects in Tunisian crochet, I was very limited. There weren’t sufficient tools available. We don’t get patterns if the designers don’t have sufficient tools available to design and write patterns. No one will publish patterns if the customers can’t buy the hooks.
But, now? Now, we have so many choices. There are manufacturers of hooks. There are individuals making custom hooks. There are even several manufacturers making interchangeable hooks. There are Denise hooks, Dreamz hooks, Tulip hooks. There are hooks in abundance, everywhere I look on the internet. There are bamboo hooks, there are dyed hooks, there are metal hooks, there are acrylic hooks.
We can’t have patterns without proper tools for a craft. But, now that we have those hooks available, there is really no telling where this craft will go and I love seeing its entire evolution process as it transitions from the stiff, dense blankets of the past to the lovely garments and accessories of the present.
To learn more about this design, click here.
March 16, 2013 at 10:05 pm
I have noticed the same thing…..I have been fascinated with Tunisian Crochet since I first saw it used to make baby “soakers” (aka diapers) in an early 20th century needlework publication. That was the late 1990′s and I looked for every publication that I could find on the technique. Back then, they were harder to come by.
Personally, I am thrilled with the surgence in interest concerning Tunisian Crochet. I know that you are too….your new books are every popular.
I think, though, that there is increased popularity in crochet in general; and, as crocheters thirts for more high-fashion and unique pieces, they naturally gravitate towards Tunisian Crochet. It is extremely versitile. I, actually, design almost exclusively in Tunisian Crochet for that very reason.