Learn How to Read Tunisian Stitch Diagrams
I know it is barely the middle of August, but my mind has already turned to fall crochet and afghans. Crochet afghans can be crocheted in any shape, from the traditional rectangle to hexegons, octagons, and circles. And this blank canvas is the perfect way to play with a variety of stitches and techniques.
In her video workshop, Unexpected Crochet Stitches for Afghans & Beyond, Robyn Chachula highlights designing and working lace, granny motif, cabled, and colorwork afghans. She begins by discussing yarn choice, which is vitally important regardless of if you are working delicate lace or Tunisian stitches. And speaking of Tunisian afghans, Robyn, the queen of stitch diagrams, provides great tips on reading Tunisian diagrams!
Using the Right Yarn for the Job
Ask yourself:
Does it give you the drape you want?
How do you care for the fabric?
Will it drape naturally (like a silk blend) or be naturally elastic (like a merino wool) or be naturally stiff (like an acrylic); and what do you want to do about it? Meaning do you or do you not want to block.
How does it wear? Does the fuzzy haze of fiber add to its look?
Every yarn should have a swatch made to test washability and stitch pattern.
Symbols to Unlock Incredible Fabric
Each stitch is divided into two symbols one for the forward pass and one for the return. The lower half of the box is the forward pass and the upper half is the return. The TSS forward symbol is a vertical line, which is exactly the same as the fabric you get with TSS, a vertical line. The TPS forward symbol is a horizontal line, which again mimics the fabric you receive with TPS, horizontal lines. The return symbol is a squiggle line representing the yarn over pull through two loops motion. When looking at color stitch patterns, change color when the color of the stitch changes.
Let Robyn teach you how to create your own Unexpected Afghans and check out her great workshops on designing baby sweaters and garments to fit your shape. Subscribe to Craft Daily today.
Best wishes,
P.S. Have you ever used a Tunisian stitch diagram? What questions do you have?
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