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The Tunisian Crochet Handbook: A Beginner’s Guide
From fiber artist Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Craft, an introduction to the craft of Tunisian crochet—a unique crochet style that looks more like knitting—with 20 projects for beginners
There are hundreds of books that explore traditional crochet, but there are few that reference the concept of Tunisian crochet or present it in a modern, approachable way. The Tunisian Crochet Handbook introduces this fascinating and rewarding technique with a wide array of stitches and design possibilities. The goal of this book is to guide crocheters step-by-step through Tunisian crochet, starting with tools and yarns, transitioning into how-to’s and stitches, and finishing with easy but engaging patterns. The book includes instructional sections and patterns, complete with the necessary schematics and styled, chic photographs.
Every shawl, garment, and accessory featured takes makers beyond the basics, introducing new stitches to expand their skill sets. In this way, author Toni Lipsey is reintroducing crochet and encouraging makers to explore the craft further with each new design. Crochet continues to grow in popularity, and this guidebook offers a new take on the timeless classic, one that readers won’t be able to find anywhere else.
There are hundreds of books that explore traditional crochet, but there are few that reference the concept of Tunisian crochet or present it in a modern, approachable way. The Tunisian Crochet Handbook introduces this fascinating and rewarding technique with a wide array of stitches and design possibilities. The goal of this book is to guide crocheters step-by-step through Tunisian crochet, starting with tools and yarns, transitioning into how-to’s and stitches, and finishing with easy but engaging patterns. The book includes instructional sections and patterns, complete with the necessary schematics and styled, chic photographs.
Every shawl, garment, and accessory featured takes makers beyond the basics, introducing new stitches to expand their skill sets. In this way, author Toni Lipsey is reintroducing crochet and encouraging makers to explore the craft further with each new design. Crochet continues to grow in popularity, and this guidebook offers a new take on the timeless classic, one that readers won’t be able to find anywhere else.
176 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2021
218 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 16, 2022
This book is highly recommended for all beginning crocheters— in addition to Tunisian crochet, it also covers in specific detail several basics of crochet, including very clear instructions on how to obtain gauge, how to use a magic ring, and more.
None of projects called to me, but I’m very excited about the different Tunisian stitches.
None of projects called to me, but I’m very excited about the different Tunisian stitches.
January 7, 2024
OUTSTANDING. I find myself literally treating this line my guidebook/reference tool for Tunisian crochet! Toni Lipsey - TL YarnCrafts - AMAZING. Truly amazing! Write us another book, please!
January 7, 2022
I first heard about Tunisian crochet on Miss Toni's youtube channel, and I hurried to buy my own hooks so I could learn it.
This is a great book for beginners, with all the techniques and several stitches presented in a simple, easy-to-follow way. The projects are also very cute, especially the poof and the cardigan, I do wish Miss Toni had included a sweater, though!
This is a great book for beginners, with all the techniques and several stitches presented in a simple, easy-to-follow way. The projects are also very cute, especially the poof and the cardigan, I do wish Miss Toni had included a sweater, though!
December 1, 2021
Excellent resource with tons of beginner help for Tunisian and other crochet/yarn techniques like creating pom-poms, tassels, and cross stitching on woven fabric. Toni's blog and Facebook group helped me start with my crochet journey and gave me the confidence and skills to try Tunisian crochet, and now that I am starting to cross-stitch I look forward to using more of these techniques and patterns. I am especially excited to make the cross-stitch letter Tunisian crochet banner and use my Clover pom-pom and tassel makers to add embellishment. It will be great as a decor piece, a way to practice and merge craft skills, as well as a way to display my crafty and bookish themed enamel pins! I'm delighted to be able to support Toni's TLYC maker community and her first (of I hope many!) book. Lovely to see makers and models of color represented not only in the beautiful images of this book and Toni's blog, but in the fiber arts/maker community too!
January 13, 2022
Excellent resource book and it doesn't hurt that the photos are gorgeous and the projects are fun and modern. Very, very good.
December 14, 2021
Simple Patterns Gorgeous Pictures
What do I like about this book? The patterns are all simple to execute. A beginner in Tunisian Crochet could make all of these. The neutral color planning brings a cohesive set for this book. It also makes it easier to see the stitches.
What do I not like about this book? All of the home decor items are disagreeable small. The Hudson Tassel Throw, the pattern for which I purchased this book, is a minuscule 42”x56”. I stand 58” in my hand knit socks, and it’s too small! But both the poncho, and the cardigan, are huge! Thirdly, and related to my second point, there are no children’s pattern. Fourth, all the patterns use yarn most typically found at an LYS. Given the current economic conditions, the small, independent wool shops are now further apart, and fewer can be found.
What do I like about this book? The patterns are all simple to execute. A beginner in Tunisian Crochet could make all of these. The neutral color planning brings a cohesive set for this book. It also makes it easier to see the stitches.
What do I not like about this book? All of the home decor items are disagreeable small. The Hudson Tassel Throw, the pattern for which I purchased this book, is a minuscule 42”x56”. I stand 58” in my hand knit socks, and it’s too small! But both the poncho, and the cardigan, are huge! Thirdly, and related to my second point, there are no children’s pattern. Fourth, all the patterns use yarn most typically found at an LYS. Given the current economic conditions, the small, independent wool shops are now further apart, and fewer can be found.
February 18, 2023
Well written and fantastic patterns
I am a proficient knitter and intermediate crocheter, but had never tried Tunisian crochet before. I am impressed with the directions and accompanying photographs. I was able to pick up a hook and a ball of yarn and learn the basics in the course of one cup of coffee. The patterns are so much better than I assumed they would be as far as the aesthetic and variety. I can see myself working my way through the entire book, skipping a couple of patterns, like the pet bed since I don’t have a pet. But, wanting to make up 90% of the patterns is a delightful surprise! Now, I need to find a good interchangeable set to augment the book.
I am a proficient knitter and intermediate crocheter, but had never tried Tunisian crochet before. I am impressed with the directions and accompanying photographs. I was able to pick up a hook and a ball of yarn and learn the basics in the course of one cup of coffee. The patterns are so much better than I assumed they would be as far as the aesthetic and variety. I can see myself working my way through the entire book, skipping a couple of patterns, like the pet bed since I don’t have a pet. But, wanting to make up 90% of the patterns is a delightful surprise! Now, I need to find a good interchangeable set to augment the book.
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December 14, 2022Love this lady watch her youtube channel.
She is so interesting to learn from and listen to. I found her video on Youtube about 9 months before Covid when I was learning and along with another online crochet teacher she helped me thru that, breast cancer at 48 and now dealing with ft care giving and griefing my mum enduring Alz.
Crochet can mean a lot more than making pretty things, it can help you build confidence in yourself, grow, focus and cut you lose from negative thoughts. It is also harder to stress eat while crocheting :) thank you Toni.
She is so interesting to learn from and listen to. I found her video on Youtube about 9 months before Covid when I was learning and along with another online crochet teacher she helped me thru that, breast cancer at 48 and now dealing with ft care giving and griefing my mum enduring Alz.
Crochet can mean a lot more than making pretty things, it can help you build confidence in yourself, grow, focus and cut you lose from negative thoughts. It is also harder to stress eat while crocheting :) thank you Toni.
June 7, 2022
I've enjoyed watching Toni Lipsey's "TL Yarn Crafts" YouTube channel for a while now and was happy to find her book in my local library's digital collection. She excels at explaining stitches and techniques simply, with clear visual supplements to help beginners succeed. I found her descriptions of the parts of a stitch especially helpful ("Identifying Loops").
While this book focuses on Tunisian crochet, Toni also explains everything from "Tools + Materials" to "Making a Slipknot" as well as including visual and written references to some standard crochet stitches used in the included patterns. I appreciate that this book appears to contain all the information you would need to successfully complete the projects; it's always annoying to start a pattern and have to put down your work to find instructions for a stitch you can't quite remember.
The patterns are varied and provide good starting points for customization. I wish there were a visual index to the patterns in one spot, though, because only six of the twenty patterns are pictured next to the index page. You have to flip through the patterns one by one to see what the rest of them look like which detracts from the easy and well-organized reference that the rest of the book has set itself up to be.
All in all, this is a great resource for learning Tunisian crochet, especially when combined with TL Yarn Crafts videos. If you've watched a few videos and want to learn more or try it out, I'd highly recommend taking a look at this book to advance your learning journey.
While this book focuses on Tunisian crochet, Toni also explains everything from "Tools + Materials" to "Making a Slipknot" as well as including visual and written references to some standard crochet stitches used in the included patterns. I appreciate that this book appears to contain all the information you would need to successfully complete the projects; it's always annoying to start a pattern and have to put down your work to find instructions for a stitch you can't quite remember.
The patterns are varied and provide good starting points for customization. I wish there were a visual index to the patterns in one spot, though, because only six of the twenty patterns are pictured next to the index page. You have to flip through the patterns one by one to see what the rest of them look like which detracts from the easy and well-organized reference that the rest of the book has set itself up to be.
All in all, this is a great resource for learning Tunisian crochet, especially when combined with TL Yarn Crafts videos. If you've watched a few videos and want to learn more or try it out, I'd highly recommend taking a look at this book to advance your learning journey.
April 25, 2024
The Tunisian Crochet Handbook is just that. This book is full of illustrations and instructions for beginners and intermediate crafters that's easy to follow. Toni guides the reader through the techniques in simple, understandable languish and introduces you to the jargon used within this craft. A beginner should not get too over whelm while learning, while on the other end an intermediate and advance crafters would find the patterns and illustrations great for future/current projects or for inspirational projects, which I found a few such as the Pemba Cardi, the Hudson Tassel Throw, the Nisa Poncho and more! These items gets me in the mood to stitch, stitch, stitch. This craft does do a job on the hands and fingers, at lease for me, but it's when I'm switching between regular projects and Tunisian style projects in the same sitting. Bottom line if you're wondering if this is a good investment? Yes it is if you're interested in learning the Tunisian style of crocheting, or if you seeking inspiration or patterns and styling projects, yes its worth the $25.... I've paid between $4 and $10 for patterns and this book has over 15 projects, 5 of them I want to get into as soon as I finished the ones I'm currently on, which is a list of cardi's for family and friends. So, give it a looky-see.
~LW
~LW
April 1, 2024
In some ways it’s a weird thing to read a book like this cover-to-cover, and I’ll never really be DONE with it because I will be using it as a resource as I learn and improve my Tunisian crochet skills. A library challenge bonus category for February was to read a non-fiction book by a Black author and I thought this was a good fit. It made my fingers itch to pick up my Tunisian hook and some yarn, but at the same time I really enjoyed focusing on the writing without the distraction of crocheting. I enjoyed it and I have practiced the stitches some and I will go back to this book a lot!!
January 14, 2025
Beautiful Projects
I really enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that even though the photos are numbered, there is no corresponding number in the details when describing how to do the stitches. That would be helpful after each step to add something like "reference picture 1," or something along those lines.
I love how well she walks you through making the stitches, the photo's are great and helpful.
I really enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that even though the photos are numbered, there is no corresponding number in the details when describing how to do the stitches. That would be helpful after each step to add something like "reference picture 1," or something along those lines.
I love how well she walks you through making the stitches, the photo's are great and helpful.
October 13, 2022
If you are new to crochet or just want to learn this style, this book is for you! I picked it up due to a pattern I wanted to try requiring it, and I love it! This books explains all the types of Tunisian stitches so well and tells you everything you need to know, without being overwhelming. It made starting my project so much easier! Definitely one of the best crochet handbooks I've read.
April 25, 2023
Good techniques and ideas but projects miss shape pattern/clear picture
The technique explanations are good, there's a good variety of stitches for learners and projects are interesting but the project instructions feel unclear because there's no diagram with measures and pictures are very artistic but no clear picture of the finished item to show how it really looks like.
The technique explanations are good, there's a good variety of stitches for learners and projects are interesting but the project instructions feel unclear because there's no diagram with measures and pictures are very artistic but no clear picture of the finished item to show how it really looks like.
November 19, 2021
Worth waiting for!
Impressive! Toni Lipsey provides answers to questions that I have not seen anywhere else. She also shows the back side of the work which is extremely helpful. Her explanations are detailed and easy to understand. I look forward to more of her designs!
Impressive! Toni Lipsey provides answers to questions that I have not seen anywhere else. She also shows the back side of the work which is extremely helpful. Her explanations are detailed and easy to understand. I look forward to more of her designs!
November 21, 2021
This is a great way to learn Tunisian. Toni explains it so clear and I was so afraid I wouldn't understand, but Toni is a wiz at teaching! After going through her Crochet Academy I knew I'd found my Crochet soulmate!! I plan to start the New Year with one of the projects!
November 27, 2021
BUY THIS BOOK! I’ve only had this book for a few days and have had 2 “Aha!” Moments and I’m not a newbie. I’m working on a gauge swatch for the Elm Slouch Hat and I’m loving how the Tunisian knit stitch is turning out. I highly recommend this book.
November 28, 2021
Great book from an amazing teacher
Toni has taught me so much about crochet and Tunisian techniques. I loved reading her book and can’t wait to try some of the patterns. Thank you, Toni!!
Toni has taught me so much about crochet and Tunisian techniques. I loved reading her book and can’t wait to try some of the patterns. Thank you, Toni!!
December 1, 2021
Toni is the best. Her information is golden when it comes to Tunisian Crochet. Clear and precise written instructions. Excellent photos. All photos of the models represent me. So nice to see that. Hard to come by. Thank you Toni for that.
November 2, 2022
Excellent beginner’s book!
Toni is wonderful with combining teaching and class. Between the book and her YouTube channel, she has become a one stop shop for all yarns things for me. :)
Toni is wonderful with combining teaching and class. Between the book and her YouTube channel, she has become a one stop shop for all yarns things for me. :)
January 21, 2023
Just fantastic
I have to get this in paperback and not just kindle! This is a keeper. Great for beginners or for people who have the off day and just can’t remember at that moment. Humm Everything is so clear and concise it fits for anyone. Thank you Toni great work
I have to get this in paperback and not just kindle! This is a keeper. Great for beginners or for people who have the off day and just can’t remember at that moment. Humm Everything is so clear and concise it fits for anyone. Thank you Toni great work
February 23, 2023
Excellent guide!
I’m digging into learning Tunisian crochet, and I’m so glad to have this book as my guide. Beautiful projects and clear instructions are combined to make learning so much easier!
I’m digging into learning Tunisian crochet, and I’m so glad to have this book as my guide. Beautiful projects and clear instructions are combined to make learning so much easier!
April 15, 2023
Very Good Resource
This book was good for beginner and intermediate Tunisian crochet students. I think it is a good book have when I forget how to do a technique. Very clear instructions and good photographs.
This book was good for beginner and intermediate Tunisian crochet students. I think it is a good book have when I forget how to do a technique. Very clear instructions and good photographs.
February 11, 2024
Great designs! I like everyone except two or three. Many I would love to make… Blanket wrap, cushions scarfs. Lots of details and how to at the beginning. How to gauge was really really good. Some of the instructions on the different stitches I’m not sure… Maybe I need some beginner help
June 23, 2024
Bought this book to learn Tunisian crochet after learning regular crochet a few years ago. Helpful for teaching some of the Tunisian crochet stitches and includes other basics. If you already know regular crochet, you may want to try Tunisian crochet books with more depth and patterns.
June 25, 2024
Love Toni and love this book. I have made two of the patterns and looking forward to making more. Good descriptions and details on Tunisian crochet. I was just beginning and now have several stitches that I have learned and have made several items.
January 17, 2022
Wonderful book from one of my favorite crafters. The instructions are clear and the photographs are beautiful. I have been wanting to learn this skill for quite some time.
February 19, 2022
Excellent instruction and pattern book!
Sold out in paperback but was able to get it for my tablet! Easy projects for beginning and great instructions, easy to follow.
Sold out in paperback but was able to get it for my tablet! Easy projects for beginning and great instructions, easy to follow.
March 10, 2022
Very well written and love those patterns.
I love how this is all laid out and the patterns look great!
Glad I bought this book.. Great job Toni!
I love how this is all laid out and the patterns look great!
Glad I bought this book.. Great job Toni!
April 6, 2022
A beautifully present book full of information and patterns. Keeping this one on my bookshelf
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews