Why is it called Tunisian Crochet?

Now that we are nearing the end of the Tunisian Patchwork CAL, I thought you may like to know where the name Tunisian Crochet came from.

Historical Background of Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet first gained recognition in Western Europe during the early to mid-19th century—particularly in Britain and France—but its exact origins are not definitively known.  Like many textile arts, it's evolved from a mix of influences over centuries, and names often reflect cultural perceptions more than geographic accuracy. It is well known that Queen Victoria enjoyed the craft and it was called “Royal Princess Knitting” in her honour. We started seeing references to techniques resembling Tunisian crochet in women's magazines and needlework books in the 1830s–1840s.

It wasn’t always called "Tunisian" crochet though—other names included: Tricot crochet, Afghan stitch, Railroad knitting and Shepherd's knitting.

The name “Tunisian crochet” likely emerged in the Victorian era, a time when exotic-sounding names were popular in marketing.  Calling something "Tunisian" lent it an air of mystery and elegance, even if it had no real connection to Tunisia.

While there’s no solid evidence that the technique itself originated in Tunisia or North Africa, it’s possible that the visual texture of the fabric, which looks somewhat like weaving or traditional North African textiles, inspired the name.

Tunisian crochet has some similarities to: Nalbinding (an ancient Scandinavian technique), Knitting on hooked needles (seen in parts of the Middle East and Asia) and crochet-like stitches in Egyptian and North African textiles, though these are not directly linked.

So in essence, the "Tunisian" in Tunisian crochet is more Victorian branding than actual geography.

What is Tricot Crochet?

The term “tricot” comes from the French word for knitting, which hints at how this style of crochet was perceived in the 19th century—it was seen as a hybrid between knitting and crochet.  In early Victorian needlework books, tricot crochet referred to a technique where the stitch was picked up like knitting (holding loops on the hook), then worked off in a second pass—very much like modern Tunisian simple stitch (Tss).

It wasn’t limited to one stitch, but the simple stitch—what today we call the "Tunisian Simple Stitch"—was the foundation.

Evolution of the Name

In the Mid-1800s, “Tricot” crochet began appearing in instruction manuals alongside knitting and traditional crochet.  It was seen as a newfangled alternative—faster than knitting, sturdier than regular crochet.

Eventually, the technique began to take on regional and stylish names: “Tunisian crochet” (sounding exotic), “Afghan stitch” (popular in the US, especially in blanket-making) and “Shepherd’s knitting” (a more rustic, practical name).

Some books even used these names interchangeably, which makes the historical tracing a bit confusing. Victorian manuals like The Lady’s Manual of Fancy-Work (circa 1850s) included tricot crochet instructions, often accompanied by patterns for warm garments and household items like mittens, baby jackets, coverlets and blankets. The emphasis was on efficiency and texture—tricot crochet made dense, warm, and somewhat elastic fabrics, ideal for the drafty homes of the time.

Tricot crochet became popular because:

It mimicked knitting without needing two needles.
It was easier to learn for those who already knew crochet.
The resulting fabric had a woven look and didn’t curl as much as knitted stockinette.
And because it could be done with just one long hook, it was more portable—a huge bonus for women who travelled or worked in shared spaces.

Tricot Crochet vs. Tunisian Crochet?

They are, functionally, the same thing.  The terminology just shifted over time.  “Tricot” crochet was the earlier, European term while “Tunisian” crochet became the more widespread, modern label—especially in the English-speaking world.

The story of a Starry Night (part 3)

The Designers day off from the shop fell on a rather warm and sunny day so it would have been silly not to take advantage and block Starry Night.

Blocking involves pinning item out into shape, wetting it and leaving it to dry naturally. As Starry Night was rather large, it also involved crawling around the lawn for just under 2 hours with a pot full of pins and a ruler! The Designer was very relieved when it was all done and she could sit to enjoy her coffee and recover.

Now it was the time of the really hard work! While much of this was done in the garden, it was not all about sitting back and smelling the flowers. The original Starry Night was frogged back to the big stars and remade so that it could be used to take "How To" photos to go into the pattern.

As parts of the pattern are quite tricky, the Designer decided to be very brave and drag her butt into the 21st century by also making videos. A "filming studio" was set up inside, a video editing program was downloaded and the bravery began!

Before too long, there where a number of videos uploaded to YouTube and the Designer was feeling very pleased with herself! The next job on the list was the photoshoot. Rob Morris, a friend of the Designer had offered to do this for her so she jumped at the chance and a date was arranged!

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 17

Block 27 is Cables Just one block this week - but it is a big one! The cables are created in a similar way to knitted cables where stitches are made and put on to a cable needle. More stitches are made and the stitches on the cable needle are put back on to the hook. A yoh is used between the 2 strands of the cable to make it easier to cross them. It is counted in the stitch count and is taken off as a regular st when closing but is not used when working the forward pass in the following row.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

The story of a Starry Night (part 2)

After sitting in the bucket for rather a long time, the Starry Night project was let back out. However, instead of carrying on with the original project, the Designer started again.

The large stars were worked in the way as before but the joining was worked a little differently.

The other difference was that, instead of using Custard to create "The Starry Sky" part of the shawl, she used the outside of Banana Cream Hi. This meant that it gradually turned darker as it reached the top. This looked much more sky-like that the pale lavender of Custard and the Designer was happy with the finished effect. Next, the inside of Banana Cream Hi was used to carry on underneath the big stars and create the mountains.

The colours of the yarn fell perfectly into place and looked just like the sky between the stars and the mountains in the original painting. The Designer was very happy with this.

Banana Cream Hi was finally almost gone so it was now the turn of Custards replacement, Bilberry. Bilberry is a deep rich navy and much better suited to creating the buildings nestled underneath the mountains. As buildings were a bit difficult to create, the Designer came up with creating the illusion of buildings by just making "windows".

This worked well and, at last, the Designer was ready to complete the creation with a Sparkly Starry fringe! The next job was the blocking and photoshoot but that story will have to wait for another day!

Learning to crochet

I can't remember learning to crochet.  Not surprising really, it was about 55 years ago!

I do know that my Dad taught me the basics as he had a lot more patience then Mam.  She took over later when we could do the basics.

I remember making "Tank-Tops" that looked like string vests.  And ponchos that were all the rage.  And waistcoats, long lacy ones.

The problem with Crochet is that people tend to think it belongs in the 70's.  Not at all true!  You should see some of the things I have seen crocheted!!!

For something different, visit Patricia Waller.  Do NOT go if you are easily offended. Her work is really wierd, gruesome and, most of it, not at all to my taste. However, the crocheter in me appreciates the the innovation and work that has gone into these pieces. I love the Rowing Monkey.

James Walters and the late Sylvia Cosh are part of our British crochet heritage.  They made a formidable team. Sadly, Sylvia died from cancer in 2000.  James built a website about their work but it is no longer available. I have a few of their books which are now out of print.  Sometimes you can get lucky and get them on eBay but they are so popular they go for rather a lot. They are far more interesting than some of the modern books you can get.

Most of the information around is US based. However, I have a Tutorial in UK terms on my site.

And once you have mastered the basics you could try out this Mini Flower Tutorial.

When you get more adventurous, there are a whole load of Free Patterns on there.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 16

Block 25 is Tunisian Full Stitch (Tfs) This is a brand new stitch. There is a separate photo tutorial available.

Block 26 is Dogtooth This block uses a combination of the stitch we have just learned and some we already know.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

The story of a Starry Night (part 1)

This is the story of a project that has been in and out of the WIP box for over 5 years!  It has been frogged and reworked more times than the designer cares to count.  It has been cussed at even more times than that.

Once upon a time, there was a Scheepjes Whirl called "Banana Cream Hi".  It arrived at a little yarn and craft shop called Rainbow Valley. This Whirl was clever, so when it found out that not only was the owner a designer but also that one of her favourite paintings was "The Starry Night", Banana Cream Hi shouted at her that he wanted to be a Starry Night as well, especially as he already looked so much like the painting.

The designer mulled this over and, after some time agreed. So the process was started. Then Banana Cream Hi said to his friend the "Custard" Whirlette, "Would you like to join in? You match me perfectly!". Of course, Custard agreed.

The stars were created from the middle of Banana Cream Hi and this worked really well.  The shading from the creamy banana colour to the brighter lemon created some variety in the stars. Then it was the turn of the swirls - which is where Custard came in. This did not go as planned. The whole project ended up in the F Bucket!!!!

In February 2022 the project gained a new purpose, and a deadline, as the designer wanted to wear it for her parents Diamond Wedding in August. Both Banana Cream Hi and Custard were replaced with scrap yarn.  They did not mind, they both knew that the repeated frogging was bad for them so they were to let the rif-raf take the fall! Eventually, the designer created the effect she was looking for.

The down side was that the relationship between Banana Cream Hi and Custard was not plain sailing.  Custard was too pale and did not bring the depth of colour that Starry Night required. Everything was just too insipid. The designer frogged again and made 7 full stars instead of 5.  This meant that the blue started coming through on the swirls. She still needed more blue.

With all of this going on, the designer did not get the finish and wear the shawl for her parents anniversary.

Discussions with her mother made her decide that Custard was just not up to the job, continuing with him would be a big mistake and spoil the whole effect.

The bottom of the painting was dark, not pale lavender which was Custards colour.

When she got home, the project went back into the bucket and there it stayed for quite some time!

Kindly, Unassuming Spirit — But You’ve Got to Go

I love celandines!  Their small, cheerful bright yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves brighten up the garden in early spring.

The Lesser Celandine is a native British woodland plant that prefers shady or semi-shady areas.  It’s a spring ephemeral, meaning it pops up early in spring, flowers quickly, and then dies back completely by late spring or early summer. They have glossy, buttercup-like yellow flowers (typically 8–12 petals) that bloom close to the ground and leaves that are dark green, shiny, and often heart- or kidney-shaped. They are a symbol of early spring, rebirth, and renewal in poetry.  Wordsworth even wrote multiple poems about the "Kindly, unassuming spirit"!

Lesser celandines provide some early nectar and pollen for bees — particularly solitary bees and queen bumblebees just emerging from hibernation.

They flower very early (often February to April), which is prime time for hungry pollinators looking for a boost. Their bright yellow flowers are easily spotted and do produce nectar and pollen.

So why am I digging them all up? They are the botanical equivalent of that charming guest who overstays their welcome… shows up early, brightens everything with their sunny personality, and then takes over the whole house before quietly vanishing for the summer, leaving chaos in their wake.

They grow from tubers and produces small bulbils in leaf axils.  It reproduces both by seed and vegetatively through tubers and bulbils — making it hard to control once established.  In many parts of the U.S. and Canada, lesser celandine is considered a problematic invasive species because it forms dense mats that outcompete native spring wildflowers.

I know very well that I will never get them all and they will be back next year in full force. I have a lot of bulbs and perennials and have found that by clearing what I can find now gives the rest of the garden a chance to flourish.

I am not trying to conquer every inch, just giving the bulbs and perennials the breathing room they need to shine.

Business Branding

I have been very despondent lately with the way things are going in the shop. While I have greatly reduced my outgoings, my sales have also taken a hit. This morning I had a Business Branding planning meeting with Rob Morris. Over plenty of coffee, we discussed ways to raise my profile online. We also discussed various aspects of the business, which ones to concentrate on and which ones to put on the back burner.

One of the results of this meeting was that a pattern I was considering saving as a CAL, is now going to be published as soon as I finish it. This pattern is one of the many that has been sitting in a WIP folder on my computer for a long time. It is about time it saw the light of day. It is called Starry Night and is a tibute to one of my favourite paintings by one of my favourite artists, Vincent van Gogh.

Back to Blogging!

Sometimes, I get these ideas in my head that will not go away.

Then I realise how much work they are going to be!

Do I think "No! Don't do it!!!!" Nope. I mull it over, sometime for a little longer than other times, then I go and do it anyway.

This is one of those times. I have decided to get back to blogging.

There have been so many changes over the last few years, some good, some bad and some downright ugly. The plan is to start now and work backwards to fill in the gaps. Here is a synopsis of life since the last sporadic posts in 2017/2018 Good: I acquired a Fluffy Puppy in August 2017 Good: I opened a shop in September 2018

Ugly: Covid meant I had to shut the shop in March 2020 Ugly: I had a bit of a melt down from the stress. Good: I took up Gardening Good: I had more time for designing

Good: I discovered that I have green fingers. Good: I grew lots of tomatoes

Good: I have made a lot of friends because of the shop. Bad: Shop not doing as well as hoped so had to move to a new, smaller shop. Good: At least the shop is still open and only working part time in it means more time for designing, gardening and, of course, blogging!

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 15

Block 23 is Ripples This uses stitches we have already learned. The colour changes create the ripple effect.

Block 24 is Shells It uses basic Tss for putting the stitches on, although you do need to be careful where you pick them up. The pattern is created when taking the stitches off.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 14

Block 21 is Puff Hearts This stitch was chosen by one of my students. It uses a Tunisian Puff stitch which is very similar to its regular crochet counterpart.

Block 22 is Petals This makes use of the new stitch from Block 21 and combines it with a few others! You need to make sure that you follow the instructions carefully for this one.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 13

Block 19 is Slipped Stitch Slipping the stitches creates an unusual pattern that is simple to work. However, it can also make the rows closer together giving a shorter block.

Block 20 is Seed Stitch Seed Stitch is a combination of Tks and Trs to create the look of a traditional knitted seed stitch.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 12

Block 17 is Tunisian Reverse Stitch Tunisian Reverse Stitch (Trs) looks similar to Tunisian Purl Stitch (Tps). It is easier to work than Tps, more like Tss but working into the back loops.

Block 18 is Relief Hearts This uses a combination of Tks and Trs to create an almost shadow like effect.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 11

Block 15 is Honeycomb Honeycomb combines Tss and Tps in a different way to create an interesting pattern.

Block 16 is Cross Stitch This uses Tss in yet another way to create the pattern. This stitch can be a bit tighter to create a narrower block.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 10

Week 10 is all about joining the blocks. In a break from tradition, we are going to learn how to join the blocks half way through the CAL instead of at the end. For those who have never used Crab St before, there is a tutorial.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 9

Block 13 is Tunisian Purl Stitch (Tps). Another new stitch which closely resembles purl stitch in knitting.

Block 14 is Basket Weave. This block is made using a combination of Tks and Tps to create a traditional basket weave effect.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 8

Block 12 is Diamond Bobbles This block combines the techniques we learned in “Polish Star” and “Bobbles”. Make sure that you carefully read both picking up the loops and closing them before working each row.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 7

Block 7 is Polish Star This block looks complicated but isn’t! Tss is used to put the loops on and the loops are made on the closing. The hardest part is lacing up the loops at the end.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

Tunisian Patchwork CAL - Week 6

Block 10 is Bobbles Bobbles are made using 3 Tunisian Double Trebles (Tdtr) in the same stitch then all 3 are taken off together.

It is not too late to join the Tunisian Patchwork CAL if you would like to. Full details are on the CAL page on Rainbow Valley.

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