Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary

The book is packed with a directory of 150 stitches (which are all so well explained), as well as a really useful section on Tunisian crochet skills. Each stitch has really detailed, step-by-step instructions, actual-size swatch pictures and charts. I’m not particularly au fait with charts (my brain does not work that way naturally), but thanks to the symbols and abbreviations list in the skills section, I was able to follow the charts easily too.

If I’m honest, my Tunisian crochet skills are very limited. Of course, I have released a Tunisian crochet shawl pattern, but this uses only Tunisian Simple Stitch. My knowledge of other stitches is definitely lacking! As soon as I flicked through the stitch directory, I was making lists of stitches I wanted to try and getting ideas for future designs. I decided to work up a couple of swatches to try out some new stitches, and honestly, I had so much fun. To be fair, since I have a one-year-old to take care of every day, my yarn time these days is very precious, but this truly was like a breath of fresh air. I'm really looking forward to using some of these stitches (and more) in future designs.

The stitches I tried were Rib Stitch (variegated yarn), Lace Shell II (purple yarn) and Diamond Lace (grey yarn). The Rib Stitch is pretty simple but super effective, and I love how it worked up in this gorgeous variegated yarn - the yarn made a relatively simple stitch really shine. The Lace Shell II blew my mind. I had no idea Tunisian crochet could look like that! I actually think I over-stretched my swatch a little when I blocked it, but the shells are so pretty and delicate. I can imagine this stitch would be fabulous for a summery shawl or wrap. The Diamond Lace was my first try at lace in Tunisian crochet, and now I want to try all the lace stitches! This would be so striking as a panel on a garment or even a shawl. Next up on my list to try are Tunisian crochet cables!

[…] This book fits that bill perfectly! You should definitely get your hands on it if you're able to.

-- Mary-Lynn Dalrymple * Wholly Hooked *

Tunisian crochet produces a fabric that is similar to a knit but is worked on a hook. It combines the best of knitting and crochet, creating a dense, durable fabric. Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary is a must-have crochet book that’s an essential resource for anyone in the crochet and knitting community!

Featuring 150 of the most popular and most used Tunisian crochet stitches, this reference book is filled with step-by-step instructions and coordinating photographs to help you achieve stitch after stitch, from beginner to intermediate to advanced.

From basic stitches, fans, shells, and cables to lace, waves, chevron, and cross stitches, plus embellishments, edgings, and more, a detailed section on essential crochet skills, techniques, and other fundamentals are also included. Additionally, actual-size swatches so you can easily see if you’re getting it right and helpful charts are featured, as well as consistent yarn weight being used throughout for easy stitch comparison.

Author Anna Nikipirowicz is a skilled crochet and knit designer, tutor, and author of several crochet books. Her work is regularly featured in Inside Crochet and other craft magazines, and she is also a regular on Yarn Lane TV where she shares her designs and techniques. She teaches Tunisian crochet, crochet, and knitting throughout the UK and abroad, always striving for participants to learn new skills or enhance the ones they already have.

A collection of both classic and new Tunisian crochet stitches, Tunisian Crochet Stitch Dictionary will keep needlecrafters of all skill levels occupied and inspired for years to come.

* CrochetEnvy.com *

Tunisian crochet is enjoying a surge in popularity and this book is packed with 150 stitches for all levels of expertise. With actual-size swatches, charts and step-by-step photos, it's designed for crochet fans to discover new stitched and creative methods.

* Machine Knitting Monthly, May 2023 *

Whether you're just starting to experiment with Tunisian crochet or experienced with this technique, this stitch directory is a brilliant reference to keep handy while you work. Featuring 150 classic and new stitches, crochet teacher Anna shows how to work each stitch, including step-by-step photos and charts. Arranged by theme, the book enables you to start with beginner stitches and then progress, while actual size swatches enable you to check you're getting it right.

* Inside Crochet, Issue 157 *

This book is a joy. I have long wanted to get my teeth into Tunisian crochet and this book has shown me how. There are clear written instructions alongside beautiful, helpful photographs and charts to enable me to tackle a huge array of stitches. There are also clear instructions on how to begin one's Tunisian crochet journey, explaining in simple terms how to begin with the basics. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in crochet.

-- Susan chesworth * Customer Review *

I am very new to the art of Tunisian crochet and had no idea there were so many different stitches. This lovely book contains 150 from the more well known stitches to some very exciting and unusual ones. It will definitely appeal to those more experienced in Tunisian crochet but will inspire newbies, like me, to continue learning and trying them out.

I like the layout of the book, especially the photos of all the stitched swatches at the beginning so you can easily find what you need. Each stitch has its own entry with written instructions and chart, plus a real life sized photo of how the stitch should look. There is a good basic skills section at the back which has a clear, large font list of the symbols and abbreviations used in the patterns so it is very easy to use.

-- Lesley Cowland * Customer Review *

I loved the easy-on-the-eye colour palettes and was further lured in by the pictures of interesting swatches in this book. I could recognise many of the stitches but was indeed inspired by the combinations and colourways.

I am happy to report that this book is a thorough and fulsome dictionary of Tunisian stitches, laid out with a concise, clear system that deploys verbal, diagrammatic and photographic instructions helpful to all comers, from newbies to masters. It's got all the usual info about yarns, hooks and other notions associated with the craft, tables of chart symbols and abbreviations, and a full index in the back. I particularly appreciate the illustrated contents that allows a quick visual search.

All the basic stitches are there, including variations. The author covers all the categories from lace, cables, colour work, popcorns and honeycombs to pineapple stitches and varieties of chevrons and waves. It even includes some lovely ideas on embellishments such as weaving, embroidery and surface crochet. There is even a collection of borders and edges – a category not always acknowledged within Tunisian crochet.

I was thoroughly inspired and spent quite a few happy hours trying out the swatches and jotting down the multiple ideas that bubbled up as a result. I definitely recommend it.

-- Lindy Zubiary * SlipKnot, September 20