Winner + Free Exclusive Pattern from Rohn Strong!

Today we welcome knit and crochet designer Rohn Strong to be our guest on the Knitter's Pride blog. Rohn not only shares his thoughts on one of his favorite techniques - Tunisian Crochet - he also has designed a fun, free pattern that's great for beginners! We hope you enjoy today's guest post and look forward to seeing your projects here in the Knitter's Pride Ravelry group!

I adore Tunisian Crochet. So much so, in fact, that most of my recent designs are focused on this wonderful technique. What is Tunisian Crochet, you ask? Well, Tunisian Crochet (sometimes referred to as Afghan Crochet) is a crochet technique which uses a longer than normal hook that is sometimes cabled. Tunisian crochet is the best of both worlds: the look of knitting with the ease of crochet.

I get asked all the time, "Why Tunisian Crochet? Why don’t you just knit? Why don’t you just stick to crochet?" I love knitting, but let’s face it…it takes a long time! I also love crochet, but sometimes it can be a bit rigid and bulky. Tunisian Crochet is a great way to solve these issues; with the right hook to yarn ratio (it is a bit different than what traditional crochet calls for) you can get a garment that looks and feels like knitting but without the huge time investment! Trust me, it is wonderful for last minute gifting.

Left: Dreamz Tunisian Crochet Hook Set
Right: Bamboo Single-Ended Crochet Hook

To get you started on your Tunisian Crochet journey, I have designed a pattern that is both simple and stunning. It takes just one skein of Cephalopod Yarns Beastie in the colorway Ogopogo, and you don’t even need a Tunisian Crochet hook -  just a regular crochet hook without a pronounced thumb rest will do. This is also called an inline hook, and the Knitter's Pride Basix Birch, Bamboo, or Dreamz hooks will work quite nicely for you. Of course, a great option is to just purchase a Tunisian Crochet Set, which includes 8 hooks.

PATTERN INFO 

These simple but stunning fingerless mitts are perfect for those last few weeks of winter. They take just a few hours to make up and are a perfect intro to Tunisian Crochet!

MEASUREMENTS
 7.5”/18.75cm in circumference. 8.5”/21.25cm in length.

MATERIALS

• 1 Skein - Cephalopod Yarns Beastie (60% Superwash Merino/30 % Alpaca/10% Tussah silk) 4oz/140yds 
• US J (6.0mm) Crochet Hook 
• Tapestry Needle 

GAUGE 14 sts and 6.5 rows = 4”/10cm over Tunisian Double Crochet (Tdc) using size J/10 (6.0mm) crochet hook.  *Take Time to Check Gauge* 

NOTES 

• Mitts are made in one piece from side to side. The foundation chain and last row are then joined to close. 
• Be sure to use a yarn with a bit of animal fiber in it, as Tunisian Double Crochet has the tendency to lean to one side a bit. This can be counteracted simply by blocking. 
• Because only a small number of loops are held on the hook at one time, a Tunisian Crochet Hook or standard crochet hook with an inline shaft can be used to work the mitts. 

MITTS (Make 2) 
Ch 25.
Row 1 (forward pass): Yo, insert hook in 3rd and draw through 2 lps on hook (2 lps remain on hook), *yo, insert hook in next ch and pull up a lp, yo and draw through 2 lps on hook (1 more lp on hook); rep from * across – 24 lps on hook.

Row 1 (return pass): Yo and draw through 1 lp on hook, *yo and draw through 2 lps on hook; rep from * across (1 lp remains on hook) – 24 Tunisian Double Crochet (Tdc).

Row 2 (forward pass): Ch 1 (counts as first Tdc), sk first vertical bar, *yo, insert hook under next vertical bar and pull up a lp, yo and draw through 2 lps on hook; rep from * across – 24 lps on hook.

Row 2 (return pass): Work as for Row 1 (return pass) – 24 Tdc.

Repeat Row 2 (forward and return passes) 10 times further.

Next Row: Sl st loosely in each vertical bar across. Fasten off.

FINISHING
Block mitts by washing and lying flat to dry, pinning to measurements. When dry, seam the foundation row to last row of mitt using either mattress stitch or whipstitch, leaving a small opening for the thumb. Weave in ends. Enjoy!

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Jill D., who won this month's blog giveaway! We've messaged Jill via Ravelry PM to arrange for the delivery of her prize, a Japanese Bamboo Crochet Hook Set. Thanks to everyone who entered this month's contest!