Stepping beyond the familiar world of single, double, and treble crochet opens up a universe of texture, drape, and intricate design. For the crocheter eager to expand their repertoire, exploring advanced techniques like Tunisian crochet, Broomstick lace, and Hairpin lace offers exciting challenges and stunning results. These methods, while requiring specific tools and a bit of patience, transform yarn in ways standard crochet simply cannot replicate, pushing the boundaries of what hooked fabric can be.
Unraveling Tunisian Crochet: A Hybrid Craft
Often described as a blend of knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet (also known as Afghan crochet) is unique in its execution. Instead of working stitches off the hook one by one, Tunisian crochet keeps multiple loops live on a special, elongated hook throughout a ‘forward pass’. You then work these loops off the hook on a ‘return pass’ to complete a row. This two-step process creates a fabric distinct from traditional crochet – often denser, less stretchy, and with a characteristic woven appearance.
The hook itself is a key differentiator. Tunisian hooks are longer than standard crochet hooks, sometimes resembling knitting needles with a hook at one end. For wider projects, hooks with flexible cables attached are necessary to accommodate the large number of stitches held simultaneously. The size of the hook drastically impacts the fabric’s density and drape, just as in standard crochet, but the effect is perhaps even more pronounced here.
Getting Started with Tunisian Stitches
The foundational stitch is the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS). On the forward pass, you insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the stitch from the previous row, yarn over, and pull up a loop, leaving it on the hook. You repeat this across the row. The return pass is standard for most basic Tunisian stitches: yarn over, pull through one loop (this creates the edge stitch), then yarn over and pull through two loops repeatedly until only one loop remains on the hook.
Beyond TSS, you’ll encounter the Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS), which closely mimics the look of knitted stockinette stitch, and the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS), creating a bumpy texture similar to knitting’s purl bumps. Combining these and other stitches like the Full Stitch or Honeycomb Stitch allows for incredible textured patterns, cables, and even colourwork techniques like intarsia, which look remarkably sharp due to the stitch structure.
The fabric created is often quite thick and stable, making it ideal for blankets, sturdy bags, placemats, and outerwear. However, by using a larger hook size relative to the yarn weight, you can achieve a surprisingly drapey fabric suitable for shawls and garments.
Be aware that Tunisian crochet requires specific tools, namely a Tunisian crochet hook of appropriate length or one with a cable. Standard crochet hooks are usually too short to hold the necessary number of loops for anything beyond very narrow pieces. Additionally, Tunisian fabric tends to curl significantly, especially with basic stitches, requiring blocking or specific non-curling edge techniques.
Dancing Loops: The Elegance of Broomstick Lace
Broomstick lace is instantly recognizable for its dramatic, sweeping loops grouped into beautiful clusters. It creates an incredibly open, airy, and flexible fabric with stunning drape. The technique gets its name from the traditional use of a broomstick handle as the large ‘needle’ onto which loops are pulled. Today, crocheters typically use a very large knitting needle (size US 35 / 19mm or US 50 / 25mm) or a specialized broomstick lace pin, often made of wood or plastic.
The process involves two distinct steps, repeated row after row. First, using a standard crochet hook, you pull up loops from stitches in the previous row and place them onto the large ‘broomstick’ needle. You continue this across the row, accumulating a series of elongated loops on the large needle. The height of these loops is determined by the diameter of the needle you use.
The second step is where the magic happens. You carefully slide a group of loops (typically 3, 4, or 5) off the large needle and onto your standard crochet hook. Without twisting them, you work a set number of single crochet stitches (usually the same number as loops in the group) into the *center* of that group of loops. This secures the loops together, forming the characteristic clustered ‘eyelet’ or ‘shell’ pattern. You repeat this process, working in groups across all the loops drawn up in the first step.
Playing with Broomstick Variations
The beauty of Broomstick lace lies in its variability. You can change:
- The diameter of the ‘broomstick’ needle: Larger diameters create taller, more dramatic loops.
- The number of loops grouped together: Grouping more loops creates wider, more open clusters.
- The number of stitches worked into each group: While typically matching the loop count, varying this can alter the tension and look.
- The base stitch: While often worked from a base row of single crochet, you can adapt it to other stitches.
Broomstick lace is perfect for lightweight shawls, scarves, market bags, and decorative edgings or insertions in garments. Its inherent openness means projects work up relatively quickly despite the intricate appearance. It requires careful tension control, especially when working the single crochets into the loop groups, to maintain consistency.
Framing Fabric: The Intricacy of Hairpin Lace
Hairpin lace employs a unique tool: the hairpin lace loom or staple. This is typically a U-shaped metal or plastic frame with two parallel prongs. The width between the prongs is often adjustable. Using a standard crochet hook, you work stitches *between* the prongs while simultaneously wrapping the yarn *around* the prongs.
The process involves holding the loom in one hand and the hook and yarn in the other. You create a central spine or braid of crochet stitches (often single or double crochet) down the middle, between the prongs. With each stitch or set of stitches made in the center, the working yarn is looped around the opposite prong. This action builds up loops on both sides of the central braid, held in place by the loom’s prongs. You continuously turn the loom as you work, creating a strip of lace with loops along both edges.
Once a strip reaches the desired length (or the loom is full), it’s carefully removed. The result is a long, narrow band with a crocheted core and parallel loops extending from either side. These strips are the building blocks of hairpin lace projects.
Joining and Shaping Hairpin Strips
The true artistry of hairpin lace often lies in how these delicate strips are joined. There are countless ways to connect them:
- Direct joining: Crocheting through loops from adjacent strips simultaneously.
- Braid joining: Creating intricate braided patterns by interlocking loops from multiple strips.
- Adding filler motifs: Crocheting decorative elements like fans or shells between strips, using the loops as anchor points.
- Gathering loops: Pulling loops together to create curves and shaping.
This modular approach allows for incredible flexibility in design. You can create everything from gossamer-light shawls and delicate baby clothes to intricate tablecloths and bedspreads. The width of the loom determines the depth of the loops and the overall scale of the lace. Adjusting the loom width and the central crochet stitch offers further design possibilities.
Embarking on Your Advanced Crochet Journey
Tunisian crochet, Broomstick lace, and Hairpin lace represent just a few pathways into the richer landscape of advanced crochet. Each demands a willingness to learn new movements, handle different tools, and perhaps slow down your pace initially. The payoff, however, is the ability to create fabrics with unique visual and tactile qualities, pushing your craft beyond the basics.
Don’t be intimidated! Start with simple swatch projects to get a feel for the rhythm and tension of each technique. Online video tutorials are invaluable resources for visualizing the hand movements involved, particularly for Hairpin and Broomstick lace. Invest in the correct tools – a proper Tunisian hook or hairpin loom makes a world of difference. With practice, the seemingly complex steps become fluid, opening doors to breathtakingly beautiful handmade creations.
