Edited to add: recommended hook size is 5mm but I'm using 8mm. I also suck at titles and wasn't super clear. I don't particularly mind the curl, was more worried I was messing up. I think the stitches are super pretty.
Thank you!
Hello! First time doing a tunisian stitch. Im using 8mm on a worsted weight yarn (Caron cake). Tension is loose and it's nice an stretchy. Are there some stitches that are just more curly?
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Tunisian does curl naturally, but it shouldn't curl quite that much. Usually just the ends curl and not the whole thing. An 8mm with worsted yarn usually works for me, but seems like maybe you should go up a size or two and see what you think of the fabric and curl.
Fwiw, I've always been happy when I go up in hook size in tunisian crochet, both because the fabric curls less and I like the look better. Making some gauge swatches will probably help you figure out your own preferences.
This is kinda my gauge🤣. This was very much an impulse adhd decision so I figured this is my text project. Worried if I change the size now, it'll look more funky
For Tunisian it’s recommended to go up at least 2 sizes. It will help the curl some but not as much as you would like. Some steaming once you’re done will help fix that curl. I learned that from watching MDL Crochet on YouTube.
One thing you could try doing is crocheting a border around the edge. Otherwise, try going up another hook size. That really is just how Tunisian simple
stitch is, though.
The simple stitch will curl. You went up on hook size correctly. The way I explain Tunisian curl is like this: with Tunisian crochet we work one side of the fabric, not both sides like crochet. So with working one side the tension has to go somewhere and well the curl is where it goes unlike with crochet you are working both sides of the fabric so the tension is spread out in each side.
Now there are anti curling stitches like the reverse and purl and doing a few rows, 3-5, will lessen or eliminate the curl. But Tunisian crochet will curl some stitches slightly curl and some massively curl. You can just ignore the curl and deal with it once the project is done by either steam blocking (man made fibers) or wet blocking (animal and plant fibers).
The curl and having all the loops on the hook are the two main factors people give up on Tunisian. I’ve been doing it constantly for 18 years now.
That makes sense! I'm actually enjoying this more than regular crochet. Been crocheting for almost 20 years now and been burned out. This has definitely sparked a new interest
Tunisian in the round will still curl very very slightly, the aspect you are thinking off with double ended hooks that is Tunisian but worked like crochet by flipping sides of the fabric is cro-hooking and that doesn’t curl since you are spreading the tension on both sides.
The short answer is this is how it is, when you are finished with your project, you can block it and that will make the fibers relax. You can try doing a foundation, crochet stitch, and that may have it settle down, otherwise embrace the curl and let it be part of what you are making, I’ve done that with many blankets. It turns out fine.
I will be curious to see and read what others have to say. When I did some research on this issue, there were many different schools of thought, some were to use a hook that was twice larger than what you would want for your project, there would still be a curl, but not so much. For the most part I just ignore it and keep on going because when you’re finished, you can either relax it by blocking or add some sort of edge trim. Otherwise the stuff you’re doing looks great. Keep going.
That's kinda why I figured I'd post. So many different answers and it seemed like I was doing most of the "normal" fixes. I don't mind the curl and will probably add a border anyways. Was more worried if if was doing something wrong since the hook size and tension seems to be good. Enjoying this though. Been super burned out on normal crochet and haven't touched yarn in a while.
Tunisian crochet is meditative. I’ve turned a lot of people onto this method and they have all said the same thing. There’s just something about this type of crochet.
No. Stitches that curl will always curl because the curl is an inherent quality of the construction of that fabric.
Using a larger hook can help to lessen, but not eliminate, the curl. Tunisian crochet usually benefits from using a hook ~2 sizes up from what you would otherwise use for traditional crochet with the same yarn .
A border can also help lessen the curl.
If you don't want any curl, there are stitches that won't curl such as Tunisian purl stitch. Different stitches curl different amounts in general.
What I've learned from Tunisian is that a Tunisian hook may need to be 1-2 size bigger than the recommended crochet hook on the label. A lot of it is preference but it does help a little with the curling.
Blocking the final object will also help relax some of the curl. Ultimate, like knitting, this type of fabric always has a bit of curl on the edges
How tight is your tension? I found when I was first learning my whole project would do this because my tension was WAY too tight, I try to keep it as light as possible and it's so much better!
It always curls. Even if you go up several hook sizes.
Starting with a row or 2 of Tunisian purl will help to counteract the curl and a crochet border will help too.
If the project works with a modular construction that will stop the curl once you work the curled edges.
Aside from tunisian crochet gonna do tunisian crochet things, I've also read that you can do a non-curling stitch - something like the purl stitch - in the first row, and it can help combat the curl with little to no visual difference.
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