Tunisian Crochet, also called the Afghan stitch, is enjoying renewed popularity…and it isn’t just for afghans. Learn the basic Tunisian stitches, including knit and purl, two methods for working cross stitch designs on a Tunisian base and Tunisian Intarsia where you work color changes within the base fabric.

The Tunisian Intarsia Crochet is a crochet technique where in Tunisian stitches are used with two or more colors. It resembles knitting to a great extent. Take into consideration that Tunisian stitches are longer than wide. Tunisian crochet, also known as  Tricot Crochet, is a type of crochet that uses an elongated hook with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook. Intarsia means using multiple colors.

Intarsia crochet is very unique and different from other types of crochet. It is often referred to as the Tunisian Intarsia Crochet technique, named after a common knitting technique. In fact, intarsia does resemble knitting very closely, and it always uses two or more colors in the final design.

People who use the intarsia crochet technique usually use patterns to help them accomplish their desired effect. Patterns for intarsia crocheting are typically given as charts. These charts, which are read beginning from the lower left, often resemble pixilated cartoon drawings or computer graphics.

The pattern is worked from right to left. To work two squares in two different colors. First make a simple crochet chain using the two threads for the different colored boxes. Insert the hook into the the second chain from the hook, draw a loop and leave it on the hook. Change the color at the margin by twisting the thread to avoid holes.

To complete the stitch wind the yarn around the hook and draw it through two loops. Repeat until there is only one loop of current color left on the hook switch the color and finish in the same way. Repeat these two rows to form the afghan stitch.

KNOT STITCH (k st): Having one loop on the needle, draw it out to the length of 3 ch, thread over the needle and draw through, making an ordinary chain stitch, drawn out to three times its normal length. Then put the needle under that one of the 3 threads of the long loop which seems to lie by itself, draw the thread through and make a single stitch. This is the knot stitch.

It is usually worked by making two, then fastening to the previous row by a single stitch unless the row was knot stitch, in which case work one single stitch each side of the single stitch between the two long loops or knot stitches.

A knotted stitch is any embroidery technique in which the yarn or thread is knotted around itself. The knot is a simple technique, combining Crochet Chain with Single Crochet (US) and is ideal for both beginners and more advanced crocheters looking to learn a new technique. There are many different ways of forming this stitch - however this is the way that I find easiest.

Solomon’s Knot (also known as Lovers Knot) is an extremely versatile crochet stitch, with the finished effect belying the simplicity of the stitch. It is a traditional knot stitch which appears in many vintage and antique patterns, however works very well with contemporary crochet.

How to do the Knot Stitch: Starting with one loop on the hook, draw this loop out to the desired length, thread over the hook and draw through (as you would if you were making an ordinary chain stitch), but with the single back thread kept the same length as the first long loop, keeping the single back thread of the long chain separate from the two front threads. Next, insert the hook under this single back thread. Wrap the thread over the hook again and draw a loop through. Wrap again and draw through both loops on the hook.

When crocheting further rows of knot stitch, you will work back into the ‘knots’ between the long loops.

The Double-running, or Holbein, stitch is the basic stitch of blackwork embroidery. This stitch is reversible - that is, it looks the same on the back and the front. Running stitch is the most basic stitch and the simplest one. It is also called the quilting stitch. It is used to create wonderful quilt patterns in Indian Kantha embroidery.

Although superficially similar to Back Stitch the Holbein stitch produces a smoother line and a pattern that is identical on both sides of the fabric. It can be worked in straight lines, diagonally, or in a stepped fashion to make a zigzag line and is well suited to creating outlines or intricate filling patterns.

Historically, double-running stitch is a very early stitch and it is a very versatile stitch as well. It works well to make strong seams in construction of garments, it is thread saving and creates a reversible design if done to follow a pattern line.

Blackwork can be stitched in double running stitch or backstitch. If you haven’t tried double running stitch now is your chance.

It has two main benefits.

Firstly it is reversible, so the back of your work will look the same as the front.

Secondly it uses less thread. Are you like me and stitch to the very end of your strand so you don’t waste any thread?

To work this stitch one just has to move the needle over and under the fabric at regular spaces along the embroidery line. Neatness comes with the regularity in the stitch size over and beneath the cloth.

Holbein stitch is usually worked on on an even-weave fabric where the threads can be counted to ensure perfect regularity and is worked in two stages. Firstly, a row of evenly spaced running stitches is worked along the line to be covered. Then the return journey is completed, filling in the spaces between stitches made on the first journey and sharing the same holes.