Afghan Crochet/Knittng Needle

dcmerkle1 wrote

on Oct 11, 2008 7:23 PM

I really need some help here. I have a knitting/crochet needle, #6 by Bates. I've seen some beautiful afghans done with a needle like this, but I suspect that I may need a larger needle to do an afghan. I need some basic instructions on how to use this kind of needle. I know basic crochet and some knitting stitches. Any help would be appreciated.

DCMerkle

moreta wrote

on Oct 12, 2008 2:32 AM

I assume you mean an Afghan hook. Is it long, with a stop like a knitting needle on one end and a hook on the other? This type of hook is used for a tunisian stitch, and it's variations. Tunisian stitch makes a very heavy fabric that is ideal for blankets and jackets, and is easy to embroider. It also uses a LOT of yarn.

The basic tunisian stitch is easy and done in 2 steps. Part 1: Chain the number of stitches called for in the pattern, or as many as you want. Inster hook in back loop of second chain from hook, YO and draw up a loop. Do the same in each chain across. The loops you draw up through each stitch stay on the hook, that's why it's so long.

Part 2: YO and draw through one loop. YO and draw through two loops. Continue Yo and draw through two loops until you have one loop left on the hook. Do not turn. the last loop on the hook is the starting loop of the next row.

You'll notice that there are vertical threads across the row. The second, and subsquent rows are made by inserting the hook, from right to left under eache vertical bar, starting with the second, YO and pull up a loop.

You're right, there is a limit to the width that can be done on an afghan hook. Most of the patterns I've seen have narrow crocheted strips joined between the wider afghan strips, and it looks very pretty. There are also flexible afghan hooks available that are like single ended circular knitting needles.

Because the afghan hook is larger than ordinary hooks, you might find it a bit awkward at first. You can use a regular hook to do the tunisian stitch, just keep the number of stitches small, (10-15 at the most). This makes it easy to practice without needing tons of yarn.

I found a website with really good video tutorials that show step by step placements for each part of the stitch.

I hope the link works

http://www.nexstitch.com/v_tss.html

Good luck!

dcmerkle1 wrote

on Oct 12, 2008 12:14 PM

Yes, the needle that you described is the one that I have. The link that you gave me does work. I have been working on the stitch, but I am finding that the end of the piece is rolling up. The roll gets worse as I add more rows to it.

Is this from too much tension or too little tension?

DCMerkle

tjw1963 wrote

on Oct 12, 2008 1:52 PM

Here are some tutorials that you might find useful. I used the larger hook for the purposes of the video and showing the stitch. The stitch works great with the small hooks. Rolling is common and there is nothing you can do to prevent it. It has nothing to do with tension. It is confined to the edges. You can add an edging to your afghan once it is finished to tame down the roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnO1YVBertk

~~Teresa

http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/

dcmerkle1 wrote

on Oct 12, 2008 2:52 PM

Thank you. You had some pointers that I hadn't considered. I was also was thinking about how a color change would work. The vids answered all.

DCMerkle