Tunisian Amigurumi

by Rohn Strong

Overview

Combine Tunisian crochet with Amigurumi's and you've got a winning pattern book! This book includes 6 designs - a Whale, Tropical Fish, Tropical bird, Regal Blue Fish, Elephant, and Giraffe. Each toy is worked flat using Tunisian crochet and seamed invisibly using the mattress stitch. The toys are perfect for beginners, as they require very little knowledge over how to accomplish a single crochet stitch. The toys are all quite large at around 12” each using worsted weight yarn by Premier Yarns.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781590123638
Publisher:	Annie's
Publication date:	10/01/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	28
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Rohn Strong is a yarn spinner, as well as a crochet and knitwear designer who has been crocheting since he was 6. His business reflects not only a desire to push the boundaries of the craft, but also a personal connection to creating handmade items. Rohn uses design to combine his two favorite things: color and fashion! A Michigan native and North Carolina resident, Rohn describes his design work as having "urban simplicity, classic roots and easy-to-wear style." After he left his day job three years ago, Rohn dove deep into crochet and knit design. He has since authored more than 12 e-books and one full-length book. His designs have appeared in Crochet Red! and magazines such as Love of Crochet, Love of Knitting, Inside Crochet, and others. He says, "I am a crochet designer, blogger, and enthusiast of all things yarn related. Crochet is my life and Tunisian crochet is my love.

Read an Excerpt

Tunisian Amigurumi

6 Fun Projects Simply Stitched Flat and Sewn Together!

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By Rohn Strong

Annie's

Copyright © 2015 Annie's
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-59012-363-8

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CHAPTER 1

Tunisian Basics

Follow our simple step-by-step tips to easily master this technique.

Tunisian crochet is a type of crochet that is different from standard crochet techniques. Each row is worked in two steps: the forward pass and the return pass.

In step one, the forward pass, loops are picked up across the stitches in the previous row. The first vertical bar of the previous row is skipped because the loop on the hook counts as the first stitch. To work the last stitch of the row, insert the hook under both bars of the last stitch to make an even side edge. When beginning with a foundation chain, working in the back bar of the chain will give a nice finished edge and help tame the curling tendency of the fabric. All loops picked up in the forward pass are held on the hook until the return pass is worked.

In step two, the return pass, the loops are worked off the hook. This row is usually worked the same way regardless of the way stitches are worked in the forward pass. When the return pass is finished, there will be one loop left on the hook, which counts as the first stitch of the next row.

In this pattern book, you will need to work the Tunisian Simple Stitch. This is the most basic Tunisian crochet stitch and is sometimes called the afghan stitch. It forms an even grid that has often been used as a base for surface stitching. The resulting dense fabric and its tendency to curl make this stitch perfect for amigurumi projects.

Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)

Foundation row: To beg, ch the number of indicated chs,

A. Working in the back bar of the ch(see illustration), insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up a lp, *insert hook in next ch, yo, pull up a lp, rep from * across, holding all lps on hook, do not turn.

Work Loops Off Hook (work lps off hook)

To complete the foundation row, work lps off hook as follows:

B. Yo, pull through 1 lp on hook (see illustration A), *yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, rep from *across until 1 lp rem on hook (see illustration B).

Next row:

A. Sk first vertical bar, *insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, yo, pull lp through, rep from * across to last st, insert hook under both strands of last st, yo and pull lp through;

B. work lps off hook as in foundation row.

Rep next row as indicated in the pattern. To fasten off the piece, work sl sts across the row during the forward pass as follows:

Bind-off row: Skip first vertical bar, *insert hook from right to left under next vertical bar, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook, rep from * across the row. At the end of the row, fasten off.

You will also need to use increases and decreases for shaping. The shaping stitches are made during the forward pass, so it is important to count your loops before beginning the return pass. Follow these instructions when instructed to work an increase or decrease during the forward pass:

Increase (Inc)

Insert hook in sp before next vertical bar(see illustration), yo, pull loop through.

Tunisian Simple Stitch Decrease (TSSD)

Insert hook from right to left under the vertical bar of each of the next 2 sts, yo, pull lp through.

This stitch and its shaping variations are all you need to make each of the adorable animals in this book. Start with one of the smaller parts of the animal (like a fin or leg) for a little extra practice. The hardest part will be deciding which animal to make first!

CHAPTER 2

Wanda the Whale

Skill Level

*** INTERMEDIATE

Finished Measurement

16 inches long

Materials

• Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted medium (worsted) weight acrylic yarn (4 oz/203 yds/113g per skein):

1 skein #1017 azure

• Size I/9/5.5mm Tunisian crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

• Tapestry needle

• 12mm black safety eyes: 2

• Fiberfill

• Stitch markers

Gauge

16 TSS sts = 4 inches;14 rows = 4 inches

Pattern Note

If making Whale for child age 3 or under, embroider eyes on Whale.

Whale

Tail Fin

Make 2.

Row 1: With Tunisian hook, loosely ch 7,

A. working in back bar of ch(see illustration), holding all lps on hook, pick up lp in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across (7 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook(see Tunisian Basics).

Row 2:

A. Inc(see Tunisian Basics), TSS(see Tunisian Basics)] across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 3:

A. TSS across;

B. work lps off hook.

Row 4:

A. [Inc, 2 TSS] across (19 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 5–9: Rep row 3.

Row 10 (joining row): With RS facing and both Fins side by side, working across last row of each Fin,

A. TSS across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 11:

A. [TSSD(see Tunisian Basics), 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 12: Rep row 3.

Row 13:

A. [TSSD, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 14: Rep row 3.

Row 15:

A. [TSSD, 2 TSS] across (19 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 16–18: Rep row 3.

Row 19:

A. [Inc, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 20: Rep row 3.

Row 21:

A. [Inc, 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 22: Rep row 3.

Row 23:

A. [Inc, 5 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 24: Rep row 3.

Row 25:

A. [Inc, 6 TSS] across (43 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 26: Rep row 3.

Row 27:

A. [Inc, 7 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 28: Rep row 3.

Row 29:

A. [Inc, 8 TSS] across (55 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 30: Rep row 3.

Row 31:

A. [Inc, 9 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 32: Rep row 3.

Row 33:

A. [Inc, 10 TSS] across (67 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 34: Rep row 3.

Row 35:

A. [Inc, 11 TSS] across (73 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 36–46: Rep row 3.

Row 47:

A. [TSSD, 10 TSS] across (67 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 48:

A. [TSSD, 9 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 49:

A. [TSSD, 8 TSS] across (55 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 50:

A. [TSSD, 7 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 51:

A. [TSSD, 6 TSS] across (43 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 52:

A. [TSSD, 5 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 53:

A. [TSSD, 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 54:

A. [TSSD, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 55:

A. [TSSD, 2 TSS] across (19 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 56:

A. [TSSD, TSS] across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 57:

A. TSSD across (7 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Bind off in sl st as if to TSS. Fasten off.

With RS facing, using invisible seam(see illustration), sew Body seam, stuffing Body with fiberfill to desired softness as work progresses and attaching eyes(see Pattern Note) as shown in photo.

Fin

Make 2.

Row 1: With Tunisian hook and azure, loosely ch 13,

A. working in back bar of ch, holding all lps on hook, pick up lp in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 2–6:

A. TSS across;

B. work lps off hook.

Row 7:

A. TSSD across (7 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Bind off in sl st as if to TSS. Fasten off.

Using invisible seam, sew Fin seam. Sew Fin to side of Body as shown in photo.

CHAPTER 3

Tina the Tropical Fish

Skill Level

*** INTERMEDIATE

Finished Measurement

16 inches long

Materials

• Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted medium (worsted) weight acrylic yarn (4 oz/203 yds/113g per skein):

1 skein each #1030 glass and #1041 flame orange

• Size I/9/5.5mm Tunisian crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

• Tapestry needle

• 12mm black safety eyes: 2

• Fiberfill

• Stitch markers

Gauge

16 TSS sts = 4 inches;14 rows = 4 inches

Pattern Notes

To change color, yarn over with new color in last 2 loops when working loops off hook as indicated in instructions. Carry unused color along side until next needed.

If making Fish for child age 3 or under, embroider eyes on Fish.

Fish

Body

Row 1: With Tunisian hook and glass, loosely ch 13,

A. working in back bar of ch(see illustration), holding all lps on hook, pick up lp in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook(see Tunisian Basics).

Row 2:

A. TSS(see Tunisian Basics) across;

B. work lps off hook.

Row 3:

A. Inc(see Tunisian Basics), 2 TSS] across (19 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 4: Rep row 2.

Row 5:

A. [Inc, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 6: Rep row 2.

Row 7:

A. [Inc, 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 8: Rep row 2.

Row 9:

A. [Inc, 5 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook across to last 2 lps, change color(see Pattern Notes) to orange, work off last 2 lps, do not fasten off glass (see Pattern Notes).

Row 10: Rep row 2.

Row 11:

A. [Inc, 6 TSS] across (43 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 12: Rep row 2.

Row 13:

A. [Inc, 7 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook across to last 2 lps, change color to glass and work off last 2 lps.

Row 14: Rep row 2.

Row 15:

A. [Inc, 8 TSS] across (55 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 16: Rep row 2.

Row 17:

A. [Inc, 9 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook across to last 2 lps, change color to orange and work off last 2 lps.

Row 18: Rep row 2.

Row 19:

A. [Inc, 10 TSS] across (67 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 20: Rep row 2.

Row 21:

A. [Inc, 11 TSS] across (73 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook across to last 2 lps, change color to glass and work off last 2 lps.

Rows 22–25: Rep row 2, changing color to orange before working off last 2 lps on last row.

Rows 26 & 27: Rep row 2.

Row 28:

A. [TSSD(see Tunisian Basics), 10 TSS] across (67 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 29: Rep row 2, changing color to glass before working off last 2 lps.

Row 30:

A. [TSSD, 9 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 31: Rep row 2.

Row 32:

A. [TSSD, 8 TSS] across (55 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 33: Rep row 2, changing color to orange before working off last 2 lps.

Row 34:

A. [TSSD, 7 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 35: Rep row 2.

Row 36:

A. [TSSD, 6 TSS] across (43 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 37: Rep row 2, changing color to glass before working off last 2 lps.

Row 38:

A. [TSSD, 5 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 39: Rep row 2.

Row 40:

A. [TSSD, 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 41: Rep row 2, changing color to orange before working off last 2 lps.

Row 42:

A. [TSSD, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 43: Rep row 2.

Row 44:

A. [TSSD, 2 TSS] across (19 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 45: Rep row 2, changing color to glass before working off last 2 lps.

Rows 46 & 47: Rep row 2.

Row 48:

A. [Inc, 3 TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 49: Rep row 2.

Row 50:

A. [Inc, 4 TSS] across (31 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 51: Rep row 2.

Row 52:

A. [Inc, 5 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 53: Rep row 2.

Row 54:

A. [Inc, 6 TSS] across (43 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 55: Rep row 2.

Row 56:

A. [Inc, 7 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 57: Rep row 2.

Row 58:

A. [Inc, 8 TSS] across (55 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 59:

A. [Inc, 9 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 60: Rep row 2.

Row 61:

A. [Inc, 10 TSS] across (67 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 62: Rep row 2.

Row 63:

A. [Inc, 11 TSS] across (73 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Bind off in sl st as if to TSS. Fasten off.

With RS facing, using invisible seam(see illustration), sew Body seam, stuffing Body with fiberfill to desired softness as work progresses and attaching eyes(see Pattern Notes) as shown in photo.

Fin

Make 2.

Row 1: With Tunisian hook and glass, loosely ch 13,

A. working in back bar of ch, holding all lps on hook, pick up lp in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 2 — 6:

A. TSS across;

B. work lps off hook.

Row 7:

A. TSSD across (7 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Bind off in sl st as if to TSS. Fasten off.

Using invisible seam, sew Fin seam. Sew Fin to side of Body as shown in photo.

CHAPTER 4

Betty the Blue Fish

Skill Level

*** INTERMEDIATE

Finished Measurement

12 inches long, including tail

Materials

• Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Everyday Soft Worsted medium (worsted) weight acrylic yarn (4 oz/203 yds/113g per skein):

1 skein #1009 royal blue

1 oz/50 yds/28g #1037 fluorescent yellow

• Size I/9/5.5mm Tunisian crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

• Tapestry needle

• 12mm black safety eyes: 2

• Fiberfill

• Stitch markers

Gauge

16 TSS sts = 4 inches; 14 rows = 4 inches

Pattern Notes

To change color, yarn over with new color in last 2 loops when working loops off hook as indicted in instructions.

If making Fish for child age 3 or under, embroider eyes on Fish.

Join with slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated.

Fish

Body

Row 1: With Tunisian hook and blue, loosely ch 13,

A. working in back bar of ch(see illustration), holding all lps on hook, pick up lp in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across (13 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook(see Tunisian Basics).

Row 2:

A. TSS(see Tunisian Basics) across;

B. work lps off hook.

Row 3:

A. Inc(see Tunisian Basics), TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 4: Rep row 2.

Row 5:

A. [Inc, 2 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 6: Rep row 2.

Row 7:

A. [Inc, 3 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 8: Rep row 2.

Row 9:

A. [Inc, 4 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 10: Rep row 2.

Row 11:

A. [Inc, 5 TSS] across (73 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Rows 12 — 22: Rep row 2.

Row 23:

A. TSSD(see Tunisian Basics), 4 TSS] across (61 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 24: Rep row 2.

Row 25:

A. [TSSD, 3 TSS] across (49 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 26: Rep row 2.

Row 27:

A. [TSSD, 2 TSS] across (37 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

Row 28: Rep row 2.

Row 29:

A. [TSSD, TSS] across (25 lps on hook);

B. work lps off hook.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Tunisian Amigurumi by Rohn Strong. Copyright © 2015 Annie's. Excerpted by permission of Annie's.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction,
Tunisian Basics,
Wanda the Whale,
Tina the Tropical Fish,
Betty the Blue Fish,
Erica the Elephant,
Pam the Parrot,
Georgia the Giraffe,
General Information,
Stitch Guide,