Whimsy

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Are you a fan of Tunisian crochet? If you’re familiar with basic Tunisian stitches and want to try out exciting new stitches, this is the pattern you’ve been waiting for!

This wrap is a great example of the beautiful, airy fabric that can be achieved by varying the placement of hook insertions. The stitches used are less-commonly-seen, interesting variations on conventional Tunisian stitches. 

While the fabric isn’t technically “lace” (because there are no paired yarnovers and decreases), it has the strikingly attractive appearance of intricate lacework. Tunisian crochet openwork is so unusual and attractive - truly like no other!

The pattern has been tested and it includes instructions for a practice swatch, as well as a 10-page Photo tutorial PDF to walk you through the stitches, so you’re covered! 

The wrap is worked upwards from the shorter edge, beginning with a Border with textured stitches. The Body pattern has rows of denser stitches alternating with lacy, open rows. 

The trapezoid shape lends itself to many styling possibilities - wear it as a shawl or a scarf, with either edge at the top.

Inspiration for this design came in a moment of whimsy! Tunisian crochet openwork is so different and beautiful that I wanted to explore it further. My explorations brought up exciting, lacy, delicate-looking stitches. Whimsy was born!

Skill level: Intermediate. Basic Tunisian skills are needed. 

Yarn: DK weight yarn, about 600 yards. 

A gradient or a fade set with mini-skeins will show off the stitch pattern best; solid or tonal colors will also work. Variegated or speckled yarns are not recommended. Recommended fibers are wool, wool blends or acrylic. Inelastic fibers such as cotton and linen are *not suitable* as they will not stretch enough to obtain gauge.

Guidelines on yarn and fiber choice are provided in the pattern.

The wrap in my photo used one cake of Lion Brand Mandala; 100% acrylic; (590 yds/539m/150g), shade Valkyrie.

One tester successfully used a light fingering yarn with acrylic/wool/mohair content and a 5.5mm hook.

Gauge: 15 sts (13 Tdc + 2 edge sts) in Row 1 = 5.5 inches and 4 rows (Rows 1-4) = 3 inches after blocking. Adjust hook size to obtain gauge. Gauge is not critical but will affect yardage and finished size. The pattern gives detailed instructions on handling gauge differences and how to make them work.

Needles & notions: US Size J/10 (6 mm) 32” cabled Tunisian hook, US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, locking stitch markers

Finished size: 68” (173cm) along top edge, 22” (56cm) height at center, 39” (99cm) along bottom edge, after blocking

Tester quotes

* This pattern uses many different and special stitches, and has good explanations.

* I found the Photo tutorial extremely helpful.

* A person who knows basic Tunisian crochet can definitely make it with a bit of practice, by making the gauge swatch.

* The pattern was extremely easy to follow after the practice swatch.

* Love the "bumps" on the border!

* Blocking turns these stitches to real lace!

* The wrap is beautiful worn both ways, with shorter edge up or down.

* I am extremely happy with my finished shawl. My husband even commented on how much he liked it.

* I enjoyed making this, very much.