6 Simple Ways to Beat Tunisian Crochet Curling

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Tunisian crochet is a fantastic way to spice up your crochet repertoire, but it does come with its own unique challenge: Tunisian crochet curling. If you’re grappling with this issue, rest assured, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Tunisian crochet curling, dissect its causes, and equip you with effective techniques to eliminate and prevent it from plaguing your projects.

UPDATED: OCTOBER 9, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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Tunisian crochet curling with a full stitch project.
Tunisian Full Stitch worked in Caron Colorama Halo Yarn, Rose Garden

First of all, you’re not doing anything wrong.

Tunisian crochet, for all its wonderful qualities, tends to curl at the edges, which can be a bit frustrating. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in facing this challenge. We’ll explore why this curling occurs and, more importantly, how you can effectively address it, ensuring your crochet projects lay flat and look fabulous.

Don’t know how to Tunisian crochet yet? No worries! I have a beginner-friendly tutorial to show you how to crochet the Tunisian simple stitch here. It’s a great starting point for learning the basics of Tunisian crochet!

Here’s a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this article:


What Is Tunisian Crochet?

Imagine combining the best of both crochet and knitting into one magical craft. That’s what Tunisian crochet is all about. It’s like this fantastic fusion of crochet and knitting that crafts a unique fabric all its own.

In Tunisian crochet, we put our regular crochet hook aside for one that’s completely different, often called an afghan hook. This hook is much longer than the usual crochet hook because all of the stitches must be on the hook at once, much like knitting.

Tunisian crochet is excellent to learn because you can create stitches that look like knitting as well as stitches that are completely unique to the craft.

By the way, if you haven’t tried Tunisian crochet yet, a great place to start is my tutorial for how to crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch. There’s a step-by-step tutorial, and it’s where I recommend all beginners start!

What’s the Cause of Tunisian Crochet Curling?

Tunisian crochet is more closely related to knitting than traditional crochet. The way we work the stitches, constantly pulling the yarn tension in the same forward direction, is a bit like knitting. Plus, we do tend to work Tunisian crochet stitches tighter, which can also cause those edges to curl. It’s all part of the charm (and challenge) of this craft.

How to Prevent Tunisian Crochet Curling

Tunisian crochet curling can be a bit tricky to handle, no doubt about it. But guess what? You’re not alone, and there are some simple techniques that can help you reduce the amount your Tunisian crochet projects will curl at the edges, and in some cases, eliminate it altogether.

Here are five tips to help you beat Tunisian crochet curling:

1. Reach for a Bigger Hook

If you want your Tunisian crochet edges to lay flat, here’s a helpful tip: use a hook size that’s two sizes bigger than what you’d normally choose. This will naturally result in a larger gauge and looser tension, which is the secret to achieving flatter edges.

So instead of sticking to the crochet hook size recommended on your yarn label, consider going up by two sizes. For instance, if the label suggests a 4.5 mm crochet hook, try using a 6.5 mm hook for your Tunisian crochet project. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your project’s outcome.

If you’re searching for the perfect Tunisian crochet hook, you might want to consider Lantern Moon Interchangeable hooks. They’re one of my favorites, and you can find my review here.

2. Mind Your Tension

Tension control is crucial in Tunisian crochet. Unlike traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet tends to be tighter, which can lead to curling. To combat this, focus on maintaining even tension throughout your work. Relax your grip and let the yarn flow smoothly as you stitch.

3. Block Your Work

Blocking is a magical technique that can flatten out your Tunisian crochet projects. Wet blocking, steam blocking, or even spritzing your work with water and gently shaping it can make a big difference. Be patient and allow your project to dry completely after blocking.

There are different methods of blocking but for stubborn Tunisian crochet rolls, only wet blocking will do. Once your project is finished, pin it down and saturate it with water. After it has dried completely you will have eliminated the Tunisian lean (when your work leans in the direction of your dominant hand) and the stubborn curl.

Check out my tutorial on blocking if this is a brand new concept to you.

I’ve also had great success blocking acrylic yarn projects spraying with Downy Wrinkle Release spray. This oftentimes works better than wet blocking with water. I haven’t tried it on animal fibers, cottons or blended yarns so keep that in mind if you want to try this little hack.

4. Incorporate Border Stitches

Adding border stitches to your Tunisian crochet project can work wonders in preventing curling. A simple single crochet or slip stitch border around your work can help stabilize the edges and keep them flat.

5. Add Tassels

Here’s a fun little trick to both combat curling and add a touch of flair to your Tunisian crochet project: consider adding tassels! These decorative fringes not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide some weight to the edges, helping them lay flat. I have a simple tutorial for how to make tassels in minutes here.

6. Sew the Ends Together

Here’s a little secret I’ve found to be a game-changer, especially for scarves. In fact, it’s the reason why nearly all of my Tunisian crochet scarves turn into fabulous ‘infinity’ scarves. All you need to do is a quick whip stitch to sew those two ends together and say goodbye to the curl!

It’s a straightforward trick that not only flattens out your project but also gives you a stylish accessory.

Are There Any Tunisian Crochet Stitches That Don’t Curl?

While many Tunisian crochet stitches curl at least a little bit, it’s not impossible to find a stitch that doesn’t curl. This gorgeous rib stitch is a great example.

It’s a great one to consider if you can’t follow any of the tips above for one reason or the other.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now, let’s chat about some common slip-ups that can make Tunisian crochet curling even more of an issue. Avoiding these mistakes will help you conquer the curling challenge with ease:

1. Ignoring Yarn and Hook Harmony

One big goof-up is mismatching your yarn and hook. Using a heavy yarn with a small hook or vice versa can be a recipe for a curling disaster. So, make sure your yarn and hook are in sync, and for the best results, make sure the hook size it at least two sizes larger than what you’d normally choose for that yarn.

2. Underestimating Practice

Not giving yourself enough practice is a common mistake. Tunisian crochet is a unique technique, and it takes a bit of time to master. So, don’t be disheartened by early hiccups. Keep practicing, and soon enough, curling will be less and less of an issue.

By sidestepping these blunders and staying patient, you’ll be well on your way to creating Tunisian crochet projects that lay flat and look fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tunisian Crochet Curling

What crochet hook size should I use for Tunisian crochet?

For Tunisian crochet, consider going up by two hook sizes from what your yarn label suggests. This helps to reduce curling.

What’s the difference between a regular crochet hook and a Tunisian crochet hook?

Tunisian crochet hooks are longer to accommodate the multiple loops used in Tunisian crochet, whereas regular hooks are shorter and designed for traditional crochet.

Can I use a smaller hook to make my project tighter and less likely to curl in Tunisian crochet?

It’s not recommended, as a smaller hook can lead to even more curling in Tunisian crochet due to increased tension.

Why does Tunisian crochet curl at the edges?

Tunisian crochet curls because the stitches are worked in the same forward direction, causing tension to pull in that direction.

Can I use blocking to fix Tunisian crochet curling?

Yes, blocking can help relax the fabric and reduce curling in Tunisian crochet.

Is curling common in all Tunisian crochet projects?

Curling is a common issue in many Tunisian crochet projects, but it can be minimized with proper techniques.

Can I prevent Tunisian crochet curling while crocheting, or do I have to fix it afterward?

You can take steps to prevent curling while crocheting, such as incorporating border stitches, maintaining even tension, and using a larger hook size, but you may also use post-crochet techniques like blocking to fix it further.

Tips for Reducing Tunisian Crochet Curling Video

Watch this episode of B.Hooked TV to get a deeper dive into some of these tips!

Free Patterns for Tunisian Crochet Projects

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