Introduction to Cro-Tatting, Tunisian, and Filet Crochet

This filet crochet video shows the "heart" project from start to finish with a few supersonic fast forward moments (so you don't have to watch me double crochet an entire row).  I'll show you how I drew my chart, calculated my starting chain, and created the open and closed blocks that created my design.  Double crochet, chain, skip the next stitch, double crochet, enjoy!

This video explains my chart-making process more in-depth.  I'll show you not only the math for starting chains like in the filet "heart" instruction video, but I'll help you get started creating the alphabet in 10 x 10 blocks.  You can use your alphabet practice to create your name or a loved one's name in filet crochet!  If you want to experiment, you can even try 4 dc mesh: Use your number of blocks multiplied by 3 instead of 2, then add 1 to create your starting chain, and add 3 more after turning for your initial double crochet stitch.

Tatting is a type of lace-making.  Tatting is generally made with a shuttle or a special, elongated needle.  When we use a special crochet hook to make tatted lace, the process is called crochet-tatting or "cro-tatting."  Some resources also refer to the technique as "cro-tat."

The basic stitch of tatting is the double-stitch, which in cro-tatting is used to make rings. A gap or space left between double-stitches makes an extra long loop called a picot.  In cro-tatting, chains are made as in any other type of crochet.

In order to get started with cro-tatting, use the follow-along videos to learn the basic double-stitch and picot-making process.  After you have mastered rings, chains, and picots, put your new skills to the test with the practice project.  Most importantly, have an excellent time learning something new.  

The basic stitch for all tatting is the double stitch.  This video includes real-time instructions for the double stitch as well as a slow motion follow-along.  Just remember "Front, back, front, back, front, back" to make three complete double stitches.   Enjoy!

The next step in learning to cro-tat is to learn to create and close rings.  This video includes real-time instructions for rings as well as a slow motion follow-along.  

This video will show you how to begin the cro-tatting project, including how to leave gaps between double-stitches that leave loops of yarn called "picots."  Start with one ring, 3-3-3-3, close your ring, chain 5, and create subsequent rings 3+(3rd picot of PR)3-3-3 until you reach 6 rings.  Both the techniques and how to read the pattern are explained in the video.  If you've practiced your double stitches and rings, you will be awesome!

This is the second project video for the cro-tatting project.  In this video you will learn how turn the corner from the 6th to the 7th rings and continue attaching new rings at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd picots.

This is the third and final project video for the cro-tatting project.  In this video you will learn have to turn the final corner from the 12th to 1st rings and finish the scalloped edges to complete the project.

The Tunisian Simple stitch is the most basic Tunisian stitch.  Follow along to learn how to create the initial row and  the forward pass and reverse (or backward) pass.  This is the stitch we will use for the Tunisian washcloth project.  If you want to get started on the project right away instead of making a swatch, use a starting chain the width of the washcloth you'd like to make.  I use a starting chain of 17 in the project videos.

The Tunisian Knit stitch is a great was for someone who crochets to create a piece of fabric that looks like knitting!  Follow along to learn how to make the easy switch from the Simple stitch to the Knit stitch.  If you prefer to use the Knit stitch for your project, feel free to give this stitch a try!

In this video I show you how to bind off a Tunisian crochet project.  Simply pull up a loop, then pull through both loops on the hook.  You may refer to this video at the end of your washcloth project if you need a reminder.  

This video will show you how to change colors on the edges, both the right and left edges, of your Tunisian crochet washcloth project using the Tunisian Simple stitch.  Learn how to change colors and carry along a yarn to pick up on an opposing edge.  However, if you prefer to learn to change colors later, a variegated yarn looks quite wonderful in a Tunisian stitch, as well.  It's up to you!  The project should be fun and worry free.

Sometimes a block of color in the center of a piece of fabric is just what you need.  This video will show you how to create interior color changes using the crochet washcloth project.

This is the project video for your Tunisian washcloth.  It's a bit different than the other project videos because bits and pieces of the how-to have appeared in the Tunisian Simple Stitch, Binding Off, and Color Change videos.  This will review the Simple stitch and show some close-ups of how I stitched the two halves of the project together.