10 Techniques You’ve Probably Never Heard Of and Why They Are So Cool!

If you've been crocheting for a while, you may think you know just about all the stitches that exist. But I've found out that there is always something new to learn! Let me introduce you to 10 techniques you may never have heard of and why they are so darn cool!

If you've never tried a new technique, you owe it to yourself to check these out. Not only are many of these beautiful, but you'll gain a new appreciation for ways to use alternative tools and materials. Enjoy!

Fabric or Rag – Technique 1

Fabric is a technique where you use scraps of fabric to create a project, like a rug, a craft bag, table runners, placemats, plant holders, or any other project you see fit!  They create a thick fabric, so household items are best in using this technique. According to The Felt Magnet, these are the general do’s and don’t’s on which fabrics to choose:

Fabric Do’s Cotton Mix & 100% Cotton Patchwork Fabrics Delicate Dress & Skirt Fabric Delicate Scarves Thin, Lacy Curtains Lycra & Spandex Silk Old Cotton Bedsheets Cotton Doona Covers Thin Nightdress Fabric Floaty, Delicate Clothing

Fabrics Don’ts T-shirts (unless they are really thin) Towels Flannelette Leather Denim Jeans Anything thicker than 1mm

 Ultimately, once you find the right fabric, you are good to go!

Prepare the fabric:

• Cut the fabric in a way that gives you the most coverage, no wider than 1 cm.
• After you begin with the strips, be sure to join the ends (right side out) with a doubled running stitch to keep them from unraveling.

Use your rags:

• Use a large hook depending on the thickness of your strips – generally, a 10 hook or larger will work great!
• The strips using your pattern of choice!
• Don’t forget to sew the strips together as you work so they don’t come apart.

COOL FACTOR: Upcycling materials other than yarn!

Bavarian – Technique 2

Bavarian is a beautiful way to create textured blankets that work up extremely fast!  Bavarian is actually a stitch technique that uses double treble stitches, along with strategically placed back post stitches around the topmost section of the stitch of the previous round to create a beautiful mix of colors.

This technique is not difficult to learn and you will find it easy to create a beautiful project using it.

Click here for a simple tutorial and the history of Bavarian by The Whoot.

COOL FACTOR: Geometric stitch pattern makes pretty much any yarn look awesome.

Bosnian or Pjoning – Technique 3

Bosnian is probably one of the oldest techniques around and even uses a special hook called a Pjoning Hook.

According to Crochet Concupiscence, Bosnian goes by many other names like Old World, Shepard’s Knitting, Pjoning (in Norway), or Slip Stitch.

The hook is a different shape because of the way some of the stitches are worked, which includes pulling the yarn up into a very large, loose loop. For a great video demonstration (in German but with English text in the description) watch this video to see exactly why these hooks are sculpted this way:

COOL FACTOR: Super rad way to use a stitch we already know!

Tunisian – Technique 4

Tunisian is perhaps my favorite technique to date. I love it so much; I only wish more people would pick it up so they can create more beautiful patterns! If you haven't tried it yet, you should because it works up quickly and there's something so satisfying about it.
Tunisian can be created using a regular hook, a long hook, or a double-ended hook. It creates a knit-like fabric that is very thick. There are also several stitches that create a flowy fabric, too, it just takes a little practice.
Here are some of my personal designs that are either all Tunisian or combine Tunisian with traditional style (can you tell I love Tunisian?)

(PS – Tasha has a GREAT section about Tunisian on her site – and that's where the graphic we used for the title of this post came from! Check it out here! ~MAK)

Did you know we have a Tunisian Mastery Course for members? If you're already a member, you can find more information about it in your library. If you're not yet a member, go here to join us!

COOL FACTOR: Tunisian fabric is so lush!

Finger – Technique 5

Now this one is a technique that gets rid of the hook!

Hmmm … Regardless, this technique is great to help children learn the basics of without fumbling around with the hooks. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but generally, the size of your fingers determines the size of the stitches.

Working patterns using this technique may be a little more interesting for sure! I checked out The Spruce Crafts site to get a better idea of what it’s like to finger. Recommendations include using bulky yarn and working in rows, rather than in rounds.

COOL FACTOR: Use this with those giant yarns and make a really cozy blanket!

If you enjoy learning about new techniques, you should check out our magazine. Every month, you'll read about something new, whether it's a new technique, a new benefit, a new yarn type, a new stitch, or something else. And of course, there are always new patterns to keep you busy! If you aren't a subscriber, you owe it to yourself to check it out. What have you done for yourself lately? 

Irish – Technique 6

Irish style is such a beautiful technique that combines motifs, joining them together to create a delicate lace. The hook is small, and the yarn is very light, so this may not be for everyone. Generally, it uses size 10 (lace or 2-ply) cotton and a size 7/1.65 mm steel hook. However, I imagine you can use a larger hook and yarn to create unique lace clothing or even an afghan with the same principles.

Irish style is also freeform, in that it was created on-the-fly and wasn't patterned out, for the most part. Thankfully, modern creatives have taken the time to explain how to create the stitches commonly used to help beginners learn the complex methods involved in Irish technique. Visit Crochet Art Design for some really helpful information.
The antique pattern library has some beautiful patterns for Irish style.

COOL FACTOR: WOW! I mean, have you ever seen anything this gorgeous?

Freeform – Technique 7

Freeform is such an interesting and fun technique that requires no pattern! It is, just as it sounds – a freeform and fun way to create artistic projects. Freeform requires knowledge of how to shape your project.

Techniques required for shaping including increasing, decreasing, and learning to craft off any edge to extend your work. The possibilities are endless using this technique!

A few simple basics are all you need to know and then it's a matter of experimenting until you achieve the look you want.

In fact, if you're looking for a way to expand your creativity, you may want to check out the book, “Freeform Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide,” according to this review from Cypress Textiles. It's a way to give yourself permission to break boundaries and go where your imagination takes you.

COOL FACTOR: This is THE way to express yourself!

Knooking – Technique 8

The Knook is a needlework tool manufactured by Leisure Arts, and Knooking is a combination of knitting with a hook. The word “Knook” is taken from the words knitting and hook.

Knooking creates a knit-like fabric. This technique is often compared to Tunisian, but it is very different from Tunisian and does create something that is much closer to a knitted fabric.

The modified hook has an eyelet on one end where a cord is attached. To Knook, you create a chain, then pull up the stitches through the chain (like Tunisian). From here, you work knit or purl stitches in a slightly different fashion than traditional knit and purl. Then, you turn the hook and continue working the stitches according to the Knook instructions. You can view a video for the tool from Leisure Arts to see exactly how it works.

COOL FACTOR: Never drop another knitted stitch!

Overlay – Technique 9

Overlay is another amazing technique and a close second to Tunisian as a favorite. When I first started, after setting it down for a long time, I found Lila Bjorn’s site and just fell in love with it all over again. Overlay is a technique where you work single in the round (creating a mandala of sorts), changing colors each round.

The design is created by working front post stitches into the front loop only of the rows below. Sometimes the front post stitches are clusters, and sometimes they are worked under or over the other front post stitches to create a woven look.

The idea for the Overlay technique is relatively new and is credited to fiber artist instructor Melody Macduffie. Since introducing it in 2003, she has taught the technique directly to hundreds of students “at various conferences and guild retreats around the country.” This technique has its roots in Aran, but it involves changing colors on nearly every row or round.

COOL FACTOR: It looks like embroidery!

 

Cro-Tatting – Technique 10

Cro-tatting is another really beautiful technique. I’ve not yet tried this one. Have you? Cro-tatting combines crafting and tatting, which is a technique that creates knotted lace.

Cro-tatting looks as delicate as Irish technique, but is entirely different. You work stitches onto the hook, similar to Tunisian and Knooking, but it is a more involved process to work them off.

Traditional tatting uses tools called shuttles or needles. Cro-tatting uses long hook-like hooks that are longer and thinner than traditional hooks and the materials go from very thin thread up to yarn weight.

Here's a really nice video by Sandra Figg, who is doing some Cro-Tatting, so you can see how these beautiful rings are all created.

COOL FACTOR: It creates tiny, delicate work, perfect for jewelry!

I hope you enjoyed exploring these techniques with me!

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