The Tunisian Crochet Handbook: A Beginner’s Guide Paperback – December 7, 2021

This is a very well written and informative book. It is also made with quality paper, has beautiful illustrations and many projects that are beginner friendly. It has reference charts to help with needle size selection and also includes some basic traditional crochet that is often mixed with Tunisian crochet.

I have been subscribed to Toni for several months now and this book has been on my list for a short while. I have not touched a crochet hook or done the afghan stitch, ie Tunisian crochet for many years. This was the first stitch that my grandmother taught me at about age 10, and I do love it. I am starting to go back to my roots and pickup Tunisian again and this book is the perfect guide. The pictures are spectacular and the directions are clear. One of the few books out there that can shake up your imagination!

I love this! It’s well written and so easy to follow. Gorgeous pics and the patterns are upbeat. I follow Toni Lipsey, the author, on YouTube. I love her channel and was intrigued by Tunisian crochet. I had tried it before but couldn’t figure it out. When I seen she had written a book, I knew it would be good. I’m glad I got the book and with the detailed pictures, Tunisian crochet was a snap to learn. Thanks Toni, I can’t wait for the next book!

This review is two parts - the content and the actual format.Format - skip the kindle version. You pretty much get a PDF of the book, so the font is too small to be readable on a Kindle or phone. Even trying to zoom in doesn’t really work . It’s fine on an iPad, but if you are going to try to read it on a Kindle, skip it and get the real book. I wish I could return my kindle copy and get a real copy.Now, onto the good stuff (the great stuff). The content is incredible. I actually used Toni’s YouTube videos to learn how to crochet. Since I got so much awesome free content from her, I figured the least I could do is purchase a book and throw a few bucks her way. Her written content is just as easy to understand as her videos. She’s so clear and explains things in a way that my brain totally gets. The patterns are modern and very useful (things I would want to make, and want to use), and the directions are so easy to understand. I can easily adapt the patterns as a springboard to make other things as well. Honestly, this is the only Tunisian crochet book I need. It’s just that good.

WHY THE “4-STAR” REVIEWThe minus one-star has absolutely nothing to do with the actual book. Unfortunately, I had to deduct one-star from this review for the KINDLE EBOOK version because unlike most eBooks I’ve purchased, I CANNOT highlight or leave quick notes/comments. That being said, since this book is more of a technical read for “learning”, the loss of these functions makes the KINDLE version obsolete for me. I wish I knew this, and of course I didn’t find this out until AFTER the return window closed. So, the loss of one-star is totally the fault of Amazon’s KINDLE division. *Side-note: Are gall eboog or digitle missing this functionality?Now, for the actual book review, but first a little bit about me. I’m sort of new to the actual “practice of” crocheting (for a little over 2 years). However, I’m a 4th generation crocheter, so while I haven’t been in practice, I’ve literally been around the art my entire life. So, I don’t classify myself as a “total” beginner as I was able to advance very quickly through the basics because of having been around the craft for a while. That being said, this book was helpful for me to learn and become proficient in Tunisian crochet.As a high school math teacher for 20 years and having seen many “textbooks”, I can say this book was written for a beginner TUNISIAN crocheter. That being said, it is definitely helpful if you have some knowledge of “traditional” crochet. I can see where there might be a little struggle if you didn’t know basic crochet stitches, BUT Toni does give tutorials on crochet basics such as “foundation chaining”. Even if you’ve never tried traditional crochet, there is enough information provided to get you started and moving with Tunisian crochet.There are tons of pictures and EVERY abbreviation is explained on page 16. However, if you plan on branching out and learning more crochet or other fiber arts such as knitting, visit the Craft Yarn Councils page to learn all about abbreviations. Also, be absolute in your journey, learning is easier (for some) by watching videos, but if you don’t learn and become proficient at reading patterns (which means mastering and be willing to research abbreviations) you are going to miss out on a lot from the world of fiber arts.The pictures are very helpful and provide much of the “step-by-step” necessary to begin. The projects are meant to be beginner friendly. They are not complicated and most don’t require “firm” gauge requirements like garments. This is helpful because many beginner Tunisian crocheters have to adjust (or re-adjust; like in my case) their “tension”, which can have an effect on gauge.OVERALLThis book is an excellent reference or starting point. It serves as a great starting point for beginner Tunisian crocheters. I suggest you read the book, and then watch Toni’s videos (or vice verse). Each medium (book and videos) should be used together to get comprehensive and complete tutorials for Tunisian crochet.

I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my daughter who follows Toni's vlogs. It's because of Toni my daughter has found a passion for crocheting. Toni does a great job of explaining and teaxhing others to crochet.My daughter made a pair of beautiful temperature blankets for her aunt's twin babies using the temperatures of the pregnancy's timeline. Toni inspired her & guided her through the process. My daughter was so thrilled to receive Toni's book as a gift.I'm equally excited to see the crochet projects my daughter creates because of this book.

I first got acquainted with Toni through her Hobbii advent calendar contributions. The projects have turned out great so far, so I ordered her book to do more exploring of the craft of Tunisian crochet. The book is luscious... big gorgeous pictures and clear instructions on materials and technique. The projects are useful, varied, and interesting. If you're a beginner, you can't go wrong with this book, and even experienced crocheters can find something here.