March 1, 2026
If you’ve ever marvelled at the intricate beauty of a Tunisian crochet blanket and wondered, “How on earth does someone even get started with that?” thenyou’re in the right place. This month, we had a lovely chat with Arunima Goel, the talented designer behind KnitterKnotter, who is once again creating projects for our annual Crochet Tournament. Arunima specialises in Tunisian crochet, and she was kind enough to share her story, her passion, and some wonderfully practical advice for anyone curious about giving it a go.
Arunima’s relationship with crochet started long before she discovered Tunisian, all the way back around grade 5 or 6, growing up in northern India. “It gets really, really cold there,” she explains, “and pretty much all the girls in the family were taught to knit and crochet, because that’s what our grandmothers would do.” It was a tradition passed down through generations, with the women of the family handcrafting sweaters and cardigans to keep everyone warm through the winters — and yes, there is snow! Much like parts of Australia, India is far more climatically diverse than many people realise.
Arunima’s discovery of Tunisian crochet was, by her own admission, entirely accidental. After having her first child, she found herself with a project in her hands at all times, and around 2009 or 2010, she stumbled across a library book by Tunisian crocheter Dora Orenstein. “I saw these long hooks,” she laughs, “and I didn’t know what it was. That’s really what got me started.”
What kept her hooked (pun very much intended) was the sheer creative possibility of the technique. Unlike regular crochet, where you work one stitch at a time, Tunisian builds an entire row at once, which opens up an almost unlimited variety of stitches. “With Tunisian, there’s just so much variety you can create with the different loops and bars,” Arunima says. “That’s the most exciting part for me — exploring and trying new things.”
Blankets, Shawls & her Favourite StitchesAsk Arunima what her favourite type of project is, and she doesn’t hesitate: blankets. “Anything small in my mind eventually turns into something big,” she admits with a smile. She loves that a large project gives her space to really explore a technique and then apply it in a meaningful way. Shawls get an honourable mention too, particularly intricate ones that let her flex her design muscles.
When it comes to her favourite stitches, she’s particularly fond of combining just the knit and reverse stitches, which can be found in her hexagon designs. “You can do so much with just those two,” she says. “It’s very meditative; you don’t have to think too much, and you get something pretty at the end. Win-win!”
Arunima has taught Tunisian crochet to many people, and she’s got a refreshingly honest take on getting started: it’s not quite the same as regular crochet, even if it feels like it should be. “People think they’ll just be able to do it,” she says, “because it’s crochet—but managing multiple loops on a hook takes time to get used to. So if it’s taking a while, that’s okay.” Her biggest tip? Go in with patience and an open mind, rather than expecting to nail it from day one.
For first projects, she recommends two paths depending on your style. If you love to explore, a sampler is your best friend: working through small swatches of different stitches builds confidence and skills gradually. But if you’re after a quick win (and who isn’t, sometimes?), Tunisian mosaic crochet is a brilliant entry point. “You only need two stitches; it’s beginner friendly, and the results look so much harder than they are,” Arunima says. “People around you will be very impressed!”
We’re so grateful to Arunima for sharing her time and her expertise with us, and we can’t wait to reveal what she’s created for this year’s Crochet Tournament. You’ve got just one more month to sign up for the Winter Warmers Crochet Tournament 2026, so get in quick!
To help get you started on your Tunisian crochet journey, we’re also including a free pattern for the Tunisian Waves Washcloth designed by Sarah Ruane of Ned & Mimi. And be sure to browse our Tunisian crochet collection below, where you’ll find everything you need to start and get hooked! Don’t forget to check out Arunima’s designs over at KnitterKnotter too, where there’s something for every skill level.
