What is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet is needlework done with a crochet hook that is longer than normal, more like a knitting needle with the curved hook on the end.  It is worked with only the one needle like regular crochet, but you work each stitch across the row, leaving all stitches on the hook like knitting, until you get to the end of the row and work them off, two at a time, similar to the DC (double crochet).

There are many stitches that can be worked in Tunisian crochet, but the basic stitch is often called the afghan stitch.  It looks more like knitting, but results in a thicker piece since you work back and forth on the same row.

I found these instructions to be very clear in how to perform the basic Tunisian crochet (afghan) stitch.  The larger hook used leaves a much more open and lacy appearance, but a smaller hook will look more like knitting, like the piece shown here.

Have you ever done a Tunisian crochet or afghan stitch project?  I think I had an afghan hook years ago when I first learned to crochet as a kid and did a scarf or some other small piece, but haven't thought about it since then.

I'm taking the A-Z Blogging Challenge, where I will post something from each letter of the alphabet on the corresponding day in April, except for Sunday, on (hopefully) all four of my blogs. You can see my other blogs in the sidebar - More of Marie Anne.