There are many different genres of crochet. What I like to call flavors. These are basically different stitches of crochet. There is filet, broomstick, hairpin lace, tapestry crochet, tunisian crochet and I am sure there are others I have forgotten. Perhaps you have your favorites or perhaps you are looking to broaden your horizons. Let’s explore what these crochet flavors have to offer.

Tunisian crochet is a great crochet for cross-stitching on. It makes a great even fabric. It is commonly called the afghan stitch. There is a different hook that is called an afghan hook, it is long and resembles a straight knitting needle. In tunisian crochet you do not turn your work. There is a definite right and wrong side; your work will always be done on the right side.

In tapestry crochet the single crochet stitch is commonly used. It is a great stitch to use for patterns that use geometric shapes and require many different changes in colors. The colors are carried by working the stitches over the yarn not being used. It makes a dense fabric. It is gaining popularity and there are some great beginner patterns available free online.

Broomstick lace is a crochet technique that creates lacy items. In broomstick lace we use broomstick lace pins or large knitting needle, or even a broomstick (from which we get the name broomstick lace). Broomstick lace is done by using the crochet hook to work combinations of large loops over the broomstick lace pin.

Filet crochet is another lacy crochet. It uses open and closed mesh patterns. Many times with filet crochet patterns they use crochet graphs. It takes a little practice but crochet graphs are easy to use because the symbols look like the stitches that are to be used. Any yarn size yarn can be used but most times it is the fine threads used for filet patterns. Patterns for filet can even be simple cross-stitch graphs. Pretty curtains and tablecloths often use the filet techniques.

Hairpin lace is another lacy crochet that has gained popularity recently. Tools for hairpin lace are the hairpin lace loom and a crochet hook. The loom looks like a big fork. It has two prongs and the yarn is worked by wrapping the yarn around the prongs and then using your crochet hook to complete the stitch. This creates strips of hairpin lace that can then be crochet together to create many items from vest to skirts.

I suggest that if you have not tried all of these wonderful crochet techniques that maybe it is time to broaden your horizons. There are so many wonderful patterns available online today that not so long ago was unavailable for free. Crocheters everywhere had to work hard to find patterns and today we have them at our fingertips. So please think about learning a new technique. If you are a pro at any of these techniques please stop by our forum and give us a helping hand with advice on ways to practice and learn these great flavors of crochet.