I was lucky enough to pattern test Emily Davies aka HookedHazel’s fun new hat crochet pattern, the Tunisian Fusion Beanie. Tunisian crochet is one of my absolute favorite methods of crochet and it looks like knit stitches!! I have tried to knit several times over the years and could just never quite keep my tension while also working with two needles instead of a hook. I really envy those of you that can both knit and crochet 😊

Since learning Tunisian crochet, I have found it to be the perfect compromise between knit and crochet. And, in my opinion, is very crochet friendly. Since then, I almost always have a crochet and Tunisian crochet project going at the same time. There’s something about the repetitive return pass that just makes Tunisian crochet so relaxing. Tunisian crochet also helped me with my overhand grip while traditional crocheting. I learned to crochet with a pencil grip and the overhand grip just seemed awkward until I learned Tunisian crochet.

There are aluminum hooks with a stopper for smaller projects, or you can invest in plastic or bamboo hooks with various length cords with stoppers for larger projects. I have used basic aluminum hooks, Denise/Love2Crochet plastic interchangeable hooks, and Clover Takumi Bamboo interchangeable hooks – all purchased from Amazon. I prefer hooks with cords/stoppers but it also depends on the project. Since this was a smaller project and in the round, I purchased a Clover 5.5 mm double ended hook from Joann’s. (I know I can’t be the only one in the store that wondered what they were for!! 😂)

Emily’s hat pattern is a play on Tunisian crochet colorwork. The hat band is worked flat and then joined together to finish the hat body in the round. The forward pass is made with one color and the return pass in a second, complimentary color. The color combinations are endless and really make for unique and interesting hat. The texture of the stitches is also very beautiful. The pattern calls for DK (#3) weight yarn and I used Smiley Goose Fibers hand dyed yarn in Midnight and Succulent.

This was my first Tunisian crochet project 1) worked in the round and 2) using a double ended crochet hook. Tunisian in the round is not nearly as scary as it seems!! You do have to be careful to not work too many stitches as a time onto your hook in case they drop off the other end. And, Emily has a great video on her IGTV that shows how to do this.

I really enjoyed testing this pattern and learning new crochet techniques. If you are looking to expand your skills and make a truly gorgeous hat – I highly recommend this pattern!

Click here to buy Emily’s Tunisian Fusion Beanie pattern on Etsy. Or, save to your Ravelry queue here.