In this article, I share a video (in French) in which I show how to make a magic ring and start working in a round with a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook.
I use this technique mainly for top down beanies and hats. They are easy to make from the top of the crown. This technique allows to make a wide variety of shapes depending on where you place increases and decreases and which stitches you use. You can also use it to make a series of shapes that you join to make a blanket. You have endless possibilities.
Double-ended Tunisian crochet hook
A double-ended Tunisian crochet hook has a hook at each end of the shaft. You’ll find a wide variety of double-ended hooks: short or long rigid hooks, flexible hooks with a cable in between 2 shafts, some permanent, other interchangeable… I show them in photos in my article about double-ended hooks.
When you work in a round (or in a spiral), technically the length of the double-ended hook does not matter much. You can make any type of project in the round with a short or long double-ended hook. The result will be the same.
What matters is how comfortable you are with your hook. Indeed, you may find it easier to use a short double-ended hook to make a hat. But if you make a large sweater, chances are you’ll prefer a longer hook, possibly with a flexible cable in between.
Magic ring
I already documented on this website how to make a magic ring to start a project in “standard/non-Tunisian” crochet.
With a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook, the first steps are the same. But the way you pick up loops is slightly different. Right from round 1 you keep loops on your hook.
I won’t make a photo tutorial this time. But keep this in mind: if you pick up several loops in a magic ring, make 1 chain after each loop. This chain is important to “secure” the loop you pick up on your hook.
Watch the video (in French) that I published on my YouTube channel. You’ll see how to start a beanie with a magic ring and a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook. I start with a base of 8 loops. But you can make as many loops as you wish or as described in the pattern you want to make.
Patterns to make hats with a double-ended hook
I have several patterns to make hats or beanies with a double-ended Tunisian crochet hook. The below patterns all start from the top of the crown.
