Have you ever finished a sweater, tried it on, and thought, well, this is not quite it? Maybe the sleeves are too snug. Maybe the bust feels off. Maybe the whole thing just does not sit the way you hoped.
That is why I was excited to be gifted a copy of The Tunisian Crochet Sweater Collection: Great Styles for Every Shape by Dora Ohrenstein to review. Tunisian crochet is “that girl” and she has been having a moment. This tunisian crochet pattern book review is all about the big questions: does it fit, it is actually wearable, and is it worth your time?
If you like making sweaters that are modern, useful, and actually flattering, this book may be a good fit for you.
Book overview: The Tunisian Crochet Sweater Collection by Dora Ohrenstein
This book is a collection of Tunisian crochet sweater patterns with fit in mind. Dora Ohrenstein is known for smart garment design, and that shows here.
The patterns feel modern and practical. These are the kinds of sweaters you can picture wearing in real life to the office, crocheting in the park, or out to dinner and any season too. The book also gives you enough guidance to help you think through choosing the right size, understanding shaping, construction, and overall fit.
If you are new to Tunisian crochet, this is not the time to skip the gauge swatch as the fabric is denser than regular crochet. You really want to know how it will drape (hang and move) against your body.
If you want a smaller Tunisian project first, this Nassau Tunisian Knit Bag is a nice place to start. It would also pair so well with any of the patterns in this collection.
Let’s talk patterns
Truly thoughtful designs that would be an asset to building a handmade capsule wardrobe.
- Nola – wear sleeveless on warm days, or over a blouse to the office
- Mimi – pair the v-neck with a short necklace, tank and linen pants when heading to lunch
- Aimee – perfectly paired with jeans in the spring when it’s still a little chilly. Customize the sleeve length too.
- Nina – Although she is part of a set, choose a color that compliments your wardrobe for daily wear.
- Tina – Pair this halter with shorts and a sunhat when heading to summer picnic
- Gilliam – wear this v-neck top under a jean jacket or blazer with bootcut jeans for an easy looks
- Becca -an everyday cardigan that doesn’t quite close to show off a fitted, printed tee or tank underneath
- Layla – wear this lacy tank with a skirt and sandals for outdoor dinner. Don’t forget a crochet shawl.
- Joni – your new favorite t-shirt in the ever popular honeycomb stitch
- Kelcy – a classy cardigan with a loose fit that will wear well over spring and summer dresses
- Vanessa – with the appearance of vertical lines, this top will elongate any torso
- Tess – make an entire outfit with this skirt, and be prepared for lots of compliments
- Regina – Pockets! This may be your go to coat for fall days. Use that wool yarn you’ve been saving.
- Frida – have fun stash-busting worsted weight yarns. Go bold to make a statement or choose neutrals for wearing to work.
- Zoey – My absolute favorite! She is light, breezy and cropped with puffs adding texture. Pair with Wide leg jeans and boots in the fall.
Who this book is for
This book is a good match for adventurous beginners, intermediate crocheters, and experienced makers who enjoy garment projects.
You will probably like it if you:
- want sweaters that look current and wearable
- enjoy learning new stitches and techniques
- care about fit
- do not mind taking your time
It may not be the best choice if you want fast projects or hate swatching. Tunisian sweaters take patience, and fit is a big part of the process.
If sweater sizing usually stresses you out, this crochet sweater measurement guide may help before you begin.
What the book covers
This book gives you more than just patterns. It also helps you build better sweater-making skills.
The book introduces you to the craft’s uniqueness and some technique like a glass of thirst quenching lemonade on a summer day before you even consider the sweater patterns. You can expect:
- Essentials: A short look at what Tunisian crochet is, increasing and decreasing, working in the round with a single hook (instead of two), choosing yarns, matching gauge and tools.
- Sweater Fit and Construction: Learn how to choose the right size and ease, understand schematics, three sweater constructions, finishing, and choosing which sweater to start with.
- Sweater patterns: There are 15 gorgeous tunisian crochet patterns that range from vests, top and cardigan sets, sweaters, and even a skirt. Pattern sizing is numeric — 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, that corresponds closely to small to 2X. Depending on the pattern, you’ll use sport, DK, light worsted or worsted weight yarns with a hook size to create drape when worn.
Every pattern include a schematics that show the shape and measurements of each piece. This is a big help when you want to compare the garment to your own body or a favorite sweater in your closet. Many crocheters skip schematics at first, but once you start using them, they make fit so much easier.
You will find photo references for stitches, as needed, increasing and decreasing for shaping sleeves and necklines, and finishing techniques. If you are a visual learner, this makes the patterns feel much more approachable.
The language in the book is clear and direct. You get everything you need to know without any extra or distracting fluff before the pattern instructions. It really encourages “read all instructions before beginning.” If you have made a simple Tunisian project like a scarf or the Tunisian crochet lattice top pattern, this book is a very natural next step into sweaters.
If you want more stitch practice, this Tunisian Double Crochet Lace tutorial or easy tunisian smock stitch scarf is a fun way to warm up.
Overall, the format supports you from swatch to finished sweater. You are not left guessing what the fabric should feel like or how loose to work your stitches, which is a common worry with Tunisian crochet.
What I love & What is Missing
Love
- Modern, wearable sweater designs including a top and skirt set
- Skill building — construction, shaping, flat to top down in the round
- Various garment construction
- Good mix of tunisian crochet stitches with photo references
- Various yarn weights used to reflect one’s yarn stash
- Items that cover warm and cool weather
Limitations
- Mostly sport weight yarns recommended. There’s fewer options compared to other yarn weights.
- Different weight yarns can be chosen, but you’ll need to match gauge or know how to make adjustments.
- Chest sizing is limited to 60 in. / 152.5 cm, and hip circumference limited to 55 in. / 139.5 cm. This includes the ease
- Not ideal if you want quick, easy projects
Do not skip making the gauge swatch so that you know how the fabric is formed and behaves. You do not want to spend hours creating a sweater that you won’t actually wear because the fabric is stiff.
How it applies to crochet skills and garments
If your goal is to get better at making crochet garments, this book can help.
It supports skills like:
- choosing the right size based on finished measurements
- understanding ease
- checking bust and upper arm fit
- shaping sweaters more intentionally
- finishing garments more neatly
Those are useful skills even if you do not make every pattern in the book. Once you understand how Tunisian crochet behaves, you can use that knowledge in other sweater projects too.
If you like project planning tools, these crochet and knit calculators for project planning may also come in handy.
Yay or Nay for this book?
I would recommend this book if you want stylish Tunisian crochet sweaters and you are willing to do the work that goes with good fit.
It is a solid pick if you want:
- modern sweater patterns
- fit-focused designs
- new Tunisian crochet skills
- projects you can actually wear
If you are unsure about Tunisian crochet, borrowing the book from your local library first is a smart move. If you already enjoy garment making, this book is worth adding to your shelf.
Purchase link
You can check current availability here:
Conclusion
This tunisian crochet pattern book review comes down to this: The Tunisian Crochet Sweater Collection is a focused, sweater-first book that serves confident beginners and intermediate makers who love mindful, garment-focused projects. It is especially helpful if you want sweaters that flatter many shapes, support size awareness, and gradually stretch your tunisian crochet skills while making garments With its clear teaching, fit notes, and sweater variety, it can become a trusted tool for growing both your techniques and your handmade closet, especially when you pair it with skill builders like the Tunisian crochet colorwork tutorial by Creations By Courtney.
If you enjoy slow, thoughtful making and care about fit, this book is worth a look. Have you tried Tunisian crochet garments yet, or are you still in the “curious but nervous” stage? I would love for you to explore more crochet garment patterns here on Creations by Courtney, and be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you want more reviews, tips, and size-inclusive pattern ideas delivered to your inbox.
Are we Crochet Besties yet?
Want to talk about yarn goodness, crochet tips, and exclusive weekly deals? Join my Facebook Group, Confidently Crochet with Creations By Courtney.
If we’re not hanging out on social media yet, come check me out on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Join my newsletter for sneak peeks, crochet tips, and more.
Use #CreationsByCourtney on social media when sharing your projects.
