Tunisian Crochet the Japanese Way by Nihon Vogue

Tunisian Crochet the Japanese Way is the kind of book that makes a tricky technique feel a lot less intimidating. Instead of long written row-by-row instructions, it uses Japanese-style charts and symbols, which can be a bit easier to follow once you get the hang of them.

You’ll get step-by-step illustrations for 13 classic Tunisian stitches, plus 20 projects that put those stitches to real use. The range covers a lot of ground, from a fluffy alpaca cowl and a sailor collar shawl to a crossbody bag, a drawstring bucket bag, and a pencil case.

One thing Library Journal pointed out is worth repeating: these are beginner-accessible projects that look like they took a lot more skill than they did. That’s a pretty great combination if you’re trying to make something you’ll be proud of.

There’s also a pair of slippers in three sizes and a colorful motif scarf worked with the Tunisian lace technique. The variety is really helpful if you’re trying to really learn Tunisian techniques, not just finish one project and move on.

Nihon Vogue is Japan’s leading craft publisher, with hundreds of titles on knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more. Many of their books have been translated into English and are used by needlecrafters worldwide, so the instruction quality here is well-established.

Each project includes full instructions and schematics, and a dedicated stitch reference section in the back gives you a place to return to whenever you need a visual reminder.