Book Review: Tunisian Crochet Tops
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Note: All pictures in this post are used with the author's permission.
I've been hoping for a proper Tunisian crochet garment book for a while now, one that treats sweaters and tops as their own category instead of an afterthought to blankets and scarves. Tunisian Crochet Tops by Ashley Rivas is exactly that. Ashley is the designer behind Tiny Couch Crochet, and this book, published by Page Street Publishing, holds 14 beginner friendly patterns for sweaters, tanks, and tees, all worked in Tunisian crochet.
A quick note before I get into it. Ashley gifted me this book. But I want to be clear that everything I'm about to say is my honest take. I wouldn't write a whole post about a book I didn't actually think was worth your time, and this one is.
What's in It
The book starts with the groundwork. Yarn selection, choosing the right Tunisian crochet hooks, notions, and a full section on making garments that fit, covering measuring, gauge, and ease. From there it moves into Tunisian crochet basics, foundational stitches, binding off, and special techniques, so beginners actually have what they need before they get to a pattern.
The 14 patterns split into four sections that move from cozy to light. Cozy Pullovers covers the sweaters. Layer Up is for pieces you throw over something else, cardigans, vests, and a coat. Out and About is where the texture lives, tops built to stand on their own. Sunny Day closes it out with tanks and tees for warmer weather. A finishing section on seaming, weaving in ends, and blocking wraps up the back of the book.
Every sweater and top in the book runs from XS to 5XL. That is not sizing tacked onto a couple of patterns as an afterthought, it is built into all 14 from the start, and it is worth calling out on its own.
Highlighted Patterns
Even though I haven't made any of the patterns yet, I wanted to share the five that stand out to me and are at the top of my make list when I get the time!
Beekeeper Raglan
I love a raglan, and I love the fit of a raglan even more, that top down shaping that just sits right on the shoulder. This one is worked in the round with a honeycomb stitch running through it, and that texture is what sold me. Pick it up in a non-saturated tonal and the honeycomb really gets to shine, since the color is not fighting the stitch for attention.
Ronnie Cardi
This is the cardigan on the cover, and it earns that spot. It is a big, slouchy grandpa cardigan with balloon sleeves that taper down at the cuff, four oversized buttons, and pockets that disappear right into the design. It is the kind of cardigan you throw on over anything and immediately feel more put together.
Lakeside Gingham Coat
This is the showstopper of the book. It is a long duster coat built from squares joined as you go, alternating two colors to build the gingham pattern as you work instead of adding it in afterward. From a distance it reads almost like a tweed, and the modular construction means there is less sewing left to do at the end.
Starlight Cardigan
A classic piece with real texture, built around the star stitch. Ashley designed this one, as she puts it, "for the readers and the dreamers," and that shows in the finished piece, a crewneck cardigan with a slight academic feel to it. It is a great layering piece, light enough to wear over a tee and still be the most interesting thing in the outfit.
Classic Cable Sweater
If you are ready to try your hand at cables, this is the one. It is exactly what the name says, a gorgeous, classic cable sweater covered in cables and braided detail, with double folded ribbing at the neckline and cuffs. It is rated intermediate for a reason, so I would not start here if you are brand new to Tunisian crochet. But work through a few of the easier patterns in this book first, and this is the payoff.
Final Thoughts
Tunisian Crochet Tops is the garment book I have been wanting on my shelf. Fourteen wearable patterns, sized from XS to 5XL across the board, with enough range in skill level that there is a first project and a someday project in the same book. If you have been circling Tunisian crochet garments and were not sure where to start, start here.
Tunisian Crochet Tops is out now and available everywhere books are sold. You can grab your own copy on Amazon. If you are looking for more Tunisian crochet books, check out my list of recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I've actually read and loved.
