In this article:
Are you new to Tunisian crochet and wondering why should you learn it? How hard it can be? I had the same questions as you. I bought Tunisian hooks and learned the basic Tunisian stitches. So, let’s learn Tunisian crochet together! I will explain all the problems I had and the tricks that I found to solve them.
Tunisian crochet is a beautiful blend of knitting and traditional crochet, often called the “Afghan stitch” technique. With its unique look and versatile textures, it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for crocheters. Learning the basic Tunisian stitches is the perfect starting point to explore it.
I will focus on the most popular Tunisian crochet stitches – how they look, what you can use them for, and how to make them. Below you will learn how to make Tunisian Simple Stitch, Tunisian Knit Stitch and Tunisian Full Stitch.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn – you can use any yarn to make a Tunisian Stitch, although I find a medium-weight yarn will be the best for practice. I used the Classic 100% Cotton Loops and Threads yarn.
- Tunisian Crochet Hook – use a bigger hook that is suggested for your yarn. Size 1 or 2 sizes up. For my yarn the recommended regular crochet hook size is H-8 (5 mm), and I’m using a 6 mm Tunisian hook in first 2 stitches and 7 mm hook for Tunisian Full Stitch.
- Scissors: For cutting the yarn at the end
- Tapestry (Yarn) Needle: For weaving in the ends
Abbreviations
- Ch Chain
- TSS Tunisian Simple Stitch
- TSS Tunisian Knit Stitch
- TFS Tunisian Full Stitch
- St(s) Stitch(es)
- YO Yarn Over
The Basic Stitch: Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) Tutorial
The Tunisian Simple Stitch features characteristic rows of vertical bars that creates a grid-like look. Its dense, warm texture can be used for winter wearables (eg. scarfs) or to isolate items from a surface (potholders, rugs). Its nice, regular look and sturdy texture works perfectly for bags and totes. It’s also perfect to give softness to a modern contemporary interior in the form of pillows, placemats, runners or sofa covers.
Level of difficulty:
Easy, beginner friendly. Frankly speaking, I found this stitch easier and more straightforward than basic crochet stitches, as it is harder skip a stitch and there is no chaining turns to remember. As all the loops are gathered on the hook, and it also beautifully supports any tension imperfections.
How to make a Tunisian Simple Stitch Step by Step
The Tunisian Simple Stitch is the easiest basic Tunisian stitch, so crocheters usually try Tunisian crochet with it. We will be moving forward (right to left) and backwards (left to right) in every second row. But first, make a foundation chain.
Step 1: Start with a Foundation
Make a slip knot and crochet a number of chains (Ch11 in my example). Try to keep your chains loose.
Foundation Row: Moving forward
Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook. Yarn over, and pull up a loop. * Insert your hook into the next chain, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * to the end of a row. You should have the same number of loops on your hook as the number of chains you’ve started with.
Foundation Row: Moving backwards
Yo and pull through the last loop on the hook. Next, * yo and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row losing all loops from the hook except the last one.
These steps (return pass) will be the same for all rows when we move backwards. First, we will yo and pull thought one loop on the hook only, and then yo and pull through 2 loops till the end of the row. This one loop at the beginning when moving backwards gives a hight to the new row, so it’s a basically works as a turning chain of a row.
Step 2: First row of TSS: Forward pass
To start *Insert your hook under the front loop of a second vertical bar created in the row beneath. Yarn over, and pull up a loop. Continue from * across the row.
To get a nice even edge, insert your hook in the last loop under 2 strands of yarn instead of one as you can see on the photo below. Place to insert your hook is marked by blue needle.
Step 3: First row of TSS: Return pass
Yo and pull through the last loop on the hook. Next, * yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row when only one loop will be left on the hook.
Step 4: Next rows of TSS
Continue working the forward pass and a return pass, as described in Steps 2 and 3, until you have the desired number of rows.
Step 5: Bind off – The last row of TSS
Binding off a Tunisian crochet project is similar to slip stitching.
To finish the last row of TSS, *insert your hook under the front loop of a vertical bar, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook). Then pull up the loop just made through the second loop on the hook leaving only 1 loop on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row. Finish off.
Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS)
The Tunisian Knit Stitch features characteristic v-s rows that look like knitting. Also, the reverse side of the stitch is quite unique and forms highly differentiated horizontal ridges running across the fabric. As opposed to knitting, Tunisian knit fabric is denser, so it has less stretch. Although its dense (denser than Tunisian simple stitch), it roll up nicely due to ridges on the back, and it feel more elastic.
You can use Tunisian Knit Stitch to make winter scarves, sweaters and blankets. Its elasticity combined with its dense texture makes it exceptionably good for winter socks, neck warmers, etc.
Level of difficulty:
Still would consider it as an easy stitch, although it not so straightforward than Tunisian simple stitch and it’s needs more attention at first.
How to make a Tunisian Knit Stitch Step by Step
Step 1: Start with a Foundation
Make a slip knot and crochet a number of chains (e.g. Ch10).
Foundation Row: Moving forward
Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook. Yarn over, and pull up a loop. * Insert your hook into the next chain, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * to the end of a row.
You should have the same number of loops on your hook as the number of chains you’ve started with (10).
Foundation Row: Moving backwards
Yo and pull through the last loop on the hook. Next, * yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of the row losing all loops from the hook except the last one.
These steps (return pass) will be the same for all rows when we move backwards.
Step 2: First row of TKS: Forward pass
Insert your hook in between the loops of the 2nd vertical bar aiming in the middle. (The first vertical bar is connected with a loop on your hook is out first stitch so we can skip it). Yarn over, and pull up a loop. Continue from * across the row till the last stitch.
Be carefull to instert the hook between front vertical bar and back vertical bar of the same stitch and not in-between the stitches.
For the last stitch, pinch the end and look on its edge. You should see the front and back bars of the last stitch. Insert your hook under 2 front and back bars and yo.
Step 3: First row of TKS: Return pass
Yo and pull through the last loop on the hook. Next, * yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row when only one loop will be left on the hook.
Step 4: Next rows of TKS
Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 to create the desired number of rows.
Step 5: Bind off – The last row of TKS
Use the same method to bind off a Tunisian knit stitch project as for Tunisian Simple Stitch.
To finish the last row, *insert your hook under the front loop of a vertical bar, yo and pull up a loop (2 loops on the hook). Then pull up the loop just made through the second loop on the hook leaving only 1 loop on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of tghe row. Finish off.
Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS)
The Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS) is a popular variation in Tunisian crochet that produces a beautiful and dense fabric. With the stitches made by inserting the hook between the vertical bars, we get nice pattern of staggered vertical bars which interlock. It is one of my favorite Tunisian crochet stitches.
Tunisian Full Stitch is great for dishcloths or washcloths (sturdy, good for scrubbing), blankets and afghans (especially when warmth is the goal), scarves and cowls (nice cozy texture, not too airy), cushion covers or home décor (holds shape well) as well as bags and pouches (dense fabric makes them durable).
Level of difficulty:
Easy. I found it easier than the Tunisian Knit Stitch, although alternating skipping a stitch at the beginning or the end of a row while making forward passes can be a bit confusing at first.
How to make a Tunisian Full Stitch Step by Step
Step 1: Start with a Foundation
Make a slip knot and crochet a number of chains (e.g. Ch10).
Foundation Row: Moving forward
In this stitch we will make a foundation row by working on the backside of chains. It will give us a nice distint edge. You may use this technique in any stitches above or you may stay with ‘regular’ front side of a chain stitch.
Reverse your chain stitches on the back. Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook. (At this side it looks like bump). Yarn over, and pull up a loop. * Insert your hook into the next ch, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * to the end of a row.
You should have the same number of loops on your hook as the number of chains you’ve started with (10).
Foundation Row: Moving backwards
Yo and pull through the one loop on your hook. Next, * yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row losing all loops from the hook except the last one.
Step 2: First row of TFS: Forward pass (A)
Insert your hook between the 1st and 2nd stitch, yo, and pull up a loop. * Insert your hook in the next space between the stitches, yo and pull up a loop. Continue from * across the row till the second to last stitch. Skip that last space and go straight to the last loop (edge) by inserting your hook under 2 strands of yarn (as marketed below) and yo.
Step 3: First row of TFS: Return pass
Yo and pull through the last loop on the hook. Next, * yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to the end of a row when only one loop will be left on the hook.
Step 4: Second row of TFS – Forward Pass (B):
Skip the space between the 1st and 2nd stitch. Insert your hook between the 2st and 3rd stitch, yo, and pull up a loop. * Insert your hook in the next space between the stitches, yo and pull up a loop. Continue from * across the row till the last stitch. For the last stitch, pinch the end and look on its edge. You should see the front and back bars of the last stitch. Insert your hook under 2 front and back bars and yo.
Step 5: Second row of TFS – Return pass:
Repeat Step 3.
Step 6:
Repeat Step 3.
Step 7: Next rows of TFS
Repeat Steps from 2 to 6 to create more rows. For the last row, see the Binding off tutorial for the Tunisian Simple Stitch.
How to Change Color of Yarn
The best moment to add a new yarn color is usually at the end of the return pass (before you’re finishing off the last step of a stitch). Drop the old color (don’t cut it yet, unless you’re not coming back to it). Let it hang at the side of your work. Join the new yarn by placing it over your hook and pulling it through the last step of the stitch (or the final yarn over of the return pass). This secures the new color at the edge. Continue with a new yarn.
