Extended Tunisian Simple Stitch (EXTSS)

The Extended Tunisian Simple Stitch (EXTSS) is a variation of the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), but with an extra chain-like extension. In this stitch, each row is extended by one extra chain per stitch during the forward pass. This makes the fabric taller and looser than regular TSS.

Thanks to this extension, fabric created with the Tunisian Extended Simple Stitch has a softer drape and a more open, airy texture. Another big advantage is that the EXTSS helps reduce curling. Because of these advantages, it’s a great choice for projects like garments, scarves, or lace-like designs where you want fluidity and movement instead of stiffness.

The same method can be applied to other basic Tunisian stitches, resulting in variations such as the Extended Tunisian Knit Stitch (ETKS), Extended Tunisian Purl Stitch (EXTPS), Extended Tunisian Reverse Stitch (EXTRS), Extended Tunisian Full Stitch (EXTFS), or even extended versions of crossed/twisted stitches.

You can also combine stitches for added texture and function. For example, alternating EXTSS with TSS allows you to highlight stitch patterns, balance dense and airy sections, or reduce curl. In garments, EXTSS works beautifully in areas where you want more stretch and flexibility (like shoulders, bust, or hips), while TSS can provide stability in sections that need firmness (like cuffs, waistbands, or hems).

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
• EXTSS Extended Tunisian Knit Stitch
• St(s) Stitch(es)
• YO Yarn Over

How to make a Tunisian Simple Extended Stitch (EXTSS) Step by Step

The Tunisian Simple Stitch is based on Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS). If you never try it before, you may like to see the full TSS tutorial here; if you want to try EXTSS and you have never made any row of Tunisian crochet before, I will describe each step to allow you to understand the Tunisian technique.

Step 1: Start with a Foundation

Make a slip knot and crochet a number of chains (Ch10 in my example). Try to keep your chains loose.

Foundation Row: Moving forward

In the Tunisian Crochet Stitches we make a foundation row by working on the backside of chains. It will give us a nicer edge. However if you’re making only a swatch or planing to add a border you may start with a ‘regular front’ side of foundation chains – it is much quicker. If you’re not sure how to start on the backside of chains, see the foundation row explanation in the Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS) Tutorial.

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 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.

Step 2: First row of EXTSS: Forward pass

To start, Ch1. Next, insert your hook under the front loop of a second vertical bar created in the row beneath. Yarn over, and pull  up a loop. Ch1. Continue those steps for all vertical bars and make a ch1 after each time you pull up a loop.

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 red needle. Yarn over, and pull  up a loop. Ch1.

Step 3: First row of EXTSS: 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 EXTSS

The last row is the same as for other Tunisian stitches.

To finish the last row of EXTSS, *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.

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.

At the example you will find the Tunisian Full Stitch, but the method is the same for any basic Tunisian crochet stitch:

Thank you and see you in the next tutorial.

And one more – I would love your feedback!