Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS) Tutorial

The Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS) is a popular variation in Tunisian crochet that produces a beautiful and dense fabric.

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).

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

Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS): Step by Step Tutorial

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 favourite Tunisian crochet stitches.

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 Tunisian Stitch 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.

Step 8: Bind off – The last row of Tunisian Crochet Stitch

Binding off a Tunisian crochet project  is similar to slip stitching. 

To finish the last row of Tunisian stitch, *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 in Tunisian Crochet

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.

Thank you! Please leave a comment, if you find this post useful or have any questions.