How to tunisian crochet
How to tunisian crochet
Tunisian Crochet 101: Learning the Basics
What if you could take the best parts of knitting and combine them with the best parts of crochet? It might sound like a dream, but this technique already exists. Often called afghan crochet, Tunisian crochet is the gorgeous craft that’s been here all along.
What you need to know to get started with Tunisian crochet
One of the biggest hurdles I find with students learning how to Tunisian crochet is grasping how this technique works. Like most yarn arts, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
This might sound like gibberish now, but it will be helpful when learning advanced techniques or trying to fix mistakes down the line.
Tools of the trade
Another way that Tunisian crochet differs from traditional crochet is in the tools used. Since loops are worked onto and off of the hook, the length of a hook can limit how wide the resulting piece will be.
Smaller projects like my Simple Tunisian Ear Warmer are a perfect place to start before investing in specialty hooks and hook sets. When the time comes to grow that crochet hook stash (and it will), the possibilities of creating and designing with Tunisian crochet become endless.
Choosing the right hooks is a mix of preference and priorities.
Wood hooks offer style and tension while metal hooks bring speed to the table. For the sake of research (and to feed my obsession), I have tried just about every type of crochet hook currently available in the American market. Here are some of my favorites:
These Surina Wood 10″ crochet hooks were the first Tunisian crochet hooks I purchased many years ago. They came as a set and I have not been able to find them online or in retail since.
An inexpensive and easy to use option are the no-frills bamboo afghan hooks. These come up pretty quickly with a generic Tunisian crochet hook search on Amazon. Though they tend to warp they do make the perfect beginner’s set.
To my surprise, the Deborah Norville hooks from Premier Yarns offer versatility and function at a very reasonable price. I was not familiar with the brand before I tried Tunisian crochet and have only found these hooks online. Finding larger Tunisian style hooks sizes can be challenging, so these are a perfect solution for chunkier yarns.
The proverbial king of all Tunisian hook sets is the Addi Click Interchangeable System. But these hooks are hailed as the top tier tools for more than just their looks. Since they are made of metal, they make Tunisian crochet speedy. And for those with larger hands, the longer hook is much more comfortable than most other Tunisian crochet hook sets. I use my set almost exclusively when working on personal projects.
Pro Tip: Regardless of which material or length of hook used, try going up one to two full millimeters in size from what is suggested by the yarn’s ball band. Due to dense nature of Tunisian crochet, sizing up the hook makes for a more manageable fabric (and gives the hands a break!).
How to Tunisian crochet step by step
Tunisian crochet can be broken down in just a few easy steps. Depending on the stitch used, those steps might look a little different. The three basic Tunisian crochet stitches include the Tunisian simple stitch (abbreviated Tss), the Tunisian knit stitch (Tks) and the Tunisian purl stitch (Tps). For the sake of this tutorial, let’s walk through the Tunisian knit stitch from beginning to end.
The foundation row: forward pass
With a crochet hook and yarn, make a slip knot and chain any number of stitches. I used a traditional crochet hook and just 10 stitches. A longer hook or a hook with a cord will allow for a longer starting chain, but you can get started with your regular hook.
Instead of working in the front loops of the chain, rotate the chain so the back bumps or back stitches are visible. Insert the hook under the back bump of the second chain from the hook, then yarn over and pull up a loop. Continue this last step until the number of loops on the hook matches the number of chains made.
Here is how it should look:
1. Turn your chain over so you see the bumps on the back.
2. Insert hook into the back bump of the second chain from the hook, and pull up a loop.
3. Continue the previous step until the number of loops on the hook is the same as the initial number of chains made.
The foundation row: return pass
In Tunisian crochet, a forward pass is always followed by a return pass. This is when the loops on the hook are worked off the hook.
Always start a return pass with a chain 1 (yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook). Starting the return pass with a chain 1 helps maintain the height of the crochet work, much like starting a traditional crochet row with a chain 1 stitch.
Next, work the loops off the hook by starting with a yarn over, then pull through two loops on your hook. Repeat this step (yarn over, pull through two loops) until there is only one loop on the hook. This completes the foundation row.
Here is how it should look:
2. Yarn over, pull through two loops on the hook.
3. Repeat the previous step until there is only one loop on the hook.
4. When there is only one loop left on your hook, move onto the next forward pass.
The knit stitch: forward pass
Begin the forward pass of the knit stitch by identifying the first stitch to work into. The loop on the hook compensates for the first stitch of the forward pass. Instead of working in the stitch farthest to the right, insert the hook between the two vertical bars of the second stitch.
Here’s how it should look:
1. Insert your hook between the vertical bars of the second stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop to complete the stitch.
3. Repeat the previous step (yarn over, pull up a loop) in each stitch across the row until there is only one stitch to go.
Pro tip: Working the last stitch of a forward pass in Tunisian crochet can be a little tricky. To keep it neat, pinch the edge of the work between your thumb and forefinger, rotate the stitch between your fingers toward you, and insert the hook under both loops of the last stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop to complete the stitch. (You can find my video tutorial of this step here.)
The knit stitch: return pass
Complete the return pass of the Tunisian knit stitch the same as explained for the the foundation row: Begin with a chain 1. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat this step (yarn over and pull through two loops) until there is only one loop on the hook.
Repeat the forward pass and return pass of the Tunisian knit stitch to the desired length. Isn’t it amazing how these simple steps make something that looks just like the traditional knit stitch?
Binding off
Like knitting, Tunisian crochet requires a bind-off row to secure live stitches and produce a neat edge.
To complete the bind off edge of the Tunisian knit stitch, insert the hook between the two vertical bars of the next stitch, as in previous steps. Instead of continuing on, yarn over, pull up a loop, then pull through the loop on the hook. This completes a slip stitch, thus securing the live stitch.
Repeat this step (insert hook between two vertical bars, yarn over, pull up a loop and complete a slip stitch) for each stitch until the end of the row. Insert the hook under both loops of the last stitch as in previous steps, but complete a slip stitch here as well. Pull up the loop on the hook, cut the yarn leaving a long tail, and weave all tails into the work.
Here’s how it looks:
1. Insert the hook between the two vertical bars of the next knit stitch. Pull up a loop.
2. Pull through the loop on the hook to complete a slip stitch.
3. Repeat the previous two steps for each Tunisian knit stitch. Insert the hook under the two loops of the last stitch and complete a slip stitch to finish the row.
Nothing to it but to do it!
Like any other craft, learning comes from trial, error and repetition. After many hours of trying different projects and techniques, I have completely fallen in love with Tunisian crochet.
Traditional crocheters can use it to build their skills and knitters might see it as a smooth transition into crochet. Whatever the excuse, you owe it to yourself to try Tunisian crochet.
How To Tunisian Crochet (With Video!)
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Ready to dive into Tunisian crochet but not sure where to start? The video tutorial and resources below will answer all your questions and teach you how to Tunisian crochet step-by-step!
This post contains affiliate links.
Whether you’re a crocheter ready to level up your hookin’ skills, a knitter who wants to dabble in a knit-like hobby or a total newbie looking to dip your toe in the yarn-y waters, you’ll find everything you need to learn the basics of how to Tunisian crochet here!
How to Tunisian crochet beginner video tutorial
Think you need to buy a bunch of new hooks to learn how to Tunisian crochet? Nope! All you need to make your first Tunisian crochet swatch is a regular ol’ crochet hook and some yarn, plus this video tutorial below of course!
In this video, I walk you through why you’ll eventually want a longer crochet hook for making most Tunisian crochet patterns, the best type of hooks to buy, how to start Tunisian crochet, how to work the most common Tunisian crochet stitch (TSS) and how to finish Tunisian crochet.
Sounds like a lot, right? You’ll learn all that and more in this brief beginner Tunisian crochet video tutorial with right and left-handed versions.
Right-Handed Tutorial
Left-Handed Tutorial
Got some more burning Tunisian crochet questions? Read on for some Tunisian FAQs.
Is there more than one Tunisian crochet stitch?
Heck yes! Just like with typical crochet, there are almost endless ways to work Tunisian crochet stitches to create differently textured fabric. Would you believe it’s even possible to create Tunisian crochet lace?
The most common Tunisian crochet stitch is called Tunisian Simple Stitch (abbreviated TSS) and it’s what I teach in the video tutorial above. You can make so many wonderful things just with this one Tunisian crochet stitch.
But eventually, I know you’ll want to start experimenting, so then check out:
Can I just use a regular crochet hook?
For practicing a simple Tunisian swatch like in the video tutorial above, you can definitely use a regular crochet hook. Eventually though, if you find yourself «hooked» on Tunisian crochet, let’s talk about why you’ll want some longer hooks.
What are the best Tunisian crochet hooks?
If you’re like me, knowing that Tunisian requires a longer hook has possibly kept you from learning this fun crochet skill sooner. (I was intimidated for years by the long hooks!) Let me just tell you, there’s nothing to fear. If you’ve ever crocheted or knit, Tunisian is going to be a natural extension of your existing skills.
And the reason I say if you’ve ever crocheted or knit is because Tunisian is sort of a hybrid of the two. Like typical crocheting, you’ll use one single hook instead of two needles. But like knitting, you’ll keep your stitches on the hook for part of the process. In my opinion, Tunisian is a super relaxing and smooth blend of the things I love most about both crochet and knitting.
Since the stitches stay on the hook for part of the process of Tunisian crochet, your hook needs to be able to accomodate however many stitches are in a row of your project.
You have probably seen long Tunisian crochet hooks and maybe even some crochet hooks with a removable cable before. Both of these styles are Tunisian hooks and both will work for a small to medium-sized project. If you just want to invest in one set of hooks though, my suggestion would be to purchase hooks with cables.
The benefits of Tunisian crochet hooks with cables
Tunisian crochet hooks with cables will fit any size project, which makes them more versatile than the long, straight style of hooks. The cabled hooks pictured here are made by Knitter Pride and I just love them! They’re smooth to crochet with, pretty to look at and pointy enough to work really well for Tunisian crochet.
Speaking of pointy, look for hooks with a fairly pointy head, like the pink hook pictured below. This will make working your Tunisian stitches much smoother and faster!
How do I know what size hook to use?
One other thing to note about Tunisian crochet is that you’ll want to go up in hook size from what you might use for a typical crochet project. Tunisian fabric can be on the dense side, so in order to let the stitches flow easily and the fabric drape well, you’ll probably want to go up 2-3 hook sizes from what’s listed on your yarn label.
So if you decide to buy a set of hooks, I suggest going with the set that has the largest sizes possible, because you won’t likely get a lot of use out of of the smaller hooks unless you like to crochet with dental floss. 😉
How to increase in Tunisian crochet
Increasing in Tunisian crochet is really quite simple and it is the perfect way to create triangle scarves, shawls and even more complex garment shaping. Watch my brief video tutorial on how to increase in Tunisian crochet here.
How do I change colors in Tunisian crochet?
I’ll be doing a simple video tutorial soon on the how to change colors in Tunisian, but in the meantime, you can learn a really cool and easy technique for making your crocheting look woven in this video tutorial. This simple trick of changing colors on every other row does not create extra ends to weave in and makes a gorgeous set of stripes on the backside.
What are some good beginner Tunisian crochet patterns?
Tunisian crochet is sometimes referred to as «afghan crochet» because it’s so well-suited to cozy, comfy blankets. But there’s a lot more you can make than Tunisian crochet blankets. The best beginner Tunisian crochet pattern to start with in my opinion in my Tunisian Mitts. They’re so simple, I put the entire pattern in an Instagram post!
I have a few free Tunisian crochet patterns that I’ll be sharing over the coming months that only require beginner skills. Don’t miss those by making sure you’re subscribed to my emails and following along on Instagram here. Sign up below and I’ll send you a note when each pattern is published.
My Brushland Tunisian Wrap pattern is a great next Tunisian crochet project because it will expand your skills with video tutorials to walk you through each step. (It’s a lot easier than it looks!) Find the free pattern here.
Speaking of blankets, 1DogWoof designed a gorgeously squishy Tunisian crochet blanket pattern that would be a perfect beginner project. My Poppet has a free Tunisian washcloth pattern that will scratch your instant-gratification itch. And TLYarnCrafts has a beautiful shawl pattern made with Tunisian Simple Stitch.
Okay! What other questions do you have about Tunisian crochet? Leave a comment below and I’ll try to cover it in an upcoming tutorial. Happy crocheting!
Tunisian Crochet – All The Facts, Tips & Tricks – Complete Guide
There’s a yarn craft combining crochet and knitting!
Read my Tunisian crochet guide.
Note: If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but at no extra cost to you. Learn More.
With this crocheting technique, you make textiles that imitate knitting.
There’s no proof it came from Tunisia. So, where?
I reviewed and updated this post on July 12, 2022.
Table Of Contents
What Is Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian crochet is a needlecraft merging knitting and crochet.
(Pronounced tyoo-ni-zee-uhn crochet in the UK and Australia, and too-nee-zhn crochet in the USA.)
Knitters and crocheters find something of their craft in Tunisian crochet.
Where did it come from? No one knows!
It first appeared in print in 1884 in a book ‘The Dictionary of Needlework.’ Tunisian crochet’s popularity didn’t return until the 1960s.
What Is The Difference Between Crochet And Tunisian Crochet?
1 Fabric
Tunisian crochet curls more than regular crochet.
Regular crochet is stretchy.
2 Tool
Tunisian crochet uses a longer hook up to 14″ long.
Regular crochet hooks are shorter and around 6″ long.
3 Method
Work the stitches on two passes, the forward pass and return pass.
Flip the work at the end of the row.
What Is The Difference Between Tunisian And Afghan Crochet?
They’re the same.
People used to call Tunisian crochet “Afghan crochet” or “Afghan stitch” before the 1970s, but people interchange the two.
Afghan crochet is a group of crochet stitches within Tunisian.
How To Tunisian Crochet
Here’s a list of things you’ll need.
Regarding the size of the hook, check the yarn label.
Here are the most common Tunisian stitches with free crochet tutorials.
How-To: Tunisian Simple Stitch
This Tunisian crochet stitch is the most basic of stitches.
(Abbreviated as Tss or also known as Afghan stitch.)
Learn how to do it in this video tutorial by B.Hooked Crochet.
Refer written instructions? Read on for doing a Tunisian simple stitch.
Start with crochet chains (aka a foundation row or foundation chain).
Once you’ve done the foundation row, now turn it into a Tunisian stitch.
The Tunisian simple stitch comprises the forward and back pass.
Always keep the yarn behind the fabric.
Congratulations! You’ve completed one row of the Tunisian simple stitch. Repeat this process as many times as necessary.
Watch your Tunisian crochet fabric grow.
How-To: Tunisian Full Stitch
Textured, thick, fluffy. This is a gorgeous, warm stitch.
Video Tutorial by TL Yarn Crafts.
How-To: Tunisian Knit Stitch
Is this stitch knitted or Tunisian crocheted?
Aka Tunisian Stockinette stitch. It creates a fabric like stockinette!
Start with a foundation chain.
This ‘knit’ stitch looks like knitting on the front, but you’ll see a difference.
Video tutorial by the American Crochet Association.
How-To: Tunisian Purl Stitch
This stitch looks like a knitted purl stitch.
Video tutorial by The Crochet Crowd.
Tunisian Crochet In The Round
Here’s an excellent tutorial for working in the round with the simple stitch. Video tutorial by Designs by Phanessa.
How To Read Tunisian Crochet Patterns
Here are the Tunisian crochet abbreviations.
| US & UK Terms | UK Terms |
|---|---|
| Tunisian simple stitch tss | Tunisian simple stitch tss |
| Tunisian full stitch tfs | Tunisian full stitch tfs |
| Tunisian single crochet tsc | Tunisian Double Crochet tdc |
| Tunisian half double crochet thdc | Tunisian Half Treble Crochet thtc |
| Tunisian double crochet tdc | Tunisian treble crochet ttr |
| forward pass FwP | forward pass FwP |
| return pass RetP | return pass RetP |
| extended simple stitch etss | extended simple stitch etss |
| Tunisian knit stitch tks | Tunisian knit stitch tks |
| Tunisian purl stitch tps | Tunisian purl stitch tps |
| Tunisian slip stitch tslst | Tunisian slip stitch tslst |
| Tunisian twisted ttw | Tunisian twisted ttw |
| Tunisian reverse stitch trs | Tunisian reverse stitch trs |
How Many Tunisian Crochet Stitches Are There?
There are over 400 Tunisian crochet stitches.
You don’t need all, but here are the common crochet stitches Tunisian.
1 Simple Stitch (aka Afghan Stitch) Tunisian Crochet Stitch
Makes a stretchy, opaque woven fabric. The wrong side is bumpy and looks like the knitted purl stitch.
2 Full Stitch Tunisian Crochet Stitch
Thick, warm… what more could you ask for in a fabric? This stitch is excellent for winter garments, like scarves.
The finished fabric is reversible.
3 Tunisian Knit Stitch Tunisian Crochet Stitch
Flip the ‘knitted’ fabric and there’s a difference from a knitted piece.
4 Tunisian Purl Stitch Tunisian Crochet Stitch
Compare a knitted and Tunisian purl stitch, and you’ll see a difference.
This is great if you don’t like knitting, but you want to make a purl stitch.
More Tunisian Crochet Stitches:
Tunisian Crochet Hook
What Is A Tunisian Crochet Hook?
A Tunisian crochet hook is long.
Hook at one end, and stopper at the other.
Tunisian or ‘Afghan’ crochet hooks are ideal for holding many stitches.
Can You Use A Regular Crochet Hook For Tunisian Crochet?
Yes, but only for small projects. The more there are, the harder fitting stitches on a regular hook is.
Tunisian crochet hooks are longer and have stoppers at the ends. It’s easier for the hook to hold more stitches.
Tunisian Crochet Patterns
Here are recommendations for free Tunisian crochet patterns.
This free Tunisian crochet pattern is a simple, functional project.
Here is a free Tunisian crochet pattern for a pillow cover.
A pretty, gauzy shawl with loose, open stitchwork.
With a self-striping yarn, the rich gradient complements the stitchwork.
Once you’ve made a few patterns for beginners and have grown in your abilities, try attempting this wonderful open cropped bolero.
For more excellent Tunisian crochet projects, try Ravelry.
Tunisian Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions
Popular designer Dora Ohrenstein has a book on a modern, easily accessible approach to Tunisian crochet.
Featuring 30 Tunisian crochet stitches and 11 projects.
Tunisian Crochet Afghan
Here are great patterns for Tunisian crochet afghans.
Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket Video Tutorial by TL Yarn Crafts
Here are crochet designer and blogger Chiwei’s video tutorial of how to do the simple stitch (the most common of Tunisian crochet stitches.)
Here is a related video tutorial on how to change colors in Tunisian Crochet.
An easy, quick weekend project using contrasting color bulky yarn.
Is Tunisian Crochet Easy?
Yes! Use an easy-to-follow video tutorial. Mastering basic Tunisian crochet techniques make other stitches easier to learn.
What Is Tunisian Crochet Used For?
Make anything with Tunisian crochet. Socks to hats, shawls to cardigans.
Does Tunisian Crochet Use More Yarn?
Compared to knitting, Tunisian crochet uses more yarn.
Is Tunisian Crochet Difficult?
Not! You don’t need any experience in knitting or crochet. Learn the Tunisian style even if you’ve never used yarn, a hook or needle.
Why Is It Called Tunisian Crochet?
It’s hard to discern why. People used to only call it Afghan crochet.
It’s a mystery why they chose ‘Tunisian.’
How Do You Finish Tunisian Crochet?
To cast off, end with one loop on your hook after the return pass.
Arunima from KnitterKnotter explains it in her video tutorial.
Is Tunisian Crochet Faster Than Knitting?
Yes, Tunisian crochet is faster, but only if you’re experienced. As a beginner, you’ll go slow.
Why Does My Tunisian Crochet Curl?
Everyone who does Tunisian crochet gets curled fabric.
How Do I Stop My Tunisian Crochet From Curling?
Here are simple methods to reduce the curl.
1 Block It!
This removes the curling. Here‘s my article about blocking a piece.
2 Seam It!
Seaming the ends together of a finished project removes the curling.
Sewing together a scarf? It makes a curl-free infinity scarf.
3 Go Up 2 Hook Sizes
Use a hook size two sizes up from the one your yarn or pattern calls for.
If your pattern says US hook size D/3, change it to a US size F/5.
4 Loosen It!
Relax your tension. It’ll still curl, but not as much as a tight tension.
What Can I Make With Tunisian Crochet?
Things to make with Tunisian crochet:
How Do You Make A Tunisian Crochet Dishcloth?
Here are Tunisian crochet dishcloth/washcloth video tutorials.
Basic Brittany Video Tutorial By B.Hooked
Tunisian Shaker Dishcloths Video Tutorial by VeryPink Knits
Simple Stitch Washcloth Video Tutorial by The Crochet Crowd
Now you have the info you need to start a Tunisian crochet project.
Choose a small project like a dishcloth. Work your way up to bigger, challenging projects like patterned blankets and sweaters. Good luck!
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About Jodie Morgan
About Jodie Morgan
Hi. I’m Jodie Morgan, creator of Crochet Penguin. I started this site to show 1,000,000 people the joys of crochet & highlight alternatives to fast fashion. Please say hello!
10 thoughts on “Tunisian Crochet – All The Facts, Tips & Tricks – Complete Guide”
Hello. I’ve absolutely loved Tunisian Crochet since I was taught it in the mid 1960s. Of course, at that time, I was told it was called Afghan Crochet.
I was taught it by a woman who was in her 70s at the time. She gave me 2 different sizes of Afghan Hooks and 3 pattern books that were from the 1920s.
Back then, I could never find any other patterns for this style of crochet. The books only showed five or six different types of stitches and all the patterns were for afghans. Most of the afghans were crossed stitched with some type of flower pattern once the crochet work was completed. At the time, I assumed the main purpose of making an afghan in this style was to create a finished afghan that had a texture that was perfect for doing counted cross stitch to embellish it.
For decades, I never found any patterns for this type of crochet. About all that I ever found was an afghan hook available for sale in a store once every couple years. When I would buy the hook, often times an employee would ask me what it was used for.
Then, one day, I was in a yarn store and seen a number of books for sale with Tunisian Crochet patterns. I had never heard the term, but could tell from the photos on the cover that they were patterns for what I called Afghan Crochet.
I was overjoyed after decades of only using the three books that had been given to me that I had more pattern choices than I could have ever dreamed of having. As an added bonus, I learned there were a large number and variety of stitches using this method that I didn’t know existed.
Now, with the internet at my fingertips, I will be forever grateful that this style of crochet has made such a huge comeback and is readily accessible and available.
Thanks so much for sharing your information.
Hi Laurie. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. How wonderful that you were able to find more patterns to expand your crocheting loves. Please share with us your favorite stitch designs, and a couple of patterns you would recommend to try out if you were new to Tunisian Crochet. Cheers Jodie
The Harmony guide to crochet stitches available on Amazon is about the best to use. It has Tunisian crochet stitches in the back of it plus any other crochet pattern in the front can be used in Tunisian Crochet.
Thanks for your book recommendation Lynn. For readers new to this book, here is the link to The Harmony Guide To Crochet Stitches.
Kim Guzman has free written instructions, videos and patterns for Tunisian projects.
She has published several books as well.
Hi Vicky. Thanks so much for letting me know about Kim Guzman’s resources on Tunisian crochet. I’m off to take a look. Cheers Jodie
To stop afghan from rolling use a double hooked tunsian hooked also called a crohook. When you pull yarn through stitches from opposite end picked up stitches will stop rolling
Hi Joanne. Thanks so much for sharing your tips using a double hooked tunisian hook to stop rolling edges.
Hi I’ve enjoyed Tunisian Crochet since 1983. I find I can take the amount of stitches from a knitting pattern for a garment. If you can read a Fair Isle chart use for sweaters, scarves. Graphs used for Xst can be designed for baby blankets eg football blankets as something different.
Hi Lynn. That sounds amazing! You are very clever to be able to do all that with Tunisian Crochet. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers Jodie
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How to Tunisian Crochet – Video & Photo Tutorial
Learn how to Tunisian crochet and open up a whole new world of crochet techniques, stitches and patterns, that look completely unlike regular crochet!
Read on to learn how to Tunisian crochet step-by-step.
Brand new to Tunisian crochet?
You may have heard mention of Tunisian crochet, but you have no idea where to start. Someone said something about needing a special hook, and you thought, “no thanks, I don’t need any more tools!” Or, it may be that you are completely new to the technique. No problem!
While learning a new crochet technique might seem daunting at first, I promise that learning how to Tunisian crochet really is not difficult. There are a few basics that you need to get your head around and after that it is exactly the same process as learning any new crochet stitch.
What is Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet is somewhat of a hybrid between crochet and knitting. If you are a knitter, you’ll definitely recognise some knitting terminology – casting on and binding off for example. And as the name implies, Tunisian crochet requires a hook, but not quite what you are used to with regular crochet!
Tunisian crochet produces a dense and textured fabric. As with any yarn craft, you have a lot of control over the thickness and drape of your fabric, depending on the hook and yarn that you choose.
How to Tunisian crochet: the basics (incl. Photo & Video Tutorials)
Before you get started on your first Tunisian crochet project, there are few things to cover that may be new to you:
And once we’ve covered the basics, we’ll get crocheting with a step-by-step Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) tutorial.
1. Tunisian crochet hooks
Do I need a special Tunisian crochet hook?
No, you absolutely don’t need a special hook to get started with Tunisian crochet. If you are starting with a small project, chances are your regular crochet hook will do just fine.
With regular crochet, you always end up with one loop on your hook after completing a stitch. However, with Tunisian crochet, you actually keep the loops on your hook as you work across a row (more on this later).
So, the number of loops on your hook determines the width of your project. And this is why you may need a special Tunisian crochet hook (with or without a cable) as you work on larger projects.
Tunisian crochet hooks with cables vs fixed-length hooks
The most economical option for beginners is probably to buy an interchangeable Tunisian hook with a cord and stopper. While you can get fixed length hooks without a cable, these can only hold a certain number of stitches, and may not be useful depending on how wide your Tunisian project will be.
And another pro of using an interchangeable hook is that you can use it for regular crochet projects too!
I love this Addi bamboo set, but you can also purchase individual Tunisian crochet hooks if you’re not ready to invest in a set.
Other good options in terms of Tunisian crochet hooks with cables are the Clover Interchangeable Tunisian Hook Set, or this Knitter’s Pride Interchangeable Hook Set, both of which are slightly more affordable than the Addi one.
Some of the hooks from my Addi set (isn’t that heart stopper so cute!?)
Tunisian crochet hook sizes
One last thing to note about Tunisian crochet hooks, is that you will usually want to go up a size or two from the recommended hook size for your yarn.
As mentioned above, Tunisian crochet fabric is quite dense. The main reason for this is that, unlike regular crochet where you work into the top of the previous row, with Tunisian crochet you work into the body of the previous row. So, to keep your work flat, and to give it some drape, you will need to use a larger hook than you usually would.
For example, my swatch in the tutorial below, I used Lion Brand Heartland, which is a #4/Medium/Worsted weight yarn. For this yarn, the recommended hook size is 6mm/J-10, but for Tunisian crochet I used an 8mm/L-11 hook.
Crochet Kim has a very in-depth article on how the best Tunisian crochet hooks, and how to choose your hook.
2. Casting On
Similar to knitting, a Tunisian crochet project starts with “casting on” a number of stitches – these stitches will determine the width of your project.
Tunisian crochet cast on
Unlike regular crochet, where you turn at the end of a row, with Tunisian crochet you will always work with the “right side” facing. You will “cast on” from right-to-left, and to complete a row, you will “cast off” from left-to-right.
All Tunisian crochet projects start with this same “cast on” method, and the same foundation row, regardless of the stitch you use next.
This brings us nicely to…
3. Forward Pass and Return Pass
There are two steps to a Tunisian crochet row:
In regular crochet, we talk in terms of working into the “top” of a stitch. In Tunisian crochet, we talk about working into “vertical bars.” So, to crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch for example, insert your hook from right-to-left, through the vertical bar of the previous row. And instead of finishing off the stitch by pulling all the way through, you keep the loop on your hook.
In most Tunisian crochet patterns, the instructions given are for the Forward Pass e.g. Tss 10 means “work 10 Tunisian simple stitches.” The instruction for the Return Pass may be given, or it may be omitted completely (but it is taken as a given that you will work a RetP to completed a row).
And now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get crocheting!
How to Tunisian Crochet: Tunisian Simple Crochet Tutorial
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Are you wanting to learn how to Tunisian Crochet? Then this Tunisian Simple Crochet tutorial is for you!
How to Tunisian Simple Crochet
Tunisian crochet is an old favorite of mine. Not all crocheters enjoy it, or know how to do it, but those that do are able to make beautiful, fun, knit-like pieces. Tunisian stitches work up so quickly, and once you get into a rhythm you’ll love this stitch, too!
There are two types of Tunisian (Afghan) hooks: regular and extended. The aluminum hooks are 14″ in length, while the extended hooks are typically 48″ long.
Scroll down to see the VIDEO tutorial of this stitch.
To start Tunisian Simple Crochet, you will:
1. Chain to desired length.
2. Pull up a loop in second chain from hook and in each chain to end. You will now have as many loops on your hook as you do stitches.
3. Yarn over and pull through one loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Yarn over and pull through two – repeat this sequence all the way to the end of the row.
4. Insert hook into first vertical bar from the previous row, pull up a loop. Pull up a loop in every vertical bar to end. In the last (end) stitch, go through both parts of the “v” of that stitch. You should now have as many loops on your hook as you do stitches.
5. Yarn over and pull through one loop. This is the side of the last stitch. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Yarn over and pull through two – all the way to the end of the row.
Continue alternating steps 4 & 5 until desired height is reached.
To fasten off/bind off:
Insert hook under first vertical bar. Slip stitch. Insert hook under next vertical bar. Slip stitch. Repeat to end. Fasten off and weave in all ends.