What You'll Learn

In this tutorial, we’ll use a simple pumpkin project to introduce working flat Tunisian crochet with a double-ended hook. This technique creates a reversible ribbed fabric with little to no curl and is a wonderful way to explore a different side of Tunisian crochet.

This method is often called Blanket Stitch in tutorials and books. A double-ended hook can also be used for working in the round, but today we’ll focus on creating a flat fabric. We’ll begin by making a simple swatch, then use that swatch to turn it into a pumpkin.

When worked in Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), this technique creates a ribbed fabric that is reversible, can be made to any width, and has little to no curl.

Don’t Have a Double-Ended Hook?

Not to worry. This project can also be made with an interchangeable hook, cable, and stopper.

Alternative Setup

When using a single-ended hook with a stopper, move all of the stitches to the stopper end of the cable after each forward pass, then swap the hook and stopper to opposite ends of the cable. This does work, but it is definitely more tedious. The width of your project will also be limited by the number of stitches that can fit comfortably on the cable.

Suggested Resources

If you’d like to explore this technique further, there are some wonderful resources available. A history of the double-ended hook by Cary Karp of Loopholes is worth reading, and 101 Double-Ended Hook Stitches from Annie’s Attic is an excellent reference to have on hand.

A video tutorial for working with a double-ended hook can also be found from Mary Middleton at Crochetnit. Her video is a bit grainy, but the explanation is clear and to the point. One small difference: she works a chain 1 at the end of the return pass. I do not find that extra chain beneficial, so I have omitted it here.

Materials & Tools

  • Approximately 50g worsted weight yarn, divided into two 25g balls
  • K/10 1/2 (6.5 mm) double-ended hook
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stuffing
  • Twig or cinnamon stick for the stem

I recommend using contrasting colors when first learning this technique. It makes the forward and return passes much easier to understand.

Before You Begin

Unlike standard single-ended Tunisian crochet, a double-ended hook allows you to work the forward pass from one end of the hook and the return pass from the other. In this flat version, you will turn the work, slide the stitches to the opposite end of the hook, and work back using the second ball of yarn.

After the first return pass, you will continue using the yarn already attached at each end. There is no need to cut the yarn or reattach it on every row.

Foundation Row

Chain any number of stitches for a swatch. For the pumpkin shown here, chain 25.

  1. Insert your hook into the back bump of the second chain from the hook.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Leave that loop on your hook.
  3. Repeat across the row, pulling up a loop in each chain. This is your forward pass.

First Return Pass

  1. Turn the work.
  2. Slide all stitches to the opposite end of the hook.
  3. You will now be working the return pass from the back of the first row just created.
  4. Attach the second ball of yarn by placing a slip knot on the hook and drawing it through the first stitch on the hook.
  5. *Yarn over, draw through 2 loops.* Repeat from * to * across the row until only one loop remains on the hook.

Do not turn again, and do not change yarn balls.

Forward Pass

With the same yarn ball now in position, work Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) across the row.

Turn the work, leaving the working yarn loose at that end.

Repeat

Continue working the following sequence:

Return Pass: Slide all stitches to the opposite end of the hook and work a basic return pass. This is the same process used in the first return pass, except you will now use the yarn already attached at that end rather than placing a new slip knot on the hook.

Forward Pass: With the same yarn ball, work TSS across. Turn the work, leaving the working yarn loose at that end.

Repeat these two steps for the desired length.

For a Simple Swatch

Work as many rows as you like, then finish with one final return pass and bind off.



For the Pumpkin

Work the repeat until there are 18 ribs on one side and 17 ribs on the other, not including the cast-on edge.

Last Return Pass: Slide all stitches to the opposite end of the hook and work one final basic return pass.

Bind Off: Bind off with the same yarn ball, leaving a 20"–24" tail. There is no need to weave in the tails, since they can be hidden inside the finished pumpkin.

Finishing the Pumpkin

  1. Fold the fabric so the beginning edge meets the ending edge.
  2. Use the long tail to close the seam with a whip stitch.
  3. Weave the tail through the edge stitches and pull tight to close one end.
  4. Run the tail through the closure to the inside of the pumpkin and out the open end of the tube.
  5. Stuff the pumpkin firmly, but do not overstuff it.
  6. Weave the tail through the edge stitches on the open end and pull to close, leaving a small opening for a twig or cinnamon stick stem.

Adding the Pumpkin Contours

To create the traditional pumpkin shape, divide the pumpkin into 6 sections.

Lay the yarn along a ditch between the raised ribs and bring the needle down through the bottom closure and back up through the top closure. Pull snug to shape the section.

Repeat this process 5 more times, spacing the shaping lines evenly around the pumpkin. Secure the yarn and hide the remaining tail inside.

Insert a twig or cinnamon stick into the top opening for the stem, and your pumpkin is finished.

Helpful Note

If you are brand new to double-ended Tunisian crochet, try making a small swatch first in two contrasting colors before making the pumpkin. Once you understand which yarn controls the forward pass and which yarn controls the return pass, the rhythm becomes much easier.

I hope this tutorial gives you a fun and approachable introduction to working with a double-ended hook in Tunisian crochet.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl