Tunisian Crochet Basics
- Tunisian crochet projects are usually made up of a foundation row, multiple forward and return pass rows, and, in most cases, a bind off row.
- A hook 2–3 sizes larger than the yarn label recommends is often helpful.
- Always swatch for proper tension, especially since hook style, yarn choice, and stitch pattern can all affect your results.
The Tunisian Arrowhead Lace pattern creates a light, airy fabric with beautiful visual texture. It has little to no curl and produces a fabric with lovely lacy drape.
It is wise to use a hook 1–2 sizes larger than the yarn label recommendation, but for this stitch pattern you may find that going up 3 sizes gives the open drape you are looking for.
This stitch is identified as Stitch #18 in The New Tunisian Crochet – Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions by Dora Ohrenstein.
A video tutorial for this pattern is also available from Knitter Knotter, who refers to it as Mori Lace.
Below are written tutorials for both the Aligned and Offset versions of this stitch.
Foundation Row
Begin with a foundation row for either version.
- Chain any even number of stitches.
- Beginning in the second chain from the hook, pull up a loop in each chain across the row.
- Complete a basic return pass.
For more detailed instruction on the foundation row and return pass, see the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) tutorial.
Arrowhead Lace – Aligned
This version is worked in a 2-row repeat.
Row 1 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
*Work TSS2tog in the next 2 stitches, then yarn over.* Repeat from * to * across the row to the last stitch.
Last stitch: Work TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 1 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Row 2 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
*Work TSS in the next stitch, then work TFS in the space created by the yarn over.* Repeat from * to * across the row to the last stitch.
Last stitch: Work TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 2 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to the desired length, ending with a Row 1.
Arrowhead Lace – Offset
This version is worked in a 4-row repeat.
Row 1 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
*Work TSS2tog in the next 2 stitches, then yarn over.* Repeat from * to * across the row to the last stitch.
Last stitch: Work TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 1 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Row 2 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
*Work TSS in the next stitch, then work TFS in the space created by the yarn over.* Repeat from * to * across the row to the last stitch.
Last stitch: Work TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 2 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Row 3 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook, then work TSS in the next stitch.
*Work TSS2tog in the next 2 stitches, then yarn over.* Repeat from * to * until the last 2 stitches remain.
Work TSS in the next stitch and TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 3 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Row 4 Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
*Work TSS in each of the next 2 stitches, then work TFS in the space created by the yarn over.* Repeat from * to * until the last 2 stitches remain.
Work TSS in the next stitch and TSS in the final edge stitch.
Row 4 Return Pass
Work a basic return pass.
Repeat Rows 1–4 to the desired length, ending with a Row 1 or Row 3.
Bind Off Row
Bind off in pattern.
For the aligned version, follow the stitch placement of Row 2. For the offset version, follow the stitch placement of Row 2 or Row 4, depending on the last row completed. Complete each stitch with a slip stitch as you bind off.
- Insert your hook in the next stitch placement as established by the pattern.
- Pull up a loop.
- Pull that loop through the loop already on your hook.
- Repeat across the row, keeping the bind off neat and even.
Last stitch: Insert your hook under both vertical bars of the final edge stitch, complete the slip stitch, chain 1, cut the yarn, and pull through to fasten off.
This stitch pattern depends on good drape to show its lace effect. If your fabric feels too firm or looks too tight, try a larger hook and a more relaxed tension.
I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Arrowhead Lace. It is a beautiful stitch pattern when you want open texture, graceful drape, and a delicate lace effect.
Have a happy day!
TexasPurl
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