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.

A video tutorial for Tunisian Bamboo Stitch is also available from Knitter Knotter. She refers to it as a Yarn Over 2 stitch.

The Tunisian Bamboo Stitch is made with yarn overs and Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS). It creates a delicate texture and an attractive fabric with horizontal wraps that resemble the joints of bamboo.

If the tension on the yarn over is too tight, the fabric can pull toward the center. A looser tension is recommended so the stitch pattern can open up and show more clearly.

This stitch pattern can be worked in two ways. Repeating the first row creates a stacked design, while alternating Rows 1 and 2 creates an offset design.

Foundation Row

Begin with a foundation row.

  1. Chain any even number of stitches.
  2. Beginning in the second chain from the hook, pull up a loop in each chain across the row.
  3. Complete a basic return pass.

For more detailed instruction on the foundation row and return pass, see the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) tutorial.

Tunisian Bamboo Stitch

This stitch pattern can be worked as either a 1-row repeat for a stacked design or a 2-row repeat for an offset design.

Row 1 Forward Pass

Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.

*Yarn over, insert your hook under the next vertical bar and pull up a loop (TSS), insert your hook under the following vertical bar and pull up a loop (TSS), then pull the last 2 loops on your hook back through the yarn-over loop.*

This creates the horizontal wrap across the last 2 stitches.

Repeat from * to * across the row to the last stitch.

Last stitch: Insert your hook under both vertical bars of the final edge stitch and pull up a loop.

Row 1 Return Pass

Work a basic return pass.

Repeat Row 1 for a stacked design.



Row 2 Forward Pass

Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook, then work TSS in the next vertical bar.

*Yarn over, insert your hook under the next vertical bar and pull up a loop (TSS), insert your hook under the following vertical bar and pull up a loop (TSS), then pull the last 2 loops on your hook back through the yarn-over loop.*

Repeat from * to * until the last 2 stitches remain.

Work TSS in the next vertical bar, then insert your hook under both vertical bars of the final edge stitch and pull up a loop.

Row 2 Return Pass

Work a basic return pass.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for an offset design.



Helpful Technique Note

The video tutorial demonstrates pulling the yarn over with your fingers. I found that if your hook has a deep enough throat, you can often pull the 2 TSS loops through the yarn over directly with the hook, which may feel easier and more efficient.

Bind Off Row

Bind off in TSS, completing each stitch with a slip stitch.

  1. Insert your hook under the next stitch as for Tunisian Simple Stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  3. Pull that loop through the loop already on your hook.
  4. 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.

Helpful Note:
Keep your yarn overs relaxed. If they are worked too tightly, the fabric can draw inward and the bamboo effect will not show as clearly.

I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Bamboo Stitch. It is a lovely choice when you want a delicate texture with a distinctive wrapped look.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl