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 the Diagonal Lattice Stitch is also available from Hookloopsarah Crochet.

The Tunisian Diagonal Lattice Stitch (TDLS) is made with a Tunisian Simple Stitch 2 Together combination over a 2-row repeat. It creates a lightly textured fabric with delicate diagonal features.

This stitch has a slight curl and tends to pull toward the center of the fabric, so a loose tension is recommended. Swatching is especially helpful with this stitch pattern so you can find the hook size and tension that give you the best result.

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 Diagonal Lattice Stitch

This stitch pattern is worked in a 2-row repeat.

Row 1 Forward Pass

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

*Insert your hook under the next 2 vertical bars and pull up a loop (TSS2tog). Then insert your hook under the first vertical bar of the TSS2tog just made and pull up a loop.*

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.

Row 2 Forward Pass

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

*Insert your hook under the next 2 vertical bars and pull up a loop (TSS2tog). Then insert your hook under the first vertical bar of the TSS2tog just made and pull up a loop.*

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

Work TSS in the next stitch, 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.

Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 to the desired length.

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:
Tunisian Diagonal Lattice Stitch can pull inward and develop a slight curl. A loose tension and generous hook size can help the diagonal texture show more clearly.

I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Diagonal Lattice Stitch. It is a beautiful choice when you want a subtle diagonal texture and a delicate lattice effect in your Tunisian crochet.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl