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 1–2 sizes larger than the yarn label recommends is especially helpful for this stitch.
  • Always swatch for proper tension, especially since yarn choice, hook size, and stitch placement can all affect the finished fabric.

Video tutorials for this stitch can also be found from CrochetKim and Ellen Gormley.

The Tunisian Drop Stitch creates a very lacy fabric with extra-tall stitches and an open, airy look. It can be worked with several Tunisian stitches, including Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS), Tunisian Reverse Stitch (TRS), and Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS).

This stitch pattern is especially lovely when you want drape, openness, and a dramatic elongated effect in the fabric.

Important Note:
The return pass for this stitch is different from the basic return pass used in many earlier Tunisian crochet tutorials.

After each return pass, gently tug upward on the top of the project to help merge the yarn overs with the stitches and create the long lacy loops.

Foundation Row

A traditional foundation row can be used with this stitch to give the bottom of the project more stability. If you prefer to begin with the drop-stitch setup immediately, you can skip this step. For a sturdier lower edge, however, the following foundation row works well.

  1. Create any number of chains plus 1 extra chain.
  2. Insert your hook into the back bump of the third chain from the hook. The extra chain helps lengthen the edge stitch to better match the body of the work.
  3. *Yarn over, insert your hook into the next back bump, yarn over, pull up a loop.*
  4. Repeat from * to * until one stitch remains.
  5. Yarn over, insert your hook into the next back bump, yarn over, and pull up a loop.

Foundation Row Return Pass

Chain 2.

*Remove the hook from the last loop on the hook, drop the yarn over (the next loop) from the hook, then place the last loop back on the hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.*

Repeat from * to * until 3 loops remain on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.

Drop Stitch with TSS, TKS, or TRS

This method can be worked with Tunisian Simple Stitch, Tunisian Knit Stitch, or Tunisian Reverse Stitch. Simply substitute the stitch you want to use in the same placement.

Forward Pass

Chain 1, then skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on the hook.

*Work TSS in the next stitch, then yarn over and work TSS in the following stitch.*

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

Yarn over, then work TSS in the second chain of the last stitch.

If you prefer, substitute TKS or TRS in place of TSS throughout the row.

Return Pass

Chain 2.

*Remove the hook from the last loop on the hook, drop the yarn over (the next loop) from the hook, then place the last loop back on the hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.*

Repeat from * to * until 3 loops remain on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.

Drop Stitch with TPS

When working this stitch with Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS), the method is very similar, but the wrap is made with a yarn under rather than a yarn over.

Forward Pass

Chain 1, then skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on the hook.

*Work TPS in the next stitch, then yarn under and work TPS in the following stitch.*

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

Yarn over, then work TSS in the second chain of the last stitch.

Return Pass

Chain 2.

*Remove the hook from the last loop on the hook, drop the yarn under (the next loop) from the hook, then place the last loop back on the hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.*

Repeat from * to * until 3 loops remain on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice.

Bind Off Row

Bind off using a traditional bind off with the stitch used in the pattern.

If you worked the pattern in TSS, bind off in TSS. If you worked it in TKS, TRS, or TPS, bind off in that same stitch pattern for the cleanest finish.

Helpful Note:
After every return pass, gently tug upward on the top edge of the fabric. This helps the yarn overs or yarn unders settle into the stitches and creates the long, open loops that give this stitch its lacy look.
Continue Exploring

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I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Drop Stitch. It is a beautiful stitch combination when you want airy texture, extra height, and a fabric with a delicate, lacy feel.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl