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 is also available from CrochetKim.
The Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) creates a soft texture and can help counteract curling in Tunisian crochet fabric. Few patterns use TPS by itself. Instead, it is often used as a utility stitch alongside other stitches to create beautiful texture and improve balance in the fabric.
This stitch closely resembles a knitted purl stitch. What distinguishes TPS from many other Tunisian stitches is the position of the working yarn. Rather than keeping the yarn at the back of the work, you hold it in front of the fabric while making the stitch.
TPS can feel awkward at first, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little practice. Once your hands become familiar with the yarn placement, it becomes much easier to work. It is similar to Tunisian Reverse Stitch (TRS), though TPS produces a thinner, less dense fabric. The popular Honeycomb Stitch uses a combination of TSS and TPS.
Foundation Row
Begin this stitch, and nearly all Tunisian crochet projects, with a foundation row.
- Chain any 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.
Working Tunisian Purl Stitch
TPS is worked much like Tunisian Simple Stitch, with one important difference: the working yarn is held in front of the fabric.
Forward Pass
Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
Bring the working yarn to the front of the fabric. With yarn in front, insert your hook from right to left under the next front vertical bar.
Yarn over and pull up a loop, allowing the working yarn to move back into place as you draw up the loop. Leave the loop on your hook.
Repeat across the row until you reach the last stitch.
Last stitch of the forward pass: Work the final stitch as you would for TSS by inserting your hook under both vertical bars of the edge stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Return Pass
Work a basic return pass: yarn over and draw through one loop only, then yarn over and draw through two loops across the row until one loop remains on your hook.
Continue repeating the forward pass and return pass until your work reaches the desired length.
Bind Off Row
Begin the bind off just as you would begin any TPS row.
- Bring the yarn to the front of the work.
- Insert your hook under the next front vertical bar as for Tunisian Purl Stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Continue pulling that loop through the loop already on your hook to create a slip stitch.
- Repeat across the row to the last stitch.
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.
If Tunisian Purl Stitch feels awkward at first, that is completely normal. The yarn placement is different from most other Tunisian stitches, and it often becomes much more comfortable after a few rows of practice.
I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Purl Stitch. It is a very useful stitch to have in your Tunisian crochet toolbox, especially when you want to add texture or help balance the curl of other stitches.
Have a happy day!
TexasPurl
0 Comments