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.
Shell patterns are so pretty in traditional crochet, and they add beautiful definition and visual interest in Tunisian crochet as well.
This stitch pattern does not use a traditional foundation row in the same way as many other Tunisian stitches, although a standard foundation row can still be used if you want more structure at the beginning of the project.
In this pattern, the forward pass is worked by pulling up loops through the chain stitches and the closing stitches of the shell clusters. The return pass is where the shell pattern is formed by closing multiple loops together and using chain stitches to separate the shell clusters.
When working into the chain stitches, insert your hook into either the top bar or the back bump of the chain. Just be consistent throughout the project.
4-Stitch Shell
This version is worked over a beginning chain in multiples of 4 + 2.
Starting Row
Begin in the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop in each chain across.
Return Pass
*Chain 3, yarn over, pull the loop through the next 5 loops, chain 1 to close the shell.* Repeat from * to * until there are 2 loops left on the hook. Chain 1, yarn over, and pull through the final 2 loops.
Forward Pass
Insert your hook in the next chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
*Insert your hook in the closing stitch of the shell cluster, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then insert your hook in each of the next 3 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull up a loop in each one.*
Repeat from * to * to the last shell cluster closing stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop through the closing stitch of the final shell cluster, then insert your hook in each of the next 2 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull up a loop in each one.
Last stitch: Pull up a loop under both bars of the final chain stitch.
Repeat the Return Pass and Forward Pass to the desired length, ending with a Return Pass.
Bind Off
Insert your hook in the next chain, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the chain and the loop on your hook.
*Insert your hook in the closing stitch of the shell cluster, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the stitch and the loop on your hook. Then insert your hook in each of the next 3 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the chain and the loop on your hook.*
Repeat from * to * to the last shell cluster closing stitch.
Yarn over and pull a loop through the closing stitch of the shell cluster and the loop on your hook, then work the next 2 chain stitches in the same way.
Last stitch: Yarn over, pull up a loop under both bars of the final chain stitch, and pull it through the loop on your hook. Fasten off.
5-Stitch Shell
This version is worked over a beginning chain in multiples of 5 + 2.
Starting Row
Begin in the second chain from the hook and pull up a loop in each chain across.
Return Pass
Chain 3, *yarn over, pull the loop through the next 6 loops, chain 1 to close the shell, chain 4.* Repeat from * to * until there are 2 loops left on the hook. Chain 2, yarn over, and pull through the final 2 loops.
Forward Pass
Insert your hook in each of the next 2 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull up a loop in each one.
*Insert your hook in the closing stitch of the shell cluster, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then insert your hook in each of the next 4 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull up a loop in each one.*
Repeat from * to * to the last shell cluster closing stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop through the closing stitch of the final shell cluster, then insert your hook in each of the next 2 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull up a loop in each one.
Last stitch: Pull up a loop under both bars of the final chain stitch.
Repeat the Return Pass and Forward Pass to the desired length, ending with a Return Pass.
Bind Off
Insert your hook in each of the next 2 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the chain and the loop on your hook.
*Insert your hook in the closing stitch of the shell cluster, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the stitch and the loop on your hook. Then insert your hook in each of the next 4 chain stitches, yarn over, and pull the loop through both the chain and the loop on your hook.*
Repeat from * to * to the last shell cluster closing stitch.
Yarn over and pull a loop through the closing stitch of the shell cluster and the loop on your hook, then work the next 2 chain stitches in the same way.
Last stitch: Yarn over, pull up a loop under both bars of the final chain stitch, and pull it through the loop on your hook. Fasten off.
This stitch pattern looks especially pretty when the chains and shell closings are worked evenly. Try to keep your chain tension consistent so the shell shapes stay neat and balanced.
I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Shell Lace. It is a beautiful stitch pattern when you want open texture, delicate shell shaping, and a fabric with lovely visual interest.
Have a happy day!
TexasPurl
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