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 Moogly.
The Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) is one of the most popular and recognizable Tunisian crochet stitches. It is also known as Afghan Stitch or Tunisian Basic Stitch. For many beginners, this stitch tends to curl, especially when worked too tightly. Because the stitch is worked into the front vertical bar, a natural curl toward the front of the fabric is common. With the right hook size and a relaxed tension, however, beautiful projects can be achieved.
TSS is also a popular choice for making graphghans and other colorwork projects.
Foundation Row
Begin this stitch, and nearly all Tunisian crochet projects, with a foundation row.
- Chain any number of stitches.
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on your hook.
- Repeat across the row, pulling up a loop in each chain. This completes the forward pass. Do not turn your work.
To complete the return pass, yarn over and draw through one loop only. Then yarn over and draw through two loops. Repeat the draw-through-two-loops sequence across the row until one loop remains on your hook.
Your foundation row is now complete. You should be able to see the vertical bars across the front of the row. These bars are where many Tunisian stitches are worked.
Working Tunisian Simple Stitch
Tunisian Simple Stitch is worked through the front vertical bar.
Forward Pass
Skip the vertical bar directly beneath the loop currently on your hook. Insert your hook from right to left behind the next front vertical bar, keeping the hook at the front of the work rather than inserting it from front to back.
Yarn over and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on your hook.
Repeat this process across the row until you reach the last stitch.
Last stitch of the forward pass: Insert your hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch. This edge stitch looks like a V on the outer edge of the fabric. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
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
In most Tunisian crochet projects, a bind off row is used to finish the fabric neatly. One common exception is lace, where a bind off may not be desirable because it can close up the open design.
To bind off in TSS:
- Skip the vertical bar directly beneath the loop on your hook.
- Insert your hook as you would for Tunisian Simple Stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Continue pulling that loop through the loop already on your hook, creating 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 your fabric curls more than expected, try using a larger hook and relaxing your tension. A slight curl is normal in Tunisian Simple Stitch, but overly tight stitching can make it much more pronounced.
I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Simple Stitch. It is a foundational stitch that opens the door to many beautiful Tunisian crochet techniques and patterns.
Have a happy day! TexasPurl
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