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 Tunisian Tweed Stitch is available from Hookloopsarah Crochet.

A tutorial for the Tunisian Twisted Upward Simple Stitch is also available from Rachel Henri Crochet Design. There are a couple of different ways to create a twisted simple stitch. One twists the stitch with an upward motion, which is the version used in this Tweed Stitch pattern, and another uses a downward motion. The results are quite different.

The Tunisian Tweed Stitch is a combination pattern made from Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) and Tunisian Twisted Upward Simple Stitch (TwUpTSS or TWS) in a 2-row repeat. This combination creates a dense fabric with little V-shaped stitches scattered throughout the surface.

This stitch has a moderate tendency to curl. After some swatching, I found that a subtle change can make those little V stitches stand out even more while also helping reduce curl. You can substitute Modified TSS for standard TSS if you would like a slightly flatter 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 Tweed 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.

*Work TSS (or Modified TSS), then work TWS.* 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 TWS.

*Work TSS (or Modified TSS), then work TWS.* Repeat from * to * across the row to the next-to-last stitch.

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, ending with a Row 1.

Bind Off Row

Bind off in pattern as Row 2, completing each stitch with a slip stitch.

  1. Insert your hook in the next stitch placement as established by the pattern.
  2. 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:
If you want the tiny V-shaped details to show more clearly and would like to reduce curl a bit, try substituting Modified TSS for standard TSS in this pattern.

I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Tweed Stitch. It is a lovely textured pattern when you want a dense fabric with subtle little details scattered across the surface.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl