Tunisian Wave Stitch

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 stitch height, yarn choice, and color changes can all affect the finished fabric.

The Tunisian Wave Stitch creates beautiful visual contrast by combining stitches of different heights. The result is a flowing surface design with little to no curl.

Though both versions can be worked in a single color, the pattern stands out especially well with 2 colors in the first method and 3 colors in the second method.

Rolling Waves

This version creates a softer wave effect by combining Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), Tunisian Double Stitch (TDS), and Tunisian Treble Stitch (TTS). A video tutorial for a similar method is also available from Infiniti Crafting Co.

Materials

• 2 balls of the same weight yarn in contrasting colors
• Tunisian hook 2–3 sizes larger than the ball band recommendation

Stitches Used

• TSS – Tunisian Simple Stitch
• TDS – Tunisian Double Stitch: yarn over, insert hook under the vertical bar of the stitch in the previous row, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops
• TTS – Tunisian Treble Stitch: yarn over twice, insert hook under the vertical bar of the stitch in the previous row, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice
• LTTS – Linked Tunisian Treble Stitch: yarn over, insert hook either in the second chain of the beginning chain-3 stitch or in the diagonal bar of the previous TTS, pull up a loop, insert hook under the vertical bar of the stitch in the previous row, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice

Why use LTTS? It helps avoid large holes along the edges when adding a border later.

Foundation

Begin with a chain in multiples of 8 + 4 using Color A. The sample swatch is worked over 28 stitches.

You may use a basic foundation row by pulling up a loop in each back bump of the chain, or you may begin directly with the wave pattern as written below.

Row 1

Color A: TSS in the first 2 stitches, *TDS in the next 2 stitches, TTS in the next 2 stitches, TSS in the next 2 stitches*. Repeat from * to * until 3 stitches remain, then work TSS in the last 3 stitches.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color B when completing the last stitch.

Row 2

Color B: Chain 3, work LTTS, then TTS. *TDS in the next 2 stitches, TSS in the next 2 stitches, TDS in the next 2 stitches, TTS in the next 2 stitches*. Repeat from * to * to the last stitch, then work LTTS in the final stitch.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color A when completing the last stitch.

Helpful Note:
Catch Color A in the second chain at the beginning of Row 2 to help hide the yarn when carrying it up the side of the project.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to the desired length.

Finish with a basic bind off.

Defined Waves

This version creates a more distinct wave effect by combining Tunisian Slip Stitch (TSLS), TSS, and TDS across a 4-row repeat. A video tutorial for a similar method is also available from 9603 Design Co.

Materials

• 3 balls of the same weight yarn in contrasting colors
• Tunisian hook 2–3 sizes larger than the ball band recommendation

Stitches Used

• TSLS – Tunisian Slip Stitch: insert hook under the vertical bar and hold; do not pull up a loop
• TSS – Tunisian Simple Stitch
• TDS – Tunisian Double Stitch: yarn over, insert hook under the vertical bar of the stitch in the previous row, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops

Foundation Row

Begin with a chain in multiples of 8 + 4 using Color A. The sample swatch is worked over 28 stitches.

Work a basic foundation row by pulling up a loop in each back bump of the chain. Work a basic return pass, changing to Color B when completing the last stitch.

Row 1

Color B: *TSLS in the next 2 stitches, TSS in the next 2 stitches, TDS in the next 2 stitches, TSS in the next 2 stitches*. Repeat from * to * until 3 stitches remain, then work TSLS in the next 2 stitches and TSS in the last stitch.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color A when completing the last stitch.

Row 2

Color A: Work TSS in all stitches across.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color C when completing the last stitch.

Row 3

Color C: Chain 2, then *TDS in the next 2 stitches, TSS in the next 2 stitches, TSLS in the next 2 stitches, TTS in the next 2 stitches*. Repeat from * to * until 3 stitches remain, then work TDS in the last 3 stitches.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color A when completing the last stitch.

Row 4

Color A: Work TSS in all stitches across.

Work a basic return pass, changing to Color B when completing the last stitch.

Repeat Rows 1–4 to the desired length, ending with Row 2 or Row 4.

Finish with a basic bind off.

Helpful Note:
Because this stitch pattern relies on different stitch heights for its visual effect, keeping your tension as even as possible will help the waves look more defined and balanced.

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I hope this tutorial helps you feel more comfortable with Tunisian Wave Stitch. It is a beautiful stitch pattern when you want movement, texture, and striking visual contrast in your Tunisian crochet.

Have a happy day!

TexasPurl