You’ve probably heard of Tunisian Crochet by now, but maybe, like me, you’ve been a bit apprehensive. Learning something new can often be like that. But have no fear, I’m here to break it down for you and teach you how to Tunisian Crochet in this beginner’s guide.
I’ll explain all about what Tunisian Crochet is, what it looks like, what supplies you need, and importantly, how to make it.
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What is Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian Crochet, also sometimes called Afghan crochet, is a unique technique that combines elements of both crochet and knitting. Like crochet, you use a hook, but this is usually elongated with a stopper on the end. Like knitting, you work multiple loops onto the hook at once.
The resulting fabric is thicker and denser than regular crochet, with a less stretchy texture. There are a large variety of Tunisian stitches available, some resembling knit stitches and others offering unique textures.
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you one stitch, the Tunisian Simple Stitch!
Can Beginners do Tunisian Crochet?
Definitely!
Whilst Tunisian Crochet is similar to crochet and to knitting, it is also quite unique, and so, there really is no reason why a complete beginner couldn’t pick it up. I have lots of videos over on my YouTube channel which can help you out too!
Make sure to read all of the tips below and take your time. Learning anything new always takes time to get the hang of, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it on the first try.
When should I use Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian Crochet creates a thick, dense fabric that is good for blankets and winter accessories. The fabric isn’t as stretchy as regular crochet, which I think makes it quite suitable for things like bags.
However, there are a couple of things to note. Tunisian Crochet does seem to use more yarn than regular crochet, so that’s something to be wary of when planning your project. It also has a tendency to curl up massively! I’ll go through some ways to reduce the curl further down.
What is the Tunisian Simple Stitch?
The Tunisian Simple Stitch is usually the first stitch you would learn in Tunisian Crochet. It’s the easiest to pick up with a simple single row repeat to create a beautifully textured fabric.
This is the stitch I will be showing you how to make in this article.
What supplies do I need?
Yarn
When starting out with Tunisian Crochet, you will want to choose a yarn that is easy to work with. Now, it doesn’t really matter what weight of yarn you choose, but you will want something that is smooth. Nothing fuzzy or fluffy or hairy or slippery!
I would recommend using a medium weight yarn. A worsted weight or a bulky weight are good for beginners as it enables you to see the stitches you are working. Too small a weight of yarn and you definitely will struggle to see where to insert your hook. Too large and it just becomes difficult to handle!
Hook
Tunisian Crochet hooks are different to regular crochet hooks. For starters, they are longer. They need to be able to fit lots of stitches on them after all! They often come with a stopper on the end to stop the stitches falling off.
There are a few different types. You can get long, straight metal or wooden ones with stoppers. You can also get ones with a flexible cable on the end to store all those stitches on.
There are also double ended hooks, which are used for working Tunisian Crochet in the round.
Like regular crochet, Tunisian Crochet hooks come in different materials, such as metal, wood, bamboo and plastic. And they also come in a range of different sizes.
Hook size
When you are choosing your hook size, you will need to select a hook that is 2 hook sizes bigger than you would normally use for that weight of yarn. So if you normally use a 4mm hook for a DK/light weight yarn, then I would recommend using a 6mm hook for Tunisian Crochet.
Notions
Other things you might need are:
- Stitch markers.
- A tapestry needle for working in ends.
- A small gauge crochet hook may be useful if you have too tightly pulled the stitch you are trying to work into.
The Basics of Tunisian Crochet
With Tunisian Crochet, the right side of the work always faces you.
Each row of Tunisian crochet consists of a forward pass (FwdP) and a return pass (RetP). The FwdP varies for different stitches. The RetP is largely the same for all Tunisian stitches.
The first and last stitches of a FwdP are usually different to the rest of the pass. The last stitch of the FwdP may be followed by chain stitches to raise the height of your work, but these vary between stitches and patterns, so where needed we always indicate them between the FwdP and RetP .
The first row of a piece of work is called the Foundation Row, and is composed of these parts: a chain of stitches, FwdP, an optional chain and RetP. Making the stitches of the Foundation Row into the back bump of the chain will give a neater edge, but if you prefer to make stitches through the front two loops, then you can do that.
Left or Right Handed?
Depending on your dominant hand, you may crochet with the hook in your left or right hand.
Because your work is always facing you, we refer to the side where your hook is at the start as the first stitch edge.
If you are left-handed:
You crochet with the hook in your left hand.
The FwdP is worked left to right, and the RetP is worked right to left.
The first stitch edge is on the left and the last stitch edge is on the right.
With Tunisian Simple Stitch, you work through the front bar left to right, i.e. in the direction you are working.
If you are right-handed:
You crochet with the hook in your right hand.
The FwdP is worked right to left, and the RetP is worked left to right.
The first stitch edge is on the right and the last stitch edge is on the left.
With Tunisian Simple Stitch, you work through the front bar right to left, i.e. in the direction you are working.
How to Tunisian Crochet – Step by Step
I am know going to show you how to make a simple strip of fabric using the Tunisian Simple Stitch, using any yarn and a suitably sized hook (see above).
The Foundation Row
Also known as the Set up Row, this is the first row of your Tunisian Crochet strip.
1. Make a foundation chain.
Make a foundation chain, with one chain for each stitch you need (so for this example of 10 stitches, we will chain 10). You do not count your initial slip knot nor the final loop on your hook.
2. Forward Pass (FwdP)
- Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the chain – there are now 2 loops on your hook.
- (Insert your hook in the next chain, yarn over and pull through the chain)* repeat until each chain has a loop (if you started with a chain of 10 there are now 10 loops on your hook).
3. Return Pass (RetP)
Chain 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops), repeat until only 1 loop left.
4. Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss) – Forward Pass
Insert your hook through the front vertical bar of the second stitch in the direction you are working. You will now have 2 loops on your hook. (Tss through the front vertical bar of the next stitch)* repeat until you reach the last stitch.
5. Last Stitch
This stitch is worked through the two bars of the stitch at the edge of the previous row. If you turn the edge towards you, you will see these two bars. Push your hook behind these 2 bars; Yarn over and pull through (this will be the edge stitch you work into at the end of the next FwdP, you may feel it useful to put a stitch marker in it).
6. Return Pass
Chain 1, (yarn over and pull through 2 loops), repeat until only 1 loop left. This is the same as you did for the Foundation (Set up) Row.
7. Add more rows
Continue repeating steps 4 to 6 to create more rows of Tunisian Simple Stitch, until you are happy with the height of your strip.
7. Slip Stitch Bind Off
- Through the front vertical bar of the second stitch of the previous row, insert your hook; yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook;
- (Through the front vertical bar of the next stitch of the previous row insert your hook, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook)* repeat until you reach the last stitch;
- Insert your hook through the two bars of the stitch at the edge of the previous row; yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
How to Tunisian Crochet Video Tutorial
If you prefer to learn by video, watch a tutorial of this method here.
Tunisian Crochet FAQs
You can, if you are only making a small Tunisian Crochet item, up to about 10 stitches wide. If you’re keen on this, have a look at Entrelac Tunisian Crochet, which builds up lots of small squares.
If you want to reduce the curl that is common with Tunisian Crochet, then it is important to go up at least 1 hook size and ideally 2, compared to what you would normally use for that weight of yarn.
Unfortunately, curling is something that is common with quite a few Tunisian Crochet stitches. You can reduce the curl by using a hook size that is 2mm bigger than the recommended hook size for the yarn you are using. Blocking also works to reduce the curl afterwards. Another way that helps is by joining the Tunisian Crochet fabric to another piece, like in my Tunis Market Bag. Or you could add a border of regular single crochet, which also helps. Finally remember to pull the stitches up to the full height of the row you are working on.
Afghan Crochet is just another name for Tunisian Crochet, they are the same thing.
You can use any yarn for Tunisian Crochet. For beginners I would recommend a worsted or bulky weight yarn that is smooth, so that you can see your stitches properly. If you’re not sure, try a swatch and see what it looks like!
When you start out, it will definitely be slower, but once you get into it, Tunisian Crochet is definitely a bit quicker than regular crochet and knitting.
What next?
I really hope you’ve enjoyed learning the basics of Tunisian Crochet with me. If you’re keen to learn more, check out my YouTube playlist on Tunisian Crochet.
If you’d like to make something using Tunisian Crochet, please try out my Tunis Market Bag.
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