TUNISIAN CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS & TUNISIAN SIMPLE STITCH

Tunisian crochet, also known as afghan stitch, combines everything there is between crocheting and knitting! In order to master Tunisian crochet you need to be acquainted with all the basic crochet stitches; the most common Tunisian crochet stitches are the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS) and the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS).

Tunisian rows are worked in two passes: the forward pass in which loops are added to the hook and the return pass where loops are worked off the hook. The work will never be turned so the right side is always be facing you!  Traditionally, Tunisian crochet creates a dense fabric, however today there are quite a number of interesting stitches ranging from lacy stitches, clusters and shells making it available for almost any project in mind! As a lot of loops will be on the hook Tunisian crochet requires either a long hook with a stopper at the end (similar to a knitting needle) or a shorted hook with a cable extension.

How to work the Tunisian Simple Stitch

The Tunisian Simple Stitch does not require that you work in a multiple. You can work with a foundation chain of any size.

Make any size foundation chain you’d like. In the tutorial, I started with 12 chains. Always work in the back bump of your chain.

Row 1 Forward Pass

: Insert hook into the second ch from hook. YO, pull up a loop (there will be two loops on hook). Insert hook into the next ch, YO, pull up a loop. Repeat all the way across. If you count the loops you should have as many as the starting foundation ch.

R

ow 1 Return Pass:

YO, pull through the first loop. YO, pull through two loops. Repeat until one loop remains on your hook.

Row 2 Forward Pass

: Skip the first vertical bar (directly below your hook). YO, pull up a loop. Insert hook into next ch, YO, pull up a loop. Repeat all the way across.

Row 2 Return Pass:

YO, pull through the first loop. YO, pull through two loops. Repeat until one loop remains on your hook.

Repeat the forward and return pass of row two until your project reaches the desired length.

Bind off

Begin your bind off process at the end of a return pass.

Insert hook into the second bar from hook. YO, pull up a loop and pull that same loop through the loop on your hook (sl st). Repeat for each stitch.

Bind off as usual.

Some helpful hints:

1) Never turn your work. The right side is always facing you.

2) Always skip the first vertical bar.

3) The final stitch on every Forward row should be a TSS.

4) Work the final stitch of every Forward row under both loops of the vertical and horizontal bar (if you turn the edge toward you it should look like a V-shape). This will maintain a straight edge.

5) Always count your stitches. This will ensure you did not miss picking up a stitch!

6) To reduce the curl, work in back bumps of foundation crochet, use a larger hook and eventually block your finished piece!