Crocheting is a great pastime. It’s a blast to browse through your favorite patterns and find the ones that you like, but then it can be daunting when you’re ready to start making something for yourself.
Tunisian Crochet has been around for quite some time, but people often haven’t heard about it. In this beginner guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Tunisian Crochet basics so that you can get started right away!
| Main Points |
|---|
| Tunisian crochet is a unique crochet technique that uses a long, “afghan” hook. |
| It can be a great option for individuals who want to create patterns that look similar to knitting or who find regular crochet difficult on their hands or wrists. |
| The basic Tunisian crochet stitches are easy to learn and can be used to create a wide range of patterns and designs. |
| To get started with Tunisian crochet, you’ll need a specialized hook as well as yarn and other basic crochet tools. |
| There are many resources available online for individuals who are interested in learning more about Tunisian crochet. |
1: Materials Needed
You will need a Tunisian hook and a crochet hook, both of which have different purposes. The Tunisian hook has a long shaft and is used to work rows back and forth.
It’s also called an afghan hook or an Afghan Crochet Hook because it was used to make Afghans in the 19th century, when they were popular with British soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
The crochet hook is shorter, with an eye at each end so you can pull your yarn through loops without having to thread it through the eye again (very handy!).
The other tools you’ll need include: A ruler or measuring tape; scissors; yarn bobbins if you’re going to be working on several colors of yarn at once—or a ball winder (not essential if you’re just starting out). You may also want some stitch markers if you find yourself getting lost while working on complicated projects (like me).
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2: Chain stitches
There are two ways to make a chain stitch in Tunisian crochet. You can either use an actual chain, or you can work a slip knot and then keep going.
To create your initial loop, you’ll need to make a slip knot: Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull it through the loop on the other end of your hook.
Tunisian Crochet Chain Stitches
| Stitch Name | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Row | FwdP | This is the first row of stitches worked onto the foundation chain. |
| Tunisian Simple Stitch | Tss | Insert the hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of the next stitch, yarn over the hook, and pull up a loop. Repeat across the row. |
| Tunisian Knit Stitch | Tks | Insert the hook through the center of the next stitch from front to back, yarn over the hook, and pull up a loop. |
| Tunisian Purl Stitch | Tps | Skip the next vertical bar, insert the hook from the front to the back under the next vertical bar, yarn over the hook, and pull up a loop. |
| Tunisian Reverse Stitch | Trs | Work a standard Tss, inserting the hook under the back vertical bar instead of the front. |
| Simple Stitch Bind-Off | TssBO | Work a Tss in the first stitch, then continue working Tss stitches until one loop remains on the hook. |
| Standard Bind-Off | BO | Work two stitches, then use the hook to pull the first stitch over the second stitch and off the hook. Repeat across the row until one loop remains on the hook. |
3: Single Crochet Stitches
A single crochet stitch is the basic stitch for Tunisian crochet, used to make the fabric look like woven fabric. It’s also used in regular crochet and knitting.
Single crochet stitches are made by inserting your hook into a stitch from front to back (or back to front), pulling up a loop, and then through that loop again before finally completing it with either yarn over or turning chains. This will give you two loops on your hook; you then insert your hook into the next space in your work (which should be a row of foundation stitches), draw up another loop, and complete as normal.
For Tunisian single crochet, you’ll need to skip one row before working into this new row that has been skipped over; remember when we said earlier that rows are identified by their bumps? Well these bumps line up perfectly with each other so if we’re skipping an entire row at once then those bumps will still line up properly!
To start working from this point onward simply insert your hook through any space directly above where its corresponding bump would be located – just remember which direction (left-to-right/right-to-left) if working circularly otherwise follow directions given below appropriately for flat pieces such as blankets or scarves etcetera..
If you’re new to Tunisian crochet and looking for easy patterns to try, our guide on 10 easy crochet patterns for beginners is the perfect place to start. From scarves to dishcloths, these patterns are simple yet satisfying to create.
4: Double Crochet Stitches
There are two different ways to create the yarn over and then pull through, depending on what kind of stitch you want.
The first way is to insert your hook into the front loop of the stitch, yarn over, pull through both loops on your hook to complete a double crochet one fashion (you will notice that this is similar to how you would do a normal double crochet).
The second method involves inserting your hook into the back loop of the same stitch and going through all three loops on your hook.
Tunisian Crochet Double Crochet Stitches
| Stitch Name | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Row | FwdP | This is the first row of stitches worked onto the foundation chain. |
| Tunisian Double Crochet | Tdc | Yarn over the hook, insert the hook under the front and back vertical bars of the next stitch, yarn over the hook and pull up a loop. Yarn over the hook and pull through two loops on the hook. Repeat across the row. |
| Tunisian Double Crochet Two Together | Tdc2tog | Yarn over the hook and insert it under the front and back vertical bars of the next two stitches. Yarn over the hook and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook, then yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. |
| Tunisian Double Crochet Three Together | Tdc3tog | Yarn over the hook and insert it under the front and back vertical bars of the next three stitches. Yarn over the hook and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook three times. |
| Double Stitch Bind-Off | TdcBO | Work a Tdc in the first stitch, then work a Tdc2tog across the remaining stitches, pulling the final loop through the last stitch on the row. |
5: Tunisian Slip Stitch
The Tunisian slip stitch is a decrease used to make vertical lines (either straight or curved). The stitch is similar to a single crochet, but it includes a yarn over between the two steps of the decrease.
6: Tunisian Single Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian single crochet stitch is worked in the same way as a basic single crochet with the hook coming out of the back of your work (the right side) instead of the front. It also has an extra loop on the hook that needs to be worked into.
To do this, insert your hook into the first chain space from behind (right to left). You will then pick up a loop and finish it off like you would any other stitch by pulling through all loops at once using your hook.
The last step is to draw up another loop, which you’ll continue working into until it’s complete!
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7: Using the Hook
When you’re crocheting, be sure to use a hook that is the same size as your yarn. The size of your finished piece depends largely on the type of yarn you choose and whether or not it’s doubled (a single strand).
If your yarn is doubled, then you’ll need to use a hook that’s 2 or 3 sizes larger than the yarn. For example: if you’re using Jiffy Thick & Quick (which is double-stranded), then you’ll want to use an H-8/5 mm crochet hook—this will ensure that your stitches are loose enough for amigurumi!
Next, let’s talk about how best to hold your hook when Tunisian Crochet’ing. Generally speaking, we recommend holding it like so:
- Hold your forefinger on top of the thumb rest with three fingers in between them
- Place other fingers behind looped stitch which should be held by thumb rest
This positioning allows for easy movement between stitches without any strain on wrists or hands!
8: Special Stitches used in Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss): This is the most basic stitch in Tunisian crochet. It’s also called a Tunisian knit stitch, but don’t confuse it with the knit stitches you make in knitting! You can create a flat row by alternating one Tss plus one Tks or two Tsks stitches.
Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks): This creates a ridge on your fabric that looks like knitting. To make this stitch, you will bring your hook under both horizontal bars of your current row and then over one vertical bar before pulling through to complete the stitch.
Tunisian Purl Stitch (Tps): A purl stitch makes a ridge on top of your finished fabric that looks like purl in knitting, hence its name! To make this stitch, you’ll need to work under both horizontal bars as well as over one vertical bar before pulling through to complete the stitch.
Tunisian Ribbing Stitch: If you want ribbing on your project without having to add extra rows for each line of ribbing stitches or without having multiple colors involved, try using this technique!
The result will be much faster than adding additional rows and using different colors for each line of ribbed patterning because there’s only ever two loops holding onto each other instead of three (one from left needle tip and two from right needle tip).
Special Stitches Used in Tunisian Crochet
| Stitch Name | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Row | FwdP | This is the first row of stitches worked onto the foundation chain. |
| Tunisian Simple Stitch Decrease | TssDec | Insert the hook under the front vertical bar of the next stitch, yarn over the hook, and pull up a loop. Insert the hook under the front vertical bar of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. |
| Tunisian Full Stitch | Tfs | Insert the hook through the front vertical bar, the horizontal bar between the front and back vertical bars, and the back vertical bar of the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. |
| Tunisian Bobble Stitch | Tbs | Work a Tfs stitch, but don’t pull through the final loop. Instead, yarn over and insert the hook through the same stitch again, working Tfs stitches until there are five loops on the hook. Then, yarn over and pull through all five loops at once. |
| Tunisian Crossed Stitch | Txs | Skip the next vertical bar, insert the hook diagonally from front to back under the next vertical bar, yarn over the hook and pull up a loop. Insert the hook from front to back under the skipped stitch, then yarn over and pull up a loop. |
| Honeycomb Stitch | THoneyComb | Work a Tfs in the second stitch, then work a TssDec in the third and fourth stitches. Repeat across the row, ending with a Tfs in the last stitch. |
9: Crocheting in the Round
Tunisian crochet can also be done in the round. This is a method that uses chains to create a continuous strand, and it can be used to create circular items such as scarves, hats, or blankets.
A Tunisian crochet afghan is made by crocheting one chain stitch after another without turning your work until you’ve made your desired length of chain stitches (usually around 450). You’ll then begin working into each chain stitch with your hook, continuing until you’re satisfied with your project.
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10: Tunisian Simple Stitch Tutorial
Tunisian simple stitch is a basic stitch in Tunisian crochet. It’s worked by inserting the hook into the next chain, then pulling through. You can work Tunisian simple stitch in the round or back and forth in rows.
Let’s take a look at how to do Tunisian simple stitch!
11. Color Theory and Planning Your Work
Color Theory is important to know because it will help you make your work look good, and also give it a professional quality.
There’s no right or wrong way to use colors when making Tunisian crochet projects; however, there are some basic rules that will help you plan your work.
If you want to use a particular color pattern, then keep in mind that one color can be carried along for several rows before being picked up again at the next row.
For example: if your pattern calls for three rows of blue followed by one row of yellow-green, then this is how the colors should be arranged:
Blue Blue Yellow Green Yellow Green Blue Yellow Green Yellow Green Blue Yellow Green Blue Yellow Green etc.
12. How To Work In The Round With No Seam Allowance!
Working in the round is one of the most common Tunisian crochet techniques because it allows you to make seamless items. Many stitchers love being able to skip the seam allowance, especially when working with a complex stitch pattern.
If you’re just starting out with Tunisian crochet, you may be confused about how to work without a seam allowance.
You’ll want to make sure that your stitches are joined together seamlessly so they will lie flat and look professional when finished. It can be tricky at first but once you get used to the technique, it’s actually quite simple!
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Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you to understand Tunisian Crochet and the many possibilities it offers. It’s a truly versatile technique that can be used for a variety of projects.
The best part is, once you’ve learned how to do a stitch or two, they’re easy enough to remember from one project to another!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about Tunisian crochet, check out these helpful resources:
Tunisian Crochet: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: Yarnspirations offers a comprehensive guide to Tunisian crochet, covering everything from basic stitches to advanced techniques.
The Beginner’s Guide to Tunisian Crochet: The TLYC Blog provides a beginner-friendly guide to Tunisian crochet, including step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Tunisian Crochet Tutorial for Beginners: The Unraveled Mitten offers a beginner’s tutorial on Tunisian crochet, complete with video tutorials and helpful tips.
FAQs
What is Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet is a type of crochet that uses a long, “afghan” hook to work stitches in a unique way. It’s sometimes also called “afghan crochet,” “tricot crochet,” or “crochet knit.”
What are some benefits of Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet can be a great technique to learn for a variety of reasons. It creates a unique fabric that can look like a combination of knitting and crochet, and it can be used to create a wide range of patterns and designs. Additionally, because it uses a long hook and works up in rows, it can be easier on the hands and wrists than traditional crochet.
What makes Tunisian crochet different from regular crochet?
Tunisian crochet is different from traditional crochet in a couple of key ways. First, it uses a long, straight, double-ended hook, as opposed to a short, curved hook. Additionally, it keeps multiple loops on the hook throughout the row, rather than working them off one at a time like in traditional crochet.
What kind of yarn is best for Tunisian crochet?
The best yarn for Tunisian crochet can vary depending on the project and the stitch pattern, but generally speaking, it’s best to choose a yarn that has good stitch definition and doesn’t split easily. Worsted or aran weight yarns are a good place to start.
Do I need special tools to get started with Tunisian crochet?
Yes, you’ll need a specialized hook called a Tunisian crochet hook, also known as an afghan hook. You may also want to invest in a set of stitch markers and a row counter to help you keep track of your work.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!