Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of crochet that uses a long hook and a special technique to create a fabric that is denser and more textured than traditional crochet. The crocheting technique creates a fabric that has a knit-like look. Many of the basic stitches have similar names such as knitting. The Tunisian crochet hooks also resemble the knitting needles. They are meant to be longer and accommodate stitches on its lengths. Interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks come with an option of attaching an interchangeable cord.

Tunisian crochet works in two rows. First you lay the foundation with chain stitches as long as you need for your project. Insert your Tunisian crochet hook into the second chain. Yarn over and pull up a loop that will stay on the hook. Continue to insert your crochet hook into each chain stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Keep all the stitches on the hook. For the next row, also known as the return pass work the stitches individually and off the hook. You will continue working the project working these two rows.

Here are some basic Tunisian crochet stitches:

  1. Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)

The common foundation stitch for most Tunisian crochet projects. It creates a dense and tightly woven fabric that is great for making blankets, scarves, and other cozy items.

To work the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), lay the foundation of chain stitches and work them. When you reach the end of the row, work a return pass to complete the stitch. To work subsequent rows, insert your hook under the two vertical bars of the stitch (the front loop and the back loop) from the row below, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Work the return pass, working the stitches the same way.

Work the stitch pattern to create more rows of Tunisian Simple Stitch.

  1. Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS)

Creating a knit-like texture on the surface of the fabric, the Tunisian crochet stitch that mimics the look of a knit stitch. It creates a fabric with a smooth surface that is great for making sweaters, hats, and other garments.

To work the Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS), after you have crocheted a foundation, insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the stitch (the one closest to you), from right to left. In this row you will keep the stitches on the hook. When you reach the end of the row, work a return pass to complete the stitch.

Yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook, then yarn over and pull through two loops at a time until only one loop remains on the hook. To work subsequent rows, insert your hook under the two vertical bars of the stitch (the front loop and the back loop) from the row below. Yarn over and pull up a loop, keeping it on the hook. Work a return pass as before to complete the row.

Repeat the steps to create more rows of Tunisian Knit Stitch.

  1. Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS)

Once you’ve worked on the foundation, this stitch creates a purl-like texture on the surface of the fabric. To make a TPS, work the foundation and return pass. For the stitch pattern bring the yarn to the front of the work. Insert the Tunisian crochet hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of the stitch, and then bring the yarn to the back of the work and yarn over to pull up a loop.

Repeat the steps to create more rows of Tunisian Purl Stitch.

  1. Tunisian Reverse Stitch (TRS)

After you work on the foundation and return pass, you can work with TRS. This stitch is worked from left to right and creates a twisted, textured fabric. To make a TRS, insert your hook from right to left under the back vertical bar of the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop.

Continue the two rows for more

  1. Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS)

This stitch combines TSS and TPS to create a fabric with a textured pattern. To make a TFS, work a TSS into the first stitch, then work a TPS into the second stitch, and alternate across the row.

These are just a few basic Tunisian crochet stitches, and there are many more variations and combinations that you can use to create unique and interesting fabrics.

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