Tunisian crochet stitches offer rich textures and an exciting change of pace from traditional stitches. Tunisian crochet is fantastic for expanding your stitch repertoire while you make afghans, home decor, and even sweaters.
This collection includes 35 Tunisian crochet stitch patterns. Each pattern includes a step-by-step tutorial, suitable for beginners and experienced crafters.
This collection of Tunisian crochet stitch tutorials includes affiliate links.
Jump to:
- Tunisian Vs Traditional Crochet Vs Knitting
- The First Stitch You Should Learn
- Practice Any Stitch with a Standard Hook
- Tunisian Crochet Stitches with Video Tutorials
- Ideal Projects for Tunisian Crochet Stitches
- 5 Tips to Prevent Curling
- Supplies and Materials
- Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide Summary
- FAQs
- Free Tunisian Crochet Patterns
- That was so fun! Now what?
- Invitation to our Facebook group
Tunisian Vs Traditional Crochet Vs Knitting
Tunisian stitches blend the look of knitting with the ease of crochet. The Tunisian method differs from knitting and traditional crochet in the handling of stitches.
In traditional crochet, you work one stitch at a time. In Tunisian crochet, you hold an entire row of stitches on the hook.
This is similar to knitting, but Tunisian crochet uses a single hook instead of two knitting needles. It also consists of two main steps for each row: the forward pass (fwdP), where stitches are gathered onto the hook, and the return pass (retP), where they are worked off.
The First Stitch You Should Learn
The first Tunisian crochet stitch most people learn is called Tunisian simple stitch (abbreviated Tss). This is a rhythmic and easy crochet stitch to get started with.
You may also hear Tss called the “afghan stitch,” it’s not exclusively a crochet stitch for blankets. Learn how to Tunisian simple stitch with this photo and video tutorial.
Practice Any Stitch with a Standard Hook
Tunisian crochet can be intimidating because of the cables and long hooks. Did you know you can practice any Tunisian crochet stitch with a standard hook though?
Simply wrap a rubber band around the end of your crochet hook, and you’ll have the right equipment to swatch any of the stitches below!
(It’s important to note that this doesn’t work with ergonomic crochet hooks with thick handles. You want the shaft of the hook to be a consistent width, like the photo above.)
Tunisian Crochet Stitches with Video Tutorials
Discover the art of Tunisian crochet with our collection of 35 free stitch patterns, ideal for various skill levels and projects. Almost every design includes an easy-to-follow video tutorial (or a beginner photo tutorial.)
Brick Stitch (aka the Grid Stitch)
Follow our straightforward video and photo tutorial to master this stitch for your next crochet project.
Related: Practice this technique in the Brick Stitch Cowl Pattern
Crochet Ribbing Video Tutorial
Use this stitch with chunky yarn to make a sophisticated throw blanket and show off the neat, knit-like texture.
Related: Tunisian Blanket for Beginners
Tunisian Color Changing Trick
Watch the brief video tutorial to learn the simple trick for this woven look in just one minute!
Related: Try this technique in a Tunisian crochet scarf pattern
Diagonal Eyelet Stitch
The stitch pattern creates a light, airy fabric with diagonal holes, making it ideal for shawls, neck warmers, and baby blankets. Follow the step-by-step video tutorial to learn this fun variation on Tss.
Related: Try this out in the Stay at Home Tunisian Pocket Shawl Pattern
Tunisian Puff Stitch
Smock Stitch
You can create stunning and intricate designs for your home decor or add texture and depth to your projects with this helpful video tutorial from TL Yarn Crafts.
Honeycomb Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Cute and cozy, use this pattern to crochet a headband and matching mittens.
Tunisian Crochet Star Stitch
Tunisian Half Double Crochet (Thdc) Stitch
No multiple is needed, so work any number of chains for your project. The stitch is taller than the Tunisian Knit and Purl stitches, so you’ll work fewer rows to make fast progress.
The video tutorial by Heart Hook Home has easy-to-follow steps.
Easy Tunisian Puff Stitch
Tunisian Knit Stitch Tutorial
Master this technique quickly with the step-by-step instructions, detailed photos, and a video tutorial by Nicki’s Homemade Crafts.
Tunisian Extended Stitch (TES)
Tunisian Crochet Seed Stitch
Tunisian Crochet Basics
Tunisian Full Stitch
This stitch is so simple that even beginners can learn it quickly.
Tunisian Crochet Lace
Related: Try the full stitch in this Tunisian crochet fade shawl pattern
Basket Weave Stitch
This stitch offers endless possibilities: make washcloths, scarves, pillows, and zipper bags.
Tunisian Top Stitch (aka the Bump Stitch)
The detailed Tunisian crochet tutorial from Moogly is available for left and right-handed crafters.
Double Crochet Variation
Tunisian Crochet Mesh Stitch
Tunisian Double Crossed Stitch
Tunisian Ocean Stitch
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Tunisian Reverse Stitch
While it may take some practice working on the opposite side, you can use the step-by-step photo tutorial from Petals to Picots to help you master this skill.
Tunisian Color Changes
There’s a video tutorial and awesome photo guide from Moogly to walk you through three methods for changing colors.
Arrowhead Stitch Pattern
Braided Tunisian Crochet Stitch
Diagonal Tunisian Lattice Crochet Stitch
Tunisian Crochet Purl Stitch
Tunisian Chain Stitch Pattern
Tunisian Crochet Cables Pattern
Bamboo Stitch
Wildflowers Square & Stitch
Tunisian Top Loop (Ttls) Stitch
Stitch Tutorials for Mosaic Crochet
Follow the photo and/or video tutorial by KnittKnotter to learn this trendy technique.
Tunisian Crochet Ribbed Stitch
Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns?
Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.Ideal Projects for Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Tunisian crochet stitches are as gorgeous as they are versatile. The Tunisian technique creates a denser, woven-like fabric that’s less stretchy than traditional crochet or knitting. This makes it perfect for projects requiring a firmer texture.
Here are some projects where these simple Tunisian crochet stitches really shine:
Blankets and Afghans: The chunky and textured fabric created by Tunisian crochet is brilliant for warm, cozy blankets and afghans.
Scarves and Shawls: The unique look of Tunisian stitches makes scarves and shawls both stylish and warm.
Sweaters and Cardigans: Tunisian crochet can create a knit-like fabric ideal for clothing items such as sweaters and cardigans.
Hats and Beanies: The thickness and texture of Tunisian crochet make it suitable for creating durable and warm hats and beanies.
Pillows and Baskets: This technique can produce intricate, decorative patterns that are dense enough for crochet pillows, cushion covers, and baskets.
Bags and Purses: The sturdy nature of Tunisian crochet stitches is excellent for making durable bags and purses.
Toys and Amigurumi: While less common, Tunisian crochet can be used for toys and amigurumi (small, stuffed yarn creatures).
Rugs: The dense fabric is fab for floor rugs, offering durability and comfort.
5 Tips to Prevent Curling
Tunisian crochet is more prone to curling than traditional crochet. But don’t worry; there are several things you can do to prevent your Tunisian crochet stitches from curling:
- Use a Larger Hook Size: Use a hook 2-3 sizes larger than what’s recommended for your yarn to help reduce the tightness of the stitches, thus minimizing curling.
- Loosen Your Tension: Maintain an even, loose tension, as overly tight stitches can result in curling.
- Block Your Work: Wet blocking or steam blocking your finished piece can help relax the fibers and keep your work flat. Check out our guide to blocking crochet for a full tutorial.
- Add a Border: Adding a border will help to straighten the edges and give your work a professional, polished look. Either integrate a few border stitches into the edges as you crochet, or add a border once the main project is complete.
See this collection of crochet border ideas for lots of inspiration. - Mix Stitch Types: Some Tunisian stitches curl more than others, so try combining stitches that can balance each other out.
Supplies and Materials
These are the supplies you’ll need to start your Tunisian crochet stitch project:
- Tunisian crochet hook(s) – invest in a larger hook than what’s recommended on your chosen yarn
- Yarn needles – for weaving in ends and joining pieces together
- Steamer or iron with steam function – for blocking your work to prevent curling
- Stitch markers – to mark your place (useful when working through a tricky pattern)
- Scissors
Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Tunisian hooks are similar to regular crochet hooks but are longer and have a stopper at the end. These essential elements enable you to hold an entire row of stitches without slipping off.
You might have seen long Tunisian crochet hooks and regular hooks with removable cable. Both of these work well. I recommend investing in a set of hooks with cables because they are most versatile.
To begin with, you can practice Tunisian and swatching most stitches using a standard hook with a rubber band wrapped around the end to act as a stopper.
Pro Tip: Remember to use a hook that’s two to three sizes larger than what’s recommended on the yarn label to ensure the stitches aren’t too tight and hang nicely.
The Best Yarn for Tunisian Crochet
Like traditional crochet, you should choose yarn based on the pattern and personal preference.
One of the biggest benefits of the Tunisian method is that it’s easier to tell where to insert your hook for each stitch. This makes Tunisian a good option for working with difficult fibers, like boucle, fuzzy or fluffy yarn.
Useful Resources
I was pretty intimidated when I set out to learn how to crochet Tunisian style. However, I treated myself to Michelle Robinson’s book, “Tunisian Crochet Workshop,” and haven’t looked back since!
This fantastic guide covers all of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques you need to get started.
Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide Summary
The thing I love about Tunisian crochet is that it’s constantly evolving. There are so many beautiful stitches and stitch combinations to choose from!
Here are some of the different types of stitches at a glance to summarize what we’ve covered in the list of Tunisian crochet stitches above.
| Category | Examples of Stitches | Tendency to Curl | Density | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Stitches | Simple Stitch, Full Stitch, Knit Stitch Purl Stitch, Reverse Stitch | Likely Less likely | Dense | Sturdy items like blankets, bags, scarves, hats, baskets, and sweaters. |
| Alternating Stitch Patterns | Honeycomb Stitch, Smock Stitch, Seed Stitch | Less likely | Dense | Cardigans, bags, blankets, pillows, and textured scarves |
| Stacking Stitches | Knit Reverse Ribbing, Basketweave Simple Stitch Rib | Less likely Likely | Medium to dense | Ribbings for hats, sweater hems and cuffs, scarves, throws, and cushions. |
| Tall Stitches | Drop Stitch, Extended Stitch in TSS | Less likely | Somewhat loose and airy | Decorative scarves, shawls, summer clothes, and lightweight baby blankets. |
| Fancy Stitches | Eyelet Rib, Extended Shells, Layered Eyelets, Stacked Clusters | Somewhat | Loose and airy | Decorative items like lacy shawls, scarves, beach cover-ups. |
FAQs
Tunisian crochet often curls due to the natural tension of the stitches, especially in simpler stitches like the Tunisian Simple Stitch. This curling can be resolved by maintaining a looser tension, choosing the right hook size, or blocking the finished project.
There isn’t an exact number of Tunisian crochet stitch patterns, as these continuously evolve with the creativity of its enthusiasts. Numerous variations and combinations of simple stitches create a vast and ever-expanding array of patterns and textures.
Free Tunisian Crochet Patterns
If you love these stitches, we’ve got plenty more free easy Tunisian crochet patterns for you to try.
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss Tunisian crochet stitches and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other’s questions and share their stitches. Come join us!
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