Tunisian Crochet Basics
Tunisian Crochet makes a dense and squishy fabric with a beautiful texture. It’s very easy to learn and very satisfying to hook up!
This type of crochet is distinguished by the tool you use to work it, namely a long “Afghan” hook. You should choose a size that is at least two sizes bigger then the hook you would normally use with the same yarn.
Another characteristic of Tunisian Crochet is that the front side of the fabric is always facing you. Generally, you create Tunisian Crochet fabric by alternating “Forward” and “Return” rows. The Forward row moves from right to left as you pick up stitches, leaving them on the shaft of the hook. And the Return row moves from left to right as you remove the stitches from the hook.
Here you’ll learn how to make a Tunisian Crochet fabric using the basic Tunisian Simple Stitch. Let’s get started!
Foundation Chain
Make a foundation chain just as you would for regular crochet. (Your pattern will tell you how many chains to make.) Don’t know how to make a foundation chain? Check out our tutorial right here.
Preparation Row
A crocheted chain has a front side characterized by interlocking “v”‘s and a back side characterized by small bumps. In the above photo the front side is on the left, and the back side is on the right.
You will work the Preparation Row into the bumps of the back side of the chain, starting with the second bump from the hook.
Insert the hook into the back bump, yarn over and pull a loop through, leaving it on the Afghan hook. Continue with each chain bump..
…all the way to the end of the Foundation Chain.
Return Row
Chain 1.
Yarn over and pull a loop through the next two stitches on the hook.
Repeat this last step until one stitch remains on the hook.
Forward Row
Remember that you don’t turn the work; just keep the same side facing you!
For the Forward Row you will insert the hook through vertical strands, created by the previous row. The first three vertical strands are shown here in pink:
So, insert the hook from right to left through the first vertical strand. Yarn over and pull a loop through, leaving it on the hook.
Continue to pull a loop through each vertical strand until you reach the end of the row.
Finish by inserting the hook into the chain one from the previous row…
…and pulling a loop through.
(If you’d like a very sturdy edge, make this final stitch through both strands of the chain one.)
Changing Colors
When two stitches remain at the end of the Return Row…
…use the new color to draw through both loops.
Work the Forward Row as usual.
Finishing
Finish off on a Forward Row. Insert the hook into the first vertical strand, yarn over and draw the loop through both the vertical strand and the stitch on the hook.
Repeat this step of drawing a loop through both the vertical stitch and the stitch on the hook until the end of the row.
Then cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop. Done!
Tunisian Crochet fabric does have a tendency to curl a bit. Using a hook that is at least two sizes bigger than you normally would is one way to help prevent the curling. Another way is to make sure you block your finished piece!
What to do with all this new knowledge? Check out our free Tunisian Crochet projects!
- Left: Tunisian Crochet Washcloths
- Middle: Tunisian Crochet Scarf
- Right: Tunisian Crochet Pointy Pom Pom Hat
Thank you for such a fabulous tutorial. I have always wondered about Tunisian crochet and it is much easier and more enticing than I thought. Well done. I look forward to giving it a go.
I've never heard this referred to as Tunisian crochet before. When I learned to do it back in the 1970s, it was just called the “Afghan Stitch”. The attached URL has a partially finished (at the time) Afghan I've made with the stitch.
I didn’t realize that Tunisian crochet was the Afghan stitch. I’ve made quite a few afghans using this stitch and cross-stitch.
THANK-YOU!
Thanks for this. My mother has an old blanket she made in the 70's with this stitch used as a background for cross-stitched flowers. I was looking at it recently and wondering how to do the stitch. Now I know!
I've often had trouble doing Tunisian crochet, and after reading this tutorial I can see why! I've never started with the back of the chain before, and never had the chain stitch at the end of the row either. Trying this will be exciting and I hope it solves alot of the troubles I've had in the past. Thank you for such a well-written explanation and the pictures too. Best I've read in any crochet forum anywhere! You've helped me become excited about this stitch again. Thanks for that!!
This is a very, very well done tutorial. Thank you for taking the time to do it and for sharing it. Great job!
I had to teach myself to crochet since my righthanded mom had a difficult time teaching me. This was an awesome tutorial and now I can make a blanket that looks like it was knitted!! Thank you!
Outstanding Tunisian tutorial. I have bookmarked this post and think it will really help me attempt the Tunisian stitch again. I've tried it before but just didn't get it but thanks to your wonderful picture tutorial, I plan to give it a go again.
Thank you
Me gusto mucho ya que esta explicad con mucha claridad.
No había visto nunca esta puntada, y la verdad me parece maravillosa.
Queda precioso.
¿Solo vale para tejer en recto?
You are brilliant!
Thank you for sharing!
/Frida
http://fridaspeach.wordpress.com/
I've been crocheting for about a year, and just tried this out. It was so easy and the pictures were very helpful when I had questions about anything. I will definitely be doing this for a lot more projects! Thanks for the fantastic tutorial! 🙂
I've been crocheting for about a year, and just tried this out. It was so easy and the pictures were very helpful when I had questions about anything. I will definitely be doing this for a lot more projects! Thanks for the fantastic tutorial! 🙂
Have attempted to teach myself this stitch for some time and always ended up frustrated! You made the tutorial so clear! Thank you.
Thanks for such a clear tutorial. I am a beginner and have only learned by other people showing me what to do. I was able to learn this stitch or method in 15 minutes. Right now, I am practicing with left over yarn and a regular hook. I am about to buy an afghan hook and am wondering if they are all the same length. Would I use the same length hook for a baby blanket and a twin size one? Also, the link that explains "blocking" is not working. How do you wash the items once they are made?
One more question… what do you do with the tails of the old and new color when switching? I saw the picture above where you pull the new color through but can't tell what to do with the "tail". Do you tie it in somewhere? If you were going to switch back and forth between two colors to make a striped project, would you cut the yarn each time? I have never switched colors before.
I've just done my first ever bit of tunisian crochet, and it's all thanks to you! I can't thank you enough for this tutorial. You explain it so clearly, and the photos are brilliant.
Qué fácil lo haces, gracias
Hi Tonia,
Afghan hooks do come in different lengths. The longest I've seen is 14 inches, which probably isn't long enough for a twin size blanket. So you would have to crochet a number of panels and sew them together.
I'm sorry about the blocking link. I fixed it!
For the tails, you can either weave them into the finished fabric when you're done, or you can crochet right over them, incorporating them into the fabric as you work. You don't need (or want!) to tie any knots, which have the tendency to come undone over time.
And for narrow stripes, you can carry the yarn up the selvedge of the piece without ever having to cut the yarn, but if you're working wider stripes, you do need to cut the yarn each time you change colors.
Thanks for all your questions. Please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
You can get afghan hooks with cables on the end, like circular knitting needles. So you can do a large blanket all at once.
Very Easy!
Thanks for this detailed tutorial. I’ve attempted Tunisian crochet before and got frustrated with it as it’s just rolled up as I’ve worked. I think I’ve not worked into the correct “bump” of the foundation chain so will have another go.
Great Tutorial. Wonderful pictures, easy to follow
Thank you for posting this tutorial. I’ve wanted to learn how to do this stitch and you have explained so perfectly.
What an awesome tutorial! You made it so easy to understand and follow. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for this tutorial. Such clear instructions and the pictures are the best.
I made a pattern for premie baby hats using simple Tunisian crochet stitch. The hats were worked as a simple square of fabric, gathered through the loops on the last row.need a way to do an invisible seam for these hats. I plan to seam the hats with an invisible seam and turn up the bottom, edge the brim with a picot edge, and embroider the brim. Is there a means for making an invisible seam for Tunisuan crochet joining a with either a needle or a crochet hook? I have had no luck finding a way to do this on the web. Kitchener stitch and the method for seaming granny squares did not work and the seams were not only noticeable but bulky.
Hi Victoria!
I can only guess, but I think you’d be able to use some variation of “Mattress Stitch” to make this look somewhat invisible. Click here to see a tutorial for knit fabric, and then I think if you pay attention to only the “vertical” parts of your Tunisian Crochet stitches, you’d be able to make it work!
Happy Seaming!
Thomas
I haven’t done the Afghan stitch in YEARS! Now I have it on the brain I’ll have to pick it up again. One fun thing – you can also do cross stitch on this. Initials on pillows, like that. It can look really cool.
I love your well written easy to read & follow directions. By far the best I have found yet, & I have looked at many. Thank you.
Thanks for the clear introduction. I just the beginner of tunisian. Its make me want to learn and try this nice pattern.
I have done the Afghan stitch before and had started a project some time ago. However, I coudn’t remember the name of the stitch and had come to Florida without any instructions. After scrolling through pictures of stitches I found your very clear and concise instructions. THANK YOU so very much. Now I can get to work.
My aunt asked me to make a scarf that she found a picture of. It’s an autism scarf, to show her support of her grandson. The pattern that I found for it was in this stitch, and I had no clue what I was doing. This tutorial was wonderful and I am now well on my way to making the complicated puzzle piece scarf. Thank you so much for making such a thorough tutorial so I can accomplish the special task given to me!
Excellent tutorial!! I am teaching myself to crochet and this was definitely easy to follow. Thanks so much 🙂
I have been crocheting since I was eighteen some forty years now. Unbelievably i just discovered Tunsian crochet about a year ago. I began making doillies years ago because i got bored with regular crochet. Tunisian stitch has changed all that. I am hooked
Hi, I loved your tutorial,It was so good I was up and crochet ing in a few days. Please can you tell me how many stitches I would need for a Lap cover. Thank you Elaine
Hi Elaine-
In order to determine how many stitches you’ll need you should do a gauge swatch to figure out how many stitches you are getting per inch. From there you can figure out how many you’ll need to get a specific width. For example, if you are getting 4 stitches per inch and you want to make something that is 50 inches wide you should do 200 stitches.
Thank you for getting in touch and good luck with the project!
Molly
i enjoy this and find it works up easy & fast, but my work curls…is this normal? I wondered if it is because I’m am left handed.
Hi-
Tunisian Crochet fabric does have a tendency to curl a bit, but that is easily fixed with some blocking! Here is a blocking tutorial that might help: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-finishing/2006/11/13/blocking.html
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
me gustó la forma de explicar este punto, me agrada mucho pero no se mucho en donde aplicarlo, gracias por compartir
Thank you so much for such a detailed and easy to follow tutorial. I just got my tunisian hooks yesterday and am in the middle of another project, so I hadn’t intended to learn tunisian right away, but I couldnt help myself. LOL
I now have a nice little tunisian dish cloth on one of my my new hooks.
The fabric this makes is SO beautiful and feels so nice on both sides, I am just in love with it.
The technique is also very new to me, compared to how I usually crochet, but I picked it up quick and am really enjoying it.
Thanks again!
Great tutorial. It’s along time since I have used ‘Tunisian crochet. I remember making myself a long jumper when I was a teenager and it was a really good garment because the stitch is so strong. It held it’s shape really well.
Has enthused me again!
Louise
Beautiful pattern and thank you for your wonderful instructions.
I am so new to crochet but really would love to make a throw blanket for my sister. Can anyone please suggest the size yarn/wool and hook size for a project like this? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Brydie,
Thank you for the comment! You can really use any yarn to make a throw blanket out of this stitch! If you want something chunky that will crochet up fast our own Super Soft Merino would be a great option which will use a size N hook. You can view the color selection for that here; https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino
It would also be beautiful crocheted in our Worsted Twist yarn which is another merino wool but is a plied yarn that would crochet nicely on a size G or I hook.
Here’s a link to browse those color selection; https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/search/?search_keywords=worsted+twist
Like I said it would be beautiful crocheted in any yarn so if you find another yarn you like we’d be happy to answer anymore questions you may have!
Good Luck!
Jake
I have been doing this stitch Wrong! Thank you so much for the tutorial that is so very plain to read and to see. Now I will be using this stitch. Thank you again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Often I have looked at patterns using this stitch but felt it quite beyond me. Now, after reading your tutorial, I can’t wait to get started.
This site has now been bookmarked into my favourites. Thank you, thank you and thank you again.
Cheers.
I really love this stitch but I am curious to know if there are any tips to keep it from curling up so much. I want to do some of the washcloths for gifts but mine is curling.
Hi Ann,
Thank you for the comment! This type of stitch shouldn’t curl too much. It is possible you are crocheting it very tightly and that can cause the fabric to curl a bit more than usual. I would also try giving it a good steam blocking with an iron and see if that will press it out!
I hope one of these tips helps but if you are still having issues feel free to write us back and I can try and think of more solutions!
Good Luck!
Jake
Hello and thank you so much for this tutorial. I have tried to learn this method for years and you have explained it so well that I have finally succeeded in a swatch! The only problem s that my work is curling toward the front. Do you have a solution or is this normal? Thank you so much!
Cindi
Hi Cindi,
Thank you for the comment! If your work is curling most likely you are crocheting a little on the tight side. I would try going up a crochet hook size or two and see if that helps stop the curling! You should also be able to press the piece after it’s finished to flatten it a bit more.
I hope this helps and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
Happy Crocheting!
Jake
I made a couple of blankets using the afghan stitch. This Tunisian Crochet is somewhat confusing. In my patterns they called it Cro-Knit. Is it the same as Tunisian Crochet?
About the hooks I have 3, a long yellow (plastic) and two metal hooks I do not know their sizes. Do I need to purchase new hooks? Oh they have a hook on both ends.
Sorry, this is so long.
Hello Grace!
We’ve done a little research and it seems to us that Cro-Knit is a slightly different technique used to control the tension of your work. The technique that we are using for this pattern is often referred to as either Afghan stitch or Tunisian crochet. Both techniques are created with extra long hooks with only one hook on each end. Here are the type that we used: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6092-Boye-Aluminum-Afghan-Crochet-Hooks.
Best of luck and happy stitching! -Alyson
Hi Grace,
If you’ve been making your blankets by Cro-Knitting, that is a slightly different technique than the Tunisian Crochet we show here and might be the reason it seems confusing. The techniques are very similar, from the same family, although for Cro-knititng you will need to use the double-ended hook that you have been, and for regular Tunisian crochet, you’ll only need to use one end of the hook. You can use the hooks that you have to work Tunisian crochet, you just won’t be using both ends. By making the blankets you have, the terminology and concepts should quickly seem familiar and as you go through our Tunisian Crochet Basics tutorial, if you get stuck in any way, please let us know and we can help you figure it out! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
My mother-in-law taught me this stitch, but it was called the “afghan stitch It is awesome and you can cross-stitch on it when you are through.
Hello Julia! What a clever idea!
We love this dense stitch as well! Enjoy! -Alyson
I love this stitch! My only question is, how do you count the rows? Does the foundation row count as an actual row? I just want to make sure I get the correct number of rows (I usually make too many, or too few). Thanks!!
Hello Deanna,
As with knitting or crochet, you can start counting the rows after the cast on or foundation row. We’re so glad you like this stitch! Enjoy! -Alyson
Hello,
I have several sections I need to sew together that were not done continuously. They are long strips and sewing together like a granny square gives them a weird edge. How can I sew them together
Hi Kira,
If the weird edge is happening along the selvages of your sewn-together pieces, then you might want to add either a slip stitch or single crochet edge. This will clean up the edges and add some stability.
Or if you are unhappy with the actual seam, then you might find this Sewing Crocheted Squares Together tutorial helpful…
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/06/26/sewing-crocheted-squares-together/
Since Tunisian Crochet starts and ends much like the edges of a crocheted square, this whipstitch technique would also work in your situation!
Thanks so much your question and good luck!
Whitney
Wow, great pictures! This answers a lot of my questions about how to get started with Tunisian crochet. Thank you!
This is a great site mainly the way you describe your Tunisian Crochet I have made items with this stitch before but have gone wrong it places but now looking at your items I can see why thank you Denice.
Hi Denice! We’re so glad that our descriptions have helped! Thanks so much for writing!
Kristy
mine rolls at the bottom. How can I prevent that
Hello Linda!
This sometimes happens with basic stitch patterns without a border or any grounding stitches on the edges. What project are you trying to make? Let us know so that we can help you strategize! -Alyson
Thank you so much for these excellent instructions.
I’m going to try this as soon as I finish the project I’m working on.
I love this tutorial! I do have a question: what is the specific yarn used in these pictures? I recently went to a bedding boutique and found a throw that looks very close to Tunisian crochet and seems to have the same type of yarn as your tutorial. I sneakily took pictures of the throw (and may have gotten the stink eye from the lady at the counter for doing it) and have been comparing them to your tutorial. So far I’ve been stumped, but I want to replicate it so badly! If I could get some help with the type of yarn and if someone at your amazing site could help me identify the stitch or technique to make the throw, I would be so grateful. Thank you!
Hello Corinn!
Thanks for your kind words! What a great idea to try and recreate the throw you saw. I would recommend using the techniques in this tutorial and the gauge provided in this pattern: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/10/13/tunisian-crochet-scarf/ With the gauge you can multiply the stitches per inch by the inches wide you want the throw to be.
The yarn we used in our tutorial is Blue Sky Alpaca’s Skinny Cotton. You can find that yarn here: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/skinny-cotton.html Keep in mind that this yarn will yield a very different gauge than the yarn recommended in the scarf pattern, so make sure to do a swatch to figure out your very own stitch size!
Hope this helps and don’t hesitate to write in again if you have more questions! -Alyson
Thank you so much for your help. The yarn looks perfect for what I want to do, and the tutorial you suggested is so beautiful! I assume that if I wanted to do the Gobelin stitch for a throw, I would need to make sections and stitch them together? Please correct me if I’m wrong. Also, I was wondering if I could send someone a picture to help me identify a stitch? I’m quite sure that it is crochet, but I could be wrong. Again, thank you for your help.
Hello Corinn,
I’m so glad it helped! Please feel free to send a photo to customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com. As for the throw, if you plan on making it on the go then making squares would be ideal! If you don’t mind making a large sized piece and having it on your lap as you make it, then go for it in one big rectangle! Best of luck! -Alyson
Would you consider a weekend class to teach this technique? Please??!! 🙂
Hello Catherine!
What a great idea! We’ll pass it along to our class coordinator. Happy crafting! -Alyson
I have done Tunisian crochet before but only for a scarf so I could just test out how I liked it. Now I want to do a blanket for a toddler and I’m unsure of the length of the hook I need to use. Do you have any tips on this?
Also, you may already know this but Tunisian crochet is amazing for adding cross stitch to your work. I am in love with the blankets that this lady made…. http://verypink.com/2014/11/12/crochet-for-knitters-tunisian-stripes-blanket/
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me! 🙂
Hello, Heather!
Thank for linking the blankets made by verypink.com, they are so much fun!
The afgan hooks that we sell are about 14-inches long, so if you used those you would have to crochet several panels and then stitch them together. However, if you have the hooks with attached cords I recommend a hook that has a 24″ cord. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out!
Best,
Kumeko
Great explanation. This seems to be a fairly quick stitch. Good for cotton dish cloths. Thanks
I love the beauty of crochet..no knowledge on knitting but love it as well…do u have any videos and I wd also be interested in an internet workshop or class if u offer it
Hello Bennie!
Thanks for writing it! We don’t have any crochet video tutorials right now, but we do have picture tutorials for crochet available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet/tutorials/
We hope this helps! Happy stitching! -Alyson
The Tunisian stitch looks different then what I see in the hat. Is it? Or is it the Gobelin stitch I see in the hat?
Hi, Joanna!
Thank you for writing in! You are correct, it is the Gobelin stitch that we used for the Tunisian hat (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/12/08/tunisian-crochet-pointy-pom-pom-hat/)! If you have further questions please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
I love to Tunisian crochet. It’s getting cold here in Michigan and I want to Tunisian crochet some blankets. I started one using the purl stitch. I’ve researched other stitches, but it would be great if you guys gave some tutorials on more tc stitches!
Hello, Coletta!
Thank you so much for your comment! We are so glad that you enjoy our tutorials! I’ll be sure to put your request in for more Tunisian crochet stitches! Again, thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
Also I can’t figure out a way to make the tc knit stitch without it curling or with out using a circular hook . I know that most people would just block their work, but I always use acrylic yarn which sucks for blocking. Please help!!
Hi, Coletta!
Thank you so much for writing in! Curling sometimes happens with basic stitch patterns without a border or any grounding stitches on the edges. What project are you trying to make? Let us know so that we can help you strategize!
Best,
Kumeko
I need to make several baby blankets. The Tunisian crochet seems quick. Does it work well for a blanket? How many stitches to start out?
Hello, Dee dee!
Thank you so much for writing in! I am terribly sorry for the delayed response! Tunisian crochet would work wonderfully for a blanket. The longest hooks that we sell are 14″(https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/crochet-hooks/aluminum-afghan-crochet-hooks.html), so if you used these you would need to crochet several squares or rectangles and then seam them together. Or to create a wider piece of Tunisian crochet without having to seam pieces together you could use a Tunisian crochet hook with an extension on it, often called a flexible hook or flexible Afghan hook (which is just a hook with a cord attached to the end of it to help hold your stitches).
To figure out how many stiches to begin with I recommend making a gauge swatch with your yarn. From this you can calculate how many sitiches you’ll need. For example, if you find that you are getting 4 stitches per inch and you want to make a baby blanket that is 32-inches wide you would multiply 4 X 32-inches to get 128 stiches.
If you further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Its excellent.I will try it certainly
I’m not much of a knitter, so I wanted to make your classic cuffed hats with Tunisian crochet. I used the knit stitch and the fabric just kept curling.
Hello, Coletta!
Thank you for writing in! Tunisian crochet does tend to curl a bit. Have you tried blocking it? That should help with the curling. If you’ve not blocked before we’ve got a wonderful tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/11/13/blocking/. If you need further assistance, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I’m interested in trying Tunisian crochet, but am curious as to how you can turn a 10″ wide piece into an afghan, or anything else larger? I’m finding lots of tutorials on stitches, but not much else. I’d like to make a set of placemats – with the pattern going along the length – which would mean about 18″ or so foundation chain. I guess I’m still thinking old style knit/crochet, but I would love to learn. Would love to NOT have a seam down the middle of the placemat…..
Hi Ronni!
To create a wider piece of Tunisian crochet without having to seam pieces together you could use a Tunisian crochet hook with an extension on it, often called a flexible hook or flexible Afghan hook (which is just a hook with a cord attached to the end of it to help hold your stitches). There are a variety of different lengths available and a 24″ should work well for your placemats! I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Kristy
I love your tutorials. The tunisian is no exception. In fact I love your entire website and the free patterns are just gorgeous. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Julie
I wrote and posted a long comment on this subject but had problems submitting. SomIm re-writing a more concise version & hope that you don’t become bombarded by both! Mainly it’s not about the stitch etc but any tips about how to ‘manage’ to crochet with so many stitches on the needle or extension. I can’t find a way to hold the hook without holding the stitches as well. Is this the method and if yes, should I wear a cotton glove to keep the pale colours free from being handled. Also, the finger rests on standard hooks are often there to help with fatigue and rsi, so I’m finding Tunisian/Afghan crochet hard on the hands. Do you understand what I mean? I’m finding working with the long hook (13″) slightly easier than the standard sized hook with an extension. The one I bought ‘Susan Bates’ has a nipped in section where the wire connects which gives such a narrow end to grip. I’m making a Ruana so when working with the back section of over 200 stitches can become heavy and unwieldly. Many tutorials offer help with starting out, new stitches etc but not many tips on buying hooks and yarns, as the choice is bewildering. You replies are not only clear and understandable but are extremely helpful and well researched. I didn’t want to bother you for an answer that had already been written but after scrolling through all the comments and replies I thought I would post my own comment instead.
Am using the over hand ( bicycle handle ) grip suggested, so do I hold with my hand over the stitches on a full hook?
Any tips when managing the slipping of grip when your project involves a full hook & is getting heavy. Have bought Symphony hooks as they say the multi layered birch make up, avoids slippage. Hmm.
Is it true that you always go up x3 sizes of hook when ‘knitting’ in Tunisian/Aghan crochet?
Any tips on straightening out the curl in the extension wires otherwise they spiral the work. They also fail to support heavy stitches so any tips when doing larger projects.
Because of my comments, do you think that if wanting to use Tunisian/Afghan crochet for larger projects such as blankets, it’s better to do in patchwork or granny square style and then seaming together?
Thank you, thank you. I think that if you don’t have any input regarding my comments, then no one will!
Have a lovely day and look forward to hearing back when you have a moment. Lorraine
.
Hi, Lorainne!
Thank you so much for writing in! You have asked some great questions. You are holding the hook correctly! When working with such long hooks, holding the stitches is inevitable. You don’t have to wear gloves when working with lighter colors, I would just exercise caution and make sure that your hands and work surfaces are clean while your working.
When choosing a hook for Tunisian crochet you want to choose a size that is at least two sizes bigger then the hook you would normally use with the same yarn. For example, if the yarn calls for a size F Hook you’d choose a size H Tunisian Hook.
Unfortunately, the extension wire curl is inevitable. It may straighten out a bit after you’ve worked several rows. I have not worked with hooks that have extension wires, perhaps another crocheter in our community can weight in on how to manage the wire?
If the weight of the project is uncomfortable for you and is making it hard to create large projects like blankets I recommend doing it in patchwork and then seaming the pieces together. Tunisian crochet should be a relaxing activity and not something that you have to wrestle with!
Please let us know if I missed anything or if you have further questions! Again, thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
I like watching these stitches and I’m new to Tunisian. I’m working on my first pattern from Red Heart for a patch work afghan and I’m stumped by something that says to crochet in front, then in back, etc. for 7 stitches.
What does that mean?
Hi, Linda!
Thank you for writing in! The pattern may be asking you to crochet into the front stitches then into the back stitches, but it’s difficult to know without seeing the pattern. Are these instructions for the preparation row? Could you let us know which pattern you’re working on so that we can help you better? Thank you!
Best,
Kumeko
I am experienced at knitting and crochet. This is my first time trying Tunisian crochet. Mine keeps loosing a stitch when I pick up across the top. I can’t figure out if I’m missing that stitch at the beginning or end.
Hello, Jeannine!
Thank you for writing in! Are you loosing the stitch when you are crocheting the Preparation row or when your working the Return row? Are you remembering to chain 1 when working the Return row? Please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Aloha!
I absolutely love your tutorial. It is so helpful. Thank you for sharing with us all. I am confused on yardage. I bought some beautiful multi colored Hanalei wool that I want to use to make a blanket for my husband to have to remember our vacation. I have a total of 3,888 yards in DK. If I do this stitch how large of a blanket can I make?
Mahalo ~*
Candice
Hello, Candice!
Thank you for writing in! With 3,888 yards of DK weight yarn you could make a throw sized blanket, something like 40-inches x 48-inches. I based this off our Tunisian Crochet Washcloths. We used the same gauge yarn as your Hanalei Wool and got 5 8×8 inch wash cloths from about 740 yards.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
This was the best web tutorial I’ve seen! I am trying to make squares and thought it might be fun to have squares in more than one kind of Tunisian stitch. I’m trying to do the Tunisian knit stitch and it looks awful. Any referrals to where I can learn this or (hint!) is this something you can do a tutorial for?
Love this site!
Hi Rachna,
Thank you for your kind words. Unfortunately this is the only Tunisian crochet tutorial on our website for the moment. If we do another type of Tunisian crochet, it’s highly likely that we will come out with a video tutorial for the stitch. I would scour YouTube for some more stitch techniques. Also, there are many crochet stitch dictionaries that will broaden your search. Happy crafting!
Best,
Adam
I absolutely LOVE the Tunisian stitch. I have used it in afghans and then cross stitched flowers and many other motifs onto it. Guess what, I enjoy cross-stitching also!
I’m very happy I discovered this site.
Thank you for the Tunisian Crochet tutorial. However, your KNIT TOTE is done in Tunisian Knit for which I have not found a tutorial. I do hope there is, since I fine the pattern instructions hard to follow. I’ll be looking for the Tunisian Knitting instructions/tutorial.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for writing in to us! If you have any trouble with the knit tote pattern instructions, I’d be happy to assist! Let me know…
-Adam
I just love the advice on this subject of the tunisian crochet I do have a question I am working on this pattern Jesus Face Silhouette and the problem I am having is with row 31 in the chart calls for 1 in the beginning of the row does that mean the first chain that is already on the hook or the second stitch will be the first thepattern is talking about. Thank you for your time and help.
Hello Lori,
Thanks for the lovely comment! If you have a stitch on your hook and you are asked to chain one, then you will chain one through the stitch that is already on your hook. I hope this makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Your welcome, in the chart the first block is purple then the second block calls for black so does that mean the purple I have on my hook do I need to pull a loop through or just add the black through the second loop. I just hope you can understand what I am trying to say. Thank you for your time and help . I am so sorry for my first question I didnt make it clear what I was trying to say .
Hello Lori,
Thanks for writing us back. I think that you should strand the purple yarn along the work and crochet it in place. See our Stacked Coins Blanket for a tutorial on how to do this. Let me know if I misunderstood!
Best,
Adam
How long of a hook would I need to do a afghan 150 stitches across?
Hi Sherry,
Great question! This really depends on the weight of the yarn that you are using. A fingering weight yarn will need a shorter hook than a bulky weight yarn. That said, given the large number of stitches. I think that you may need a crochet hook attached to a circular needle cable to accomodate the number stitches. Skacel’s Addi Click Crochet Hook Set includes 8 hook sizes and uses Addi Click Cords for a whole new ease in picking up stitches, binding off or working Tunisian crochet.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Interesting read. I am almost finished with an alphabet blanket using Tunisian crochet. As there are at least 5 colour changes for most rows, the back looks a bit messy and the stitches around the colour changes are also a little loose. My question is whether you have any tips on how to tighten up the stitches and keeping them in place? I was thinking of maybe ironing on interfacing (pellon). The plan is to have the blanket hang on a wall. Thank you so much!
Hi Pia,
Glad you like our tutorial on Tunisian Crochet. Changing colors on a blanket back can get a bit messy, but if you are just hanging it on a wall, I’d just leave the messy ends. If you ever wanted to use the blanket though, I would back it in fabric instead of fusible. Depending on the yarn, the fusible might not stitch. Best of luck on this creative journey!
-Adam
I am making a blanket with the Tunisian simple stitch. I was all the way at the end of my return pass when I found I was one stitch short. 57 stitches earlier I had inadvertently picked up 3 loops instead of 2. Is there any way to fix that? Unraveling is a challenge because you have to rethread all of those loops. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Laureen,
Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately your best bet is to unravel. Otherwise, you will see a difference in the fabric where you made the mistake. When unraveling, a good trick is to have a tapestry needle with a contrast color scrap yarn handy to string the live stitches. This way you’ll have the stitches secured and will have a much easier time putting them back on the afghan hook. Best of luck!
-Adam
What I really want to know is: What does it mean in Tunisian crochet, you close at the end of the row?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing us. I am assuming that means that you pull your stitch through the last two stitches on your hook. There are many ways to phrase crochet terms! Best of luck.
-Adam
I want to use an Tunisian stitch for an afghan on a long wooden hook (17″). What should be the diameter?
Hi there,
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. Are you referring to the diameter of the hook? If so, hooks are referred to in letter/millimeter sizes. Also, hook sizes correspond to the type of yarn you plan to use. Please let me know more info and I’d be glad to help!
-Adam
Thanks for the tutorial easy to understand.
How does the back of Tunisian crochet looks like please.
Sorry if this is a stupid question I never did Tunisian crochet and is just curious.
Hi Christine,
Thanks for writing in and thank you for your kind words! While we do not have a photograph of the back of the wash clothes shown above, we do have some shots that she the back side of our Tunisian Crochet Scarf. The second photo on the page, below the scrolling banner of photos, has the scarf folded and a piece of the back side visible.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Just finished my first dishcloth, using this tutorial. The explanations were clear and concise and the pictures were extremely helpful! Thank you!
Good refresher since I haven’t done the afghan stitch in at least 30 years. Simply and clearly explained. Thank you
Absolutely love this stitch,
I wonder though should finishing
It off leave a long lump the length
Of the piece?
Trenna
Hi Trenna,
Thanks for writing in! Due to the nature of tunisian crochet, the edges do tend to be a bit bumpy. For our Tunisian Crochet Washcloths and our Tunisian Crochet Scarf, we added a crochet borders to mitigate this look!
Best,
Cassy
Google very interesting stitch to try.l am to use this stitch to make a basket.hope I will surely succeed.thanx a lot.
I have a question/problem. I am making an afghan using the Tunisian Crochet. I love it! I have not done handwork in 30 years and am picking it back up. The afghan will have cross-stitching on the middle panel with a side panel on each side. I have only done 1 of the side panels. I have 50 stitches per row and suppose to have 20 rows. I have just spotted on about the 10th row that I started a row with about 10-12 stitches and I guess put it down and when I started again I turned my work and worked like I was finishing that row. So, I have a row about an inch or two long in the middle of my work. Hopefully, that is the only error I have. Please tell me there is a way to correct this without starting completely over. I was wondering if I could rip out up to that error and ??? Please help! I am a perfectionist and it is driving me crazy! I can send a photo if that will help. Also, in counting rows, do you count each row I do or the rows with the pattern on them? Does this make sense?
Thank you,
Christye
Hi Christye,
Thanks for writing in! You should be able to rip back to a row or 2 before the error and crochet back up. It can be a bit tricky picking your stitches back up. I find that it can be helpful to work a small sample and try it there. This helps build up your confidence adn work out any issues you may come across!
Best of luck!
Cassy
These patterns are WONDERFUL
These patterns are WONDERFUL and very intriguing
Hi, do you have a left-handed tutorial for Tunisian crochet? I was hoping so, to avoid my having to go to you tube videos to learn. I really like your patterns. Thanks
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing in! The only Tunisian crochet tutorials that we have at present are those that you find above. We will certainly keep your request in mind!
Best,
Cassy
I’m also left handed and between reading this and watching left handed and right handed videos I have a basic for it, but I have yet to understand color changes with multiple single stiches. You can do this! ?
Fellow left hander
Desiree
How do you do multiple single stitch color changes? Any advise is really appreciated as my project had not gone far side I am frustrated with trying to figure it out and I have a blanket that will be a normal size of I do this instead of c2c since I don’t know how to regular crochet left to right and count my stitches. If I did it c2c it would be the size of the house! 🙁
Thanks
Hi Desiree,
Thanks for writing in! I am afraid that the basics that we have here are the only real tutorials that we have for Tunisian Crochet. I would suggest taking a look at YouTube and searching “3 Ways to Change Color in Tunisian Crochet”. This should bring up a great video that can help with color changing while crocheting with this technique!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I love your site! Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial on Tunisian crochet. I’ve recently fallen in love with this technique and I’m trying my hand at all sorts of projects. With 2 new grandbabies you can bet this grama is crocheting up a storm.
Hey. I’m looking for a pattern or any suggestion on a baby blanket with purlsoho tunisian stitch. I need at this stitch. Making it for a friend that’s having a baby and she liked this stitch.
Hi Wanda,
Thanks for writing in! I think you could size up our Tunisian Crochet Scarf into a baby blanket quite easily! To figure out how many stiches to begin with I recommend making a gauge swatch with your yarn. From this you can calculate how many sitiches you’ll need. For example, if you find that you are getting 4 stitches per inch and you want to make a baby blanket that is 32-inches wide you would multiply 4 X 32-inches to get 128 stiches.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’ve been shown to go through one loop on the return? I recently watched a video of how to do this so thought I’d try an afghan; I had to rip it out-I lost 2-3 stitches doing it. I don’t know how as it looked very even (the loops). What did I do wrong? Thank you, Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, on each return row, you will be pulling through the first loop only once before pulling through two loops at a time for the rest of the row – in our instructions, we refer to this step as a Chain 1, since it is essentially a turning chain. Whenever I start a new crochet project, especially Tunisian Crochet, I find it very helpful to count every stitch as I am working both the forward row and return row the first few times to make sure I’m not missing any stitches. It can be very easy to miss either the first stitch or last stitch, so by counting as I go I can catch any mistakes before I’ve gone too far, and usually after counting a few times I’m familiar enough with where to find the first and last stitches that I can relax and crochet without counting!
Best of luck and happy crocheting!
Julianna
Hello, I just found this site and I think this post is very helpful. I just got into Tunisian crochet. I have a 14” Boye K Afghan hook, and I’m puzzled about something. How do I make a blanket with Tunisian stitches without having to join squares? Is it possible? Since the entire project stays on the hook, it seems I would be limited by the size of my hook. But blankets I’ve seen with Tunisian stitches look seamless. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Marc,
Thanks for writing in! It is possible to knit baby blankets or small throws in one piece using an afghan hook because you can squish quite a few stitches on there! For larger blankets, it is common to crochet wide strips or squares and seam them together, or you could purchase hooks that can attach to flexible cords of any length you like, such as the Addi Click Crochet Hook Set and Addi Click Cords.
Best of luck and happy crocheting!
Julianna
I couⅼd not resist commenting. Perfectly ᴡritten!
My tunisian stitch ends curling up. How do I avoid this?
Hi Bette,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately, curling is simply part of the nature of tunisian crochet and can’t really be avoided. I would recommend adding a border of standard crochet stitches to help your piece lay flat.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Can I say thank you to your wonderful tutorials especially the hat which I have just completed this evening in two of the most enjoyable hours ever remembered ! Yeah ! I can do Tunisian crochet !! Love it
Thank you I will now join you on Facebook
Hello! I’m looking forward to starting my first tunisian project….I’m hoping to make a large blanket in one continual piece. Is it possible to make an 84″x72″ blanket as one piece? Thank you!
Hi Lacey,
Thanks for reaching out! This is certainly doable, though you will need a long hook to accommodate all those stitches! I would suggest using an Addi Click Crochet Hook, paired with a 30 or 40 inch Addi Click Cord. The cords are out of stock at the moment, but we are hoping that they will arrive soon. You can sign up to be notified when we get them back in stock by entering your email on the product page.
Happy crocheting!
Julianna
Do you carry the addi click crochet kit? The link you provided does not work?
Hi Czarina,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m afraid that we’ve stopped carrying those hooks! However, since they came from a third-party brand (Skacel), you should still be able to find them elsewhere. I’d recommend checking out the website I linked to as a starting place!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you so much for the pictures. I have been working on a patterned piece and it was not looking right. Your instructions and pictures helped me realize the book instructions and pictures were misleading, therefore creating the wrong stitch and look.
love tunesian but it seems like it takes more yarn than regular crochet. is there any way to know if you have enough yarn to do a project like a scarf pattern,but you want to change it to do a throw??
Hi Kris
Thanks for reaching out! Take a look at the a Tunisian Crochet Scarf or the Tunisian Crochet Washcloths both of these would work for enlarging to a throw size. The amount of yarn you will use will depend on the weight of your yarn and the size of your throw, but if your using the weight of the yarn listed, you could multiply the size, and then get a closer yarn estimate. I hope this helps!
Best
Jessica
Years ago I made a hooded cape using the Afghan stitch (I am 75 and that is what we called it). Would you happen to know of a pattern for a long cape, not a poncho
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! Although it is more commonly referred to as Tunisian crochet now, this is exactly the same as the afghan stitch! Unfortunately, we don’t have any patterns for crocheted capes – I’m so sorry about that! However, if you search either Ravelry or your preferred search engine for “tunisian crochet cape pattern” you should be able to find one or two!
All the best,
Julianna
I have been doing this stitch for a very long time. It is a fabulous stitch for dish clothes. I made a huge blanket in the Entrelac Diamond Tunisian stitch by Lion Brand. It is so warm and acts like a weighted blanket. It is very quick to make up as well..
Hi Harlean
We are so glad you enjoy this stitch! We also find that’s its very versatile and quick too!
Happy crocheting
Jessica
I’m a bit confused about the return row. Do you chain 1, loop, and pull through 2 loops all the way across? Or just at the beginning of the return row? Thanks for clarifying.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you’ve got it! After you chain one at the beginning of the return row, you will yarn over the hook and pull through two loops, repeating that stitch all the way across the row until you have just one loop remaining on your hook.
Happy stitching!
Julianna
I am working on a hanging towel. I am almost to the end and cannot figure out how to chain in the middle of the row to create the buttonhole. I’m supposed to end up with 5 loops on my hook, but I only have 4.
Do you have any helpful hints?
Thank you.
Cindy Cullen
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t have any tutorials or patterns for this particular technique, but if you search your preferred search engine for “Tunisian Crochet Buttonhole you should find several videos and tutorials demonstrating how to do this!
Best,
Julianna
I’ve had that same question, if it could be done in one piece.
Are you saying all those stitches could fit with several extensions attached to each other ?
Every project I’ve ever done in Tunisian crochet was curling up from the bottom. Is there a way to avoid that? How do you make it lie flat?
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for reaching out! I recommend blocking your finished project, this is how we get our pieces to lay so flat! I suggest checking out our Blocking tutorial, it is an excellent resource to use.
Warmly,
Gianna
Just want to say THANKS for your tutorials. I’ve used a number of them and greatly appreciate having a tutorial that is printable. Video’s are fine, but I find the still photos and words more helpful, Great job, Purl Soho!
Grazie per le chiarissime spiegazioni… ho iniziato una maglia, ma ora che ho finito i 4 “pezzi” non so come unirli…si cuce dal rovescio o dal diritto? Aiutooooo!
Hi Maria,
Thanks for reaching out! Which project are you working on so I can help you further? This is the page for the Tunisian Crochet tutorial, so if there is a specific project you are making, I am happy to help!
Warmly,
Gianna
I have looked everywhere and can’t find the best way to weave in the ends after a color change. Do you have any advice?
Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a tutorial for weaving in your ends on Tunisian Crochet, but I think the best method would be to weave in the ends on the reverse, using a needle, and duplicating the stitches with the tail! Even though we don’t demonstrate weaving in your ends for crochet in this, I would recommend checking out our Weaving in Your Ends tutorial, I would look at the duplicate stitch options, it may help you and give you a better idea of how to proceed!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
Am a beginner and have tried 4 different hats with the same undesirable result. The ribbing part fits fine, but after completion, the body of the hat is so dense it wont fit on my head comfortably. Its too small and too solid. Any suggestions.
Hi Peg,
Thanks for reaching out. Tunisian crochet produces quite a thick fabric, so I would recommend going up a hook size or two. This will make the fabric a little looser as well as make the entire hat slightly larger! Hope this helps.
All the best,
Lili
I have a pattern which requires crocheting four stitches together on the return. It says two stitches together 3times then chain 1 then 4 stitches together then chain 1. How do I do the next row?
.
Hi Nicola!
Thank you for your question! We would love to help you with the next row in your pattern, however we are interested in learning a little more about your pattern for context. Please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] with your pattern so we can help you move forward with confidence in your project!
All the best,
Margaret
This is enormously helpful — I knew nothing about Tunisian crochet, but was able to pick up the basics using this tutorial and make a quickie washcloth as a starter. Thank you!
Any tips on making the edges straight? My right edge is straight as an arrow, my left edge looks wonky.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for reaching out, although I’m sorry to hear that the left edge of your washcloth isn’t coming out as expected! The reason that it’s uneven is likely because you’re inserting the hook into a different loop at the end of some of the forward rows. I’d recommend taking a moment at the end of each forward row to make sure that you’re going through the same leg of the chain 1 from the previous row each time.
If you’re still having trouble making the left edge look neater, I’d suggest sending a photo of your work to [email protected]! That way, we’ll be able to take a closer look into what might be going on.
All the best,
Lili
Thank you! My left edge is wonky, too! I’m going to try to figure it out as well. Great instructions as always 🙂