Tunisian Crochet Basics
Tunisian (also known as Afghan) 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. Our Afghan Crochet Hooks are available right here.
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
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