How to Tunisian Crochet + 28 Tunisian Crochet Patterns

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How to Tunisian Crochet + 28 Tunisian Crochet Patterns

Learn Tunisian crochet with this beginner's guide!

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How to Tunisian Crochet and 28 Tunisian Crochet Patterns

Once you've learned the basic crochet stitches, perhaps you find yourself wanting to expand your skills and learn something new, like how to crochet the Tunisian stitch.

That's why any beginner should read through this guide, How to Tunisian Crochet + 28 Tunisian Crochet Patterns.

What is Tunisian crochet? Also known as "afghan crochet," Tunisian crochet is a needlework technique that combines elements of both knitting and crocheting.

A special hook (called an afghan hook or cro hook) is needed to complete this method of crochet.

To learn how to Tunisian crochet, check out our free tutorials below. Once you think you're ready to test out your skills, scroll down for free Tunisian stitch designs to try.

Scroll down to the end of this page and you'll find crochet afghan patterns, as well as other miscellaneous crochet patterns including clutches, ties, cowls, and more.


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Tunisian Crochet Video Tutorial

PLUS! Before you begin, check out this Tunisian stitch tutorial video below. It's a step-by-step video guide designed to help you through the basics of working up the Tunisian stitch. Simply click the play button on the box below to see for yourself.
 

Tunisian Crochet Guide for Beginners

Materials Needed for Tunisian Crochet:

1. Tunisian crochet hook: As mentioned earlier, this hook is also known as an afghan hook or a cro hook. These specialty hooks look similar to your average crochet hook but they are longer and have a different end.

A Tunisian crochet hook is around 10–14 inches but there are various sizes available. Because this crochet technique involves moving on and off the hook, the length is important. There is also some sort of cap on the end to keep the yarn from going off the end.

Besides the straight hook and cap version, there are also versions with hooks on both ends, circular Tunisian hooks, and more. 

Your pattern should tell you what version and length of Tunisian hook you will need. If it doesn't, you may have to do some deductive reasoning based on what you're making.

A smaller project won't need a longer hook, so a 10-inch straight hook should suffice. If you'll be crocheting in the round, buy the circular afghan hooks.

Image shows a purple Tunisian crocheted swatch in the background. In the foreground is a Tunisian crochet hook being held on either end my fingers.

2. Yarn: There is no set yarn for Tunisian crochet but the hooks tend to be thinner, which means a lighter weight yarn is more common. However, again, your pattern should include the type of yarn or a specific brand of yarn suggested. Chunkier yarns can be used with longer or larger hooks.

If your pattern doesn't specify, simply practice with the hook and yarn you plan to use. If the yarn first the hook and the movements are natural, you should be good to go.

Image shows a collage of different yarn types. Skeins, hanks, and balls are included with various colors of yarn.

3. Standard crochet materials: The special hook is the only extra supply you would need if you already crochet. Some other tools you should have before starting include:

  1. Scissors
  2. Yarn needle
  3. Stitch markers
  4. row counters
  5. Ruler/tape measure

Image shows a black surface with two stitch counters in the foreground. In the background, various types and colors of stitch markers.

Tunisian Crochet Stitches Instructions:

Start Tunisian just like regular crochet, with a set of crochet chains. Then, it's time to work your Tunisian stitch.

  1. How to Crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss):  One row of Tunisian simple stitch is worked in two steps and using the front post of your work as follows, with yarn behind your work:
     
  2. Forward Pass: Skip the first vertical bar; *insert hook under next vertical bar, yarn over and draw up a loop; repeat from * across, keeping all the loops you draw up on your afghan hook.

Image shows the first step in Tunisian crochet: the Tunisian simple stitch (Tss).
Image shows the second step in Tunisian crochet: the forward pass.

  1. Return Pass: Yarn over and draw through one loop on your hook; *yarn over and draw through 2 loops on your hook; repeat from * until only one loop remains on hook (one row of Tss complete).

Image shows the third step in Tunisian crochet: the return pass.

  1. Bonus! How to Crochet the Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks): One row of Tunisian knit stitch is worked quite similarly to the Tss above, except that you use the space under the vertical bar or space where you would normally insert your hook for a standard crochet stitch. The reverse pass is the same.

Save for Later!

Want to save these instructions for later? Click the button below to download our Tunisian crochet stitch guide!

Tunisian Crochet Instructions (PDF)

Tunisian Crochet Guide: 5 Things You Need To Know

Wait, there's more! We advise all beginners to Tunisian crochet to read this guide from our friend Alexandra from With Alex. She wrote about the five things you need to be aware of before getting into or starting your first Tunisian crochet project. Scroll down to the end of this guide for her newest color change article, too!

Image shows a collage for article, Tunisian Crochet Guide: 5 Things You Need To Know.

Free Tunisian Crochet Patterns:

Expand your crochet skills to include the Tunisian crochet stitch. Learning a new technique is super easy when you have free easy-to-follow tutorials like these. You can learn not only how to crochet the Tunisian crochet stitch, but also how to change colors in Tunisian crochet, how to do Tunisian double crochet, and more.

If you are a visual learner, sometimes it helps to watch someone go through the process for you, which is why we've included a couple more tutorials for you to choose from. You can even test these skills out on the bonus crochet pattern for beginners before venturing on to the other easy patterns!

For must-see Tunisian videos, check out our page, 10 Essential YouTube Tunisian Crochet Videos.

Once you've followed the tutorials and learned how to crochet the Tunisian crochet stitch, you're now ready to practice! Find our favorite Tunisian crochet patterns below, from crochet bag patterns to the best accessories. These easy patterns are just what you need to put your skills to the test. The next set of projects are all beginner and easy patterns!

  1. Tunisian Crochet Stitch - Follow this simple tutorial!
  2. Tunisian Crochet Tutorial - Another great tutorial!
  3. Tunisian Crochet Flower Dishcloth - Easy pattern, shown below!
  4. Be So Wild Tunisian Scarf - Easy pattern!
  5. Tunisian Crochet Washcloths - Easy pattern!

Image shows the Tunisian Crochet Flower Dishcloth.

Once you've worked up a few of the easy crochet Tunisian patterns above, try out some of these intermediate-level crochet patterns. This next set of projects are perfect for intermediate Tunisian crocheters. These crochet patterns are a little more difficult than the above group, but simply use what you've learned and practiced and you'll work these up without trouble.

  1. Tunisian Striped Tie - Intermediate pattern!
  2. Stunning Snowflake Tunisian Crochet Hat - Intermediate pattern, shown below!
  3. Schuyler Tunisian Crochet Ear Warmer - Intermediate pattern!
  4. Top of the Tunisian Crochet Infinity Scarf - Intermediate pattern!
  5. Tunisian Style Pillow Cover - Intermediate pattern!

image shows the Stunning Snowflake Tunisian Crochet Hat.

  1. Afghan Stitch Kitchen Mat - Intermediate pattern!
  2. Foxy Faux-Knit Cowl - Intermediate pattern!
  3. Tunisian Stitch Crochet Sweater - Intermediate pattern, shown below!
  4. Practice Makes Perfect Tunisian Potholder - Intermediate pattern!
  5. Tunisian Crochet Crescent Bag - Intermediate pattern!

image shows the Tunisian Stitch Crochet Sweater on a model.

  1. Tunisian Ribbed Cowl - Intermediate pattern!
If you think the patterns above were easy, then you're probably ready to tackle one of these advanced Tunisian patterns including crochet afghan patterns. Each one of these free crochet designs is created using the Tunisian crochet stitch. They're just what you need to give any room of your home an updated look.
  1. Tunisian Entrelac Throw - Intermediate to advanced pattern!
  2. Puddles of Love Baby Blanket - Intermediate to advanced pattern!
  3. Spring Showers Beanie Crochet Pattern - Intermediate to advanced pattern!
  4. Granny Square Tunisian Throw - Intermediate to advanced pattern, shown below!

Image show the Granny Square Tunisian Throw.

  1. Tunisian Seascape Throw - Intermediate to advanced pattern!
  2. Rainbow Tunisian Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern - Intermediate to advanced pattern!
  3. Honestly Easier Tunisian Crochet Afghan Pattern - Intermediate to advanced pattern, shown below!

Image shows the Honestly Easy Tunisian Crochet Afghan.

Up Next

Tunisian Crochet Color Change: 5 Things You Need to Know >>

What else do you want to know about Tunisian crochet?

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Having an awful time learning this stitch. It's rolling up like a tube. I am obviously not doing it right. Help!

Hi woodrich60, tunisian crochet curling or rolling is actually pretty common. A couple of ways to avoid this are to use a larger hook than your yarn label recommends by one to two sizes, or to crochet with a looser tension than you ordinarily would. For some fibers, blocking can help prevent rolling. Adding a border in a different stitch can also help keep your work from curling. Avoiding rolling and curling in tunisian crochet can be difficult, but I hope these tips help a bit! - Laura, editor of AllFreeCrochet

Tunisian is such an interesting stitch and I like that it's different from others since you have to use the special hook. Cool collection.

I love this stitch, 25 years ago I made our daughter and son each a blanket. One was a duck rowing a boat and the other a raccoon holding an apple. Our children are now 31 and 28 yrs of age and still use their blankets when watching tv. Our daughters first request for her new born baby was a "cuddle" blanket for him. I wish I could find the original patterns, but have been able to design my own patter for our grandson.

If youre interested in exploring the fascinating world of Tunisian Crochet, this tutorial is an excellent place to start. I appreciate the admonition to start with the video. Its very good, but I do wish the Tunisian KNIT Stitch was included as well. I did find an excellent tutorial on YouTube (where else?) that clearly shows exactly where to place the hook. My first hook purchase was an afghan, and my first attempt was Entrelac. Didnt realize it was an advanced pattern until I was well into it.

Many, MANY years ago I made a Tunisian afghan with a lovely cream colored yarn that came in a kit that included other yarn for cross-stitching a pattern (I think it was a lion's head) over the cross bars. It took using the instructions that came with the kit AND buying a separate book to finally get this stitch right! Oh, how I wish I would've had your video back then. You made "getting" this stitch so clear that I'm ready to pick up my afghan hook and make something right now! Thanks for an excellent tutorial!

I love the Tunisian Stitch Crocheting and this How to Crochet the Tunisian Stitch 11 Easy Patterns is a must save and do. I'm not a knitter, but love the Tunisian crochet that looks a lot like knitting. I think that the Tunisian crochet is easier too.. Thank you so much for sharing this How to guide..

Please I need help i started a scarf and loved the pattern. then lost the stitch pattern and name. Now I can not find it anywhere even when i google Tunisian stitches, which i think it might be... but not sure i don't know what it is. Any help? see photos Thank you

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