Skip to content

Tunisian crochet abbreviations

Author: Crochetly · Last updated: May 16, 2026

Sources: Craft Yarn Council

Working on a Tunisian crochet pattern? Tunisian crochet uses its own set of abbreviations like tss (Tunisian simple stitch), tks (Tunisian knit stitch), and tps (Tunisian purl stitch), which are distinct from standard crochet.

What are all Tunisian crochet abbreviations?

Section titled “What are all Tunisian crochet abbreviations?”

Tunisian uses tss (simple), tks (knit), tps (purl), tdc (double crochet), and ttr (treble crochet) as its core stitches. This master table covers every standard Tunisian abbreviation from etss to txs.

AbbreviationDescription
etssextended Tunisian simple stitch
FwPforward pass
RetPreturn pass
tbsTunisian bobble stitch
tdcTunisian double crochet
tdsTunisian double stitch
tds2togTunisian double stitch 2 together (decrease)
tesTunisian extended stitch
tfsTunisian full stitch
thdcTunisian half double crochet
tksTunisian knit stitch
tpsTunisian purl stitch
trsTunisian reverse stitch
tribsTunisian rib stitch
tscTunisian single crochet
tslstTunisian slip stitch
tssTunisian simple stitch
tss2togTunisian simple stitch 2 together (decrease)
tss3togTunisian simple stitch 3 together (decrease)
ttrTunisian treble crochet
ttwTunisian twisted
txsTunisian X stitch

What are the different types of Tunisian crochet stitches?

Section titled “What are the different types of Tunisian crochet stitches?”

Tunisian stitches fall into categories: simple, knit/purl, double/half-double, treble, and special stitches. Each group has a distinct technique and appearance.

What are the Tunisian forward and return passes?

Section titled “What are the Tunisian forward and return passes?”

Every Tunisian row has two passes: FwP (forward pass, picking up loops) and RetP (return pass, working them off). Understanding these two passes is essential to Tunisian crochet.

AbbreviationDescription
FwPforward pass
RetPreturn pass

What are the Tunisian simple and extended stitches?

Section titled “What are the Tunisian simple and extended stitches?”

tss is Tunisian simple stitch, the foundation stitch. etss is the extended version. tss2tog and tss3tog are decreases. These are the most commonly used Tunisian stitches for beginners.

AbbreviationDescription
tssTunisian simple stitch
etssextended Tunisian simple stitch
tss2togTunisian simple stitch 2 together (decrease)
tss3togTunisian simple stitch 3 together (decrease)

What are the Tunisian knit, purl, and rib stitch abbreviations?

Section titled “What are the Tunisian knit, purl, and rib stitch abbreviations?”

tks (Tunisian knit stitch), tps (Tunisian purl stitch), tribs (Tunisian rib stitch), ttw (Tunisian twisted), and txs (Tunisian X stitch) create fabric textures. These resemble their knitting counterparts.

AbbreviationDescription
tksTunisian knit stitch
tpsTunisian purl stitch
tribsTunisian rib stitch
ttwTunisian twisted
txsTunisian X stitch

What are the Tunisian double and half-double variants?

Section titled “What are the Tunisian double and half-double variants?”

tdc is Tunisian double crochet, tds is Tunisian double stitch, tds2tog decreases two double stitches, and thdc is Tunisian half double crochet. These create taller fabrics.

AbbreviationDescription
tdcTunisian double crochet
tdsTunisian double stitch
tds2togTunisian double stitch 2 together (decrease)
thdcTunisian half double crochet

What is the Tunisian treble crochet abbreviation?

Section titled “What is the Tunisian treble crochet abbreviation?”

ttr is Tunisian treble crochet, the tallest standard Tunisian stitch. It is less common than tss or tks but useful for lacy or openwork patterns.

AbbreviationDescription
ttrTunisian treble crochet

What are the Tunisian special stitch abbreviations?

Section titled “What are the Tunisian special stitch abbreviations?”

tfs (Tunisian full stitch), tsc (Tunisian single crochet), tslst (Tunisian slip stitch), tes (Tunisian extended stitch), and tbs (Tunisian bobble stitch). These less common stitches add variety to Tunisian projects.

AbbreviationDescription
tfsTunisian full stitch
tscTunisian single crochet
tslstTunisian slip stitch
tesTunisian extended stitch
tbsTunisian bobble stitch