Get started (Tunisian)

Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, combines elements of knitting and crochet. It creates a dense, textured fabric using a special long hook called a Tunisian hook or Afghan hook. This guide will help you get started with the basics.

What you need to get started

• Tunisian Crochet Hook: Longer than a regular hook to hold multiple loops.
• Yarn: Start with a smooth, medium-weight yarn (worsted weight #4 is ideal).
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers: Help mark places in your work and to keep track of rounds.
• Scissors

Basic terminology

Abbreviation	Description
ch	Chain stitch
tss	Tunisian Simple Stitch
retp	Return pass
fwp	Forward pass
yo	Yarn over
st	Stitch

How Tunisian crochet works

Tunisian crochet is worked in rows without turning the work. There are two passes for each row:

• Forward Pass: Insert hook into stitches, yarn over, and pull up loops onto the hook (similar to knitting).
• Return Pass: Yarn over and pull through loops on the hook to work off the stitches.

You keep loops on the hook during the forward pass, creating a row of loops before working them off on the return pass.

Learning Tunisian crochet

There are 4 common Tunisian crochet stitches.

• Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS): Basic stitch used for most projects.
• Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS): Creates a knitted look.
• Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS): Adds texture on the fabric’s wrong side.
• Tunisian Double Crochet (TDC): Taller stitch for more drape.

If you are new to Tunisian crochet, there are many YouTube crochet tutorials that provide clear, helpful guidance for Tunisian crochet stitches.

Tips for Beginners

• Keep an even tension to avoid tight or loose stitches.
• Use a longer hook than usual to comfortably hold all loops.
• Use a larger hook to reduce curl and avoid overly tight tension.
• Practice the Tunisian Simple Stitch TSS before moving to advanced stitches.
• Watch video tutorials to see the technique in action.

Sample swatch pattern TSS

1. Chain 15.
2. Forward pass: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, pull up loop across (14 loops on hook).
3. Return pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop, then yarn over pull through two loops across.
4. Repeat forward and return passes for 10 rows.