Create a knitted look without knitting by using these Tunisian crochet stitches!
You may not be familiar with Tunisian crochet, but we’re sure you have seen some Tunisian projects. Since Tunisian projects look a lot like they are knitted, you might have categorized them as knitted.
In fact, it’s hard to tell if a project is knitted or made using Tunisian crochet just by looking at it. You have to take a closer look and inspect its fabric to really know how it’s made.
There are countless variations of Tunisian crochet stitches. You could look for hours and never find them all. Below is a list of the most common Tunisian crochet stitches we have not already discussed.
We have included a video link for each one to make it easier for you to learn and understand the different Tunisian Crochet stitches.
Before we take a closer look at some of the different Tunisian crochet stitches in our list, let’s first have a little background about Tunisian crochet.
Learning More About Tunisian Crochet
When we think about crafts that use yarns, we usually think of knitting and crocheting. But have you ever heard of Tunisian crochet?
Similar to knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet is a method where you manipulate yarn to create a fabric. Various Tunisian crochet stitches are also used to add texture and design to the fabric created.
Similarities and Differences in Knitting, Crochet, and Tunisian Crochet
Just like in crochet, you’ll need yarn and a hook to complete a Tunisian crochet project. The Tunisian crochet hook is similar to an ordinary crochet hook but it is a bit longer to accommodate the loops you need to make.
Don’t miss our review on the Best Tunisian Crochet Hooks on the market.
You’ll also be needing your knowledge in crochet when doing a Tunisian crochet project. In fact, you’ll be using crochet techniques in most of the stitches.
Although Tunisian crochet and knitting yield almost the same results, the process is not exactly the same. Just like how you cast on multiple loops into your knitting needles, you will also have to hold your loops in your crochet hook.
Eventually, as you work on the yarn, you’ll be able to create a dense and squishy fabric. Although it looks like a knitted fabric at first glance, you’ll be able to tell the difference upon closer look.
By inspecting the fabric, you’ll see that Tunisian crochet fabrics are less stretchy than knitted fabrics.
How to make Tunisian crochet stitches
We know you’re excited to learn about the different Tunisian crochet stitches, but we have to learn about the basics first!
In Tunisian crochet, each row is composed of a forward pass and a reverse pass. Worked from right to left, you’ll pick up loops from the row below and leave them on your hook. This is called the forward pass.
After you have gone through all the stitches from the previous row, you’ll work on the return pass to complete your row. To do the return pass, you’ll simply yarn over and pull through a number of loops until you reach the end.
List of Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Basic Tunisian Crochet Stitches
The basic Tunisian crochet stitches are easy to learn, and they can be used as solid patterns or combined with other stitches to create unique patterns. All the stitches are easy to learn once you have mastered the easiest Tunisian stitch, the basic simple crochet Tunisian stitch.
1. Tunisian foundation row
Although it’s not really a Tunisian crochet stitch, most Tunisian projects start with the Tunisian Foundation Row.
To make this stitch:
Make your preferred number of chains.
Forward Pass:
Insert the hook on the back bump of your chain. Yarn over, and pull a loop. Make sure to leave the loop on the hook. Repeat this process as you go through all the back bumps.
To be safe, count your loops. The number of loops on your hook should be the same as the number of your chains.
Reverse Pass:
Chain 1. For the rest of the loops, yarn over and pull through two loops.
Repeat this process until you have only one loop remaining in your hook.
Tunisian Foundation Row Video Tutorial
To further understand how to make this stitch, you can refer to this video:
2. Tunisian Simple Stitch
The next Tunisian crochet stitch on the list is really simple, it’s even called the Tunisian Simple Stitch or the Afghan crochet.
To put it simply, to make this stitch you only have to work on the front vertical bar.
To make this stitch:
Make a foundation row.
Forward Pass:
Insert your hook from right to left, make sure it goes behind the front vertical bar only.
Yarn over, draw up a loop and leave the loop on the hook.
Repeat this process across the row until you reach the last vertical bar.
If you want your work to be thicker, you can insert your hook in the two loops of the chain. However, if you want a thinner work, you can insert your hook in one of the loops instead.
Reverse Pass:
After inserting your hook, create a chain. Then, follow the same reverse pass process of the foundation row.
Tunisian Simple Stitch Video Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a video of how this stitch is done:
Were you able to follow along with the tutorial video? If you check the reverse side of your work, you’ll notice that this stitch creates little bumps perfect for dishcloths.
This lovely dishcloth project made using Tunisian Simple Crochet Stitch is a great project to practice your Tunisian crochet stitches. Imagine all the different colors you can make!
3. Reverse Tunisian Simple Stitch
If you have already mastered the Tunisian Simple Stitch, you’ll be able to learn this Tunisian crochet stitch quickly!
To make the Reverse Tunisian Simple Stitch, you will have to work on the back vertical bar instead of working on the front vertical bar. The rest of the process is similar to the Tunisian Simple Stitch.
To make this stitch:
Make a foundation row.
Forward Pass:
Insert the hook from right to left of the back vertical bar.
Yarn over, pull through and leave the loop on the hook.
Repeat this process until you reach the last vertical bar.
For the last stitch, insert the hook from right to left of the front and back vertical bar. Yarn over, and pull through.
Reverse Pass:
Follow the same reverse pass of the other Tunisian crochet stitches.
Reverse Tunisian Simple Stitch Video Tutorial
Check out this video to easily understand how to make this stitch:
As you work on your project, you’ll notice the little ridges created by this stitch. This embossed look will look good when used with other stitches.
Take this lovely scarf, for example, the Tunisian Reverse Simple Stitch is used to add variation to the rather plain fabric.
Other crocheters also love using this Tunisian stitch to add borders to their works. If you have a crochet fabric that curls, use this stitch to add a border to help flatten the fabric.
4. Tunisian Knit Stitch
If you’re familiar with the stockinette stitch in knitting, you might think projects made using the Tunisian Knit Stitch are knitted.
Although the fabric created using this Tunisian stitch looks like a stockinette stitch, it doesn’t have the stretch of a stockinette fabric.
To make this stitch:
Make a foundation row.
Forward Pass:
Insert the hook in between the front and back vertical bars.
Yarn over, pull through and leave the loop on the hook.
Repeat this process until the end of the row.
Reverse Pass:
Follow the same reverse pass of the other Tunisian crochet stitches.
Tunisian Knit Stitch Video Tutorial
This video explains how to insert the hook in between the front and back vertical bars.
Since this is great for dense and thick projects, you can make warm and cozy shrugs like this Simple Starlight Shrug. You’ll be able to make a comfy shrug that looks like its knitted but it’s actually crocheted!
5. Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch
If you’re looking for a project that is quick to finish, choose a project that uses Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch!
Patterns that use this stitch yield a looser and more flexible fabric. Because the stitches are more open as compared to other Tunisian stitches, it is usually used in creating drapey garments.
Although the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch has many variations – depending on where you insert the hook – we will focus on the simplest one.
To make the stitch:
Make a foundation row.
Forward Pass:
Since we’re focusing on the simplest one, we’ll do something similar to the Tunisian Simple Stitch where we insert the hook from the right to the left of the front vertical bar.
Just like normal double crochet, we’ll start by making a chain one.
Yarn over, then insert the hook behind the front vertical bar.
Yarn over, pull up a loop, and leave the loop on the hook.
We’ll end up with three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
Repeat the process until the end of the row.
Reverse Pass:
Follow the same reverse pass of the other Tunisian crochet stitches.
Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
To better understand how to make this stitch, check out this video:
To practice the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch, you can work on a Tunisian Double Trouble Afghan. This afghan made entirely using the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch looks really good when a solid and a variegated yarn is used.
6. Tunisian Purl Stitch
Since we’re not used to working with the yarn in front of our work, the Tunisian Purl Stitch can be a little harder to learn. But no worries, we included a video tutorial that you can easily follow!
We want our projects to lay flat, right? You don’t have to worry about your fabric curling because you can use the Tunisian Purl Stitch at the beginning and end of your project to counter the curls.
To make this stitch:
Make a foundation row.
Forward Pass:
Always remember that your yarn should be in front of your work.
Insert your hook from right to left in the front vertical bar. (refer to the video)
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the vertical bar, then leave the loop in your hook.
Repeat the process until the end of the row.
Reverse Pass:
Follow the same reverse pass of the other Tunisian crochet stitches.
Tunisian Purl Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch this video to understand how to make this Tunisian Purl Stitch:
Brighten up your living room with these Malibu Pillows! You can also use this project to practice your Tunisian Purl Stitches.
7. Tunisian Crochet Rib Stitch
Even the smallest detail can have a huge effect on your crochet projects. In Tunisian crochet, you can use the Tunisian Crochet Rib Stitch to add details to your work.
Although it looks similar to a knit ribbing, the fabric it creates is not as stretchy as a knitted one. To clearly show the knit-like texture, it is recommended to use chunky yarn.
To make this stitch, you have to know these two different Tunisian crochet stitches: Tunisian Knit Stitch and Tunisian Purl Stitch.
So make sure you have mastered these two stitches so you can follow along!
To make this stitch:TUNISIAN PURL
Make a foundation row.
Forwards pass:
To put it simply, the pattern for this stitch is 2 Tunisian Knit Stitch, and 2 Tunisian Purl Stitch.
The first loop on the hook is considered as the first Tunisian Knit Stitch.
So you’ll start with 1 Tunisian Knit Stitch, then 2 Tunisian Purl stitch.
Continue with (2 Tunisian Knit Stitch, 2 Tunisian Purl Stitch). Repeat this pattern until the end of the row.
Reverse Pass:
Follow the same reverse pass of the other Tunisian crochet stitches.
As you work on more rows, you’ll be able to see the ribbing pattern.
Tunisian Crochet Rib Stitch Video Tutorial
To easily understand how to make this stitch, check out this video:
We found this reversible cardigan pattern you can work on to practice your Tunisian Crochet Rib Stitch! Check out how they used the Tunisian Crochet Rib Stitch to add ribbings to this lovely cardigan.
8. Tunisian Chain Back Bar Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian Crochet Chain Back Bar Stitch Tutorial by Kim Guzman is very informative. There are right and left-handed versions available. She also has a website where you can find a full text and symbol chart.
9. Tunisian Chain Top Loop Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian chain top loop stitch is also referred to as the Tunisian top loop. Here is another highly informative video tutorial by Kim Guzman.
10. Tunisian Flat Simple Crochet Stitch
The flat simple stitch is also known as the Tunisian modified simple stitch. The stitch is easily explained in this video from The Crochet Crowd.
11. Tunisian Full Crochet Stitch
The video tutorial from YL Yarn Crafts will show you foundation work and return pass, two row repeat of Tunisian full stitch, and slip stitch bind off.
12. Tunisian Simple Stitch to Back Loop Crochet Stitch
Here is a unique stitch that create the look of interlocking circles. Let CrochetKim teach you how to create this beautiful pattern.
13. Tunisian Twisted Knit Crochet Stitch
This video tutorial by Knitter Knotter will show you how to make the Tunisian twisted knit stitch two different ways.
14. Tunisian Twisted Simple Crochet Stitch
In this short video, Sharon Carter will show you the basics of creating the Tunisian twisted simple stitch.
Tall Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Tall Tunisian crochet stitches mimic the look of regular crochet. However, the stitches are taller, and the process is quicker.
1. Tunisian Double Stitch in TSS Crochet Stitch
The Purple Poncho will teach you how to create the Tunisian double stitch and how to bind it off. She also includes a pattern so you can practice your stitches.
2. Tunisian Drop Stitch Crochet Stitch
In this video, Kim Guzman’s instructions for the Tunisian drop stitch are clear and easy to follow.
3. Tunisian Extended Stitch in TSS Crochet Stitch
Learn the basics of making the Tunisian extended crochet stitch in this video by The crochet crowd. The video is very informative and the stitching is done very slow you can see exactly what is being done.
Stacking Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Stacking crochet Tunisian stitches create an interesting pattern by stacking stitches and then rotating between a different stitch.
1. Tunisian Aligned Cross Crochet Stitch
This video will help you learn how to create the cross stitch crochet stitch. There are also photos and written pattern instructions on the Knitiversity website.
2. Tunisian Basketweave Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian basketweave crochet stitch combines both the knit stitch and purl stitch. The finished design is flexible, and it will not curl. HappyBerry Crochet’s video is easy to follow. And she also has a free Tunisian crochet patterns on her website.
3. Tunisian Ribbing Crochet Stitch
Tunisian ribbing is great for when you need to add some stretch to your project. It is often used in hats and sweaters. Tunisian ribbing combines Tunisian knit and purl stitches. Let Tonya Bush show you how easy it is to make the ribbed stitch.
4. Tunisian Simple Rib Crochet Stitch
Learn how to combine the Tunisian simple stitch and the twisted Tunisian simple stitch to create the rib stitch. This tutorial by Knitter Knotter will walk you through the creation of two rows of Tunisian rib stitches.
Fancy Tunisian Crochet Stitches
You can use fancy stitches to make Tunisian crochet projects that have intricate patterns that often mimic the lace.
1. Tunisian Grapevine Stitch Crochet Stitch
The grapevine stitch would be a good stitch for a scarf or a shawl. It is a fun stitch to create that has a lot of visual interest. CrochetKim has right and left-handed versions available.
2. Tunisian Lace Crochet Stitch
Lace stitches create a light and breezy fabric. If you need a video that is very detailed and slow, this one by Hookloopsarach Crochet is for you. She is very thorough with her instructions.
3. Tunisian Mesh Stitch
Here is a video by I Can Crochet That for the Tunisian mesh stitch. The video is a little fast, so we would not recommend it for a beginner.
4. Tunisian Shooting Stars Crochet Stitch
The shooting star stitch creates a stretch fabric that is airy. The instructions by HappyBerry Crochet are simple to understand. And the video is nice and close up.
5. Tunisian Tiny Clusters Crochet Stitch
This is a fun Tunisian crochet stitch that works up quickly. You will have to pay a lot of attention to the backward loops. The Heart Hook Home video makes this intricate pattern easy to understand and follow.
6. Tunisian Aligned Clusters Crochet Stitch
This is a fun stitch that creates a pattern of aligned clusters. The pattern works up quickly. And the instructions by Heart Hook Home are very easy to understand.
7. Tunisian Crochet Popcorn Crochet Stitch
This stitch creates the classic popcorn pattern. It is the perfect stitch to add a little character to an Afghan or throw. See the step-by-step tutorial by My Workbasket here.
8. Tunisian Extended Rib Crochet Stitch
Here is a quick and easy tutorial for using an alternative Tunisian rib stitch. The stitch alternated between the Tunisian treble crochet and the Tunisian simple stitch. Watch the video by Hookloopsarah Crochet to learn how to make the Tunisian extended decrease rib crochet stitch.
9. Tunisian Keyhole Lace Crochet Stitch
The keyhole lace crochet stitch works up quickly and has no curling. Watch the video tutorial by CrochetKim and check out her website for a full text and symbol chart.
10. Tunisian Ocean Stitch
The Tunisian Ocean stitch creates a texture that mimics the waves in the ocean. It is an alternating pattern that looks great on hats, scarfs and bags. Watch the video from Knitiversity and print off the printable PDF written instructions.
11.Tunisian Offset Cross Stitch Crochet Stitch
Tunisian offset cross stitch crochet is similar to aligned cross stitch, except the stitches create a diagonal pattern. Watch the KniwDenise video tutorial to learn how to create the offset stitch pattern.
12.Tunisian Shells Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian shell stitch is a dainty design that can add a fun and interesting pattern to your next projects. Try the shell stitch using the step-by-step instructions from TL Yarn Crafts. Her video instructions make Tunisian crochet easy to understand.
Once you have mastered some of the Tunisian stitches, you can combine these stitches to create interesting patterns. Here are a few patterns you can play with.
Tunisian Stitch Patterns
Create fun and intricate patterns by combining different Tunisian crochet stitches.
1. Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch Crochet Stitch
The honeycomb stitch creates a beautiful pattern. It uses a combination of simple stitches and purls. Find out more about the alternating Tunisian stitch from HappyBerry Crochet.
2. Tunisian Smock Crochet Stitch
The Tunisian crochet smock stitch looks extremely complicated, but it is not. This pattern only uses two basic Tunisian crochet techniques. Claudetta Crochet will show you just how easy this pattern is to create.
3. Tunisian Seed Crochet Stitch
This is a great video by TL Yarn Crafts for beginners looking to learn new stitches. The Tunisian crochet seed stitch combines Tunisian crochet knit and purl stitches. The seed stitch is often used in blankets and other home decor projects.
What Tunisian Crochet Stitch Will You Try First?
Don’t you just love learning new stitches? We can’t wait to see which among these Tunisian crochet stitches you’ll try! You can also take your skills to the next level by learning the trinity crochet stitch.
Let us know what Tunisian crochet projects you’re working on by posting your works on our Facebook Page. Don’t forget to keep us updated!
For starters, you can try making this Free Tunisian Crochet Feather Pattern.
Now that you know some of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches, what other stitches do you want to learn?
