Simple Directions For Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet is a very unique style that joins together the world of crochet with that of knitting. The basic concept utilizes a longer crochet hook allowing the buildup of loops like in knitting. Also, just like knitting, you always work with the front piece rather then turning your work from front to back like crochet.

Anybody can master the art of Tunisian crochet. When I first started, I found it a bit awkward to maneuver to hook because of it's length, however, with time and practice, it becomes second nature.

It is a good idea to know the basics of crochet but it is not mandatory. The guidelines and pictures I provide are thorough and clear. I hope you enjoy this how-to article and good luck with your projects.

The materials needed for Tunisian crochet are very basic; a ball of yarn and a long crochet hook like the one shown to the right.

Here I have used a size 5.5mm, however you can use whichever you like. Also, yarn is chosen based on a specific project, so again, it makes no difference which yarn you choose for this tutorial.

Start by creating a simple crochet chain any length you wish. Next, insert hook in second chain from hook, yo (yarn over), draw loop through. Leave this loop on hook and continue inserting your hook in each remaining chain and drawing loop through and leaving on hook. (Forward Pass)

Once you are done your chain should look like the photo below.

Working from left to right (Reverse Pass), yo, and draw a loop loosely through the first loop on hook, *yo and draw through next two loops on hook. Repeat from * to end until only one loop remains.

You'll notice in the picture below that the next row is worked through the vertical stitches.

Working from right to left again (Forward Pass), skip first vertical loop, then * insert hook under next vertical loop, yo, draw loop through, keeping loop on hook. Repeat from * to end. Do not turn.

Repeat step 2 and step 3 until you have the desired length. The pictures below shows the front and back view of a finished piece.

Tip: Tunisian crochet has a tendency to produce a biased fabric with the edges slanted. It is best to crochet loosely.

Now, you know the basic Tunisian stitch. With this pattern you can create a variety of projects, however, a beginner project I would recommend is a simple washcloth. This allow for lots of practice and it is useful no matter how it looks!