Tunisian crochet, sometimes called Afghan crochet, is a versatile technique that blends elements of traditional crochet and knitting. Unlike standard crochet, where each stitch is completed before moving to the next, Tunisian crochet involves picking up stitches across the row (forward pass) and then working them off (return pass), keeping multiple loops on the hook much like knitting. To get started, you’ll need a special Tunisian crochet hook, which is longer than a regular hook and sometimes comes with a cord extension for larger projects. The most basic and widely used stitch in this method is the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), which creates a neat, grid-like fabric perfect for both beginners and more complex patterns.
Learning Tunisian crochet begins with understanding its structure and rhythm. Start by chaining your desired number of stitches, then pick up loops into each chain across the row (forward pass). Once you’ve reached the end, you begin the return pass: yarn over and pull through one loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops repeatedly until one loop remains. This loop becomes the base of your next row. From there, you can experiment with other stitches like the Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS), which resembles the stockinette knit pattern, or the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS), which mimics the texture of purling in knitting.
Tunisian crochet offers incredible flexibility for a wide range of projects—from warm, dense blankets and scarves to lightweight shawls and textured home décor. It’s also an excellent technique for colorwork, as the structured fabric holds shapes and motifs well. While the fabric tends to curl naturally (especially with the simple stitch), this can be controlled with blocking or by adding a border. With consistent practice and a few simple tools, you can master Tunisian crochet and unlock a new world of fiber artistry.
Credit toMake & Do Crew