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Tunisian Crochet and Stitches

Let’s learn the fine art of Tunisian crochet!  

Traditional crocheters often find Tunisian crochet a bit strange and unknown, yet it is becoming more popular these days.  

You may have heard Tunisian crochet referred to as afghan crochet.  Often the Tunisian stitch is called the afghan stitch. This should clear up any confusion as we proceed!

What is Tunisian crochet?

Tunisian crochet is a combination of both crochet and knitting.  A crochet hook is used to make the Tunisian crochet stitches, but all of the stitches are held on the crochet hook, just like knitting.

Long crochet hooks are necessary to hold the long line of stitches.  It is also possible to add a cable attachment to the crochet hook for this purpose. Tunisian Crochet Hooks with Cord

Although a Tunisian simple stitch is used, in Tunisian crochet the crocheter can include many other possible stitch combinations.  All of these combinations create very different finished surfaces. 

What is the difference between crochet and Tunisian crochet?

Tunisian crochet falls under the main umbrella of crochet.  It is a special type of crochet that is done in a slightly different style than traditional crochet.  However, the finished fabric looks similar to a knitted piece.

As mentioned before, because all of the Tunisian stitches are held on the crochet hook just like is done in knitting, the fabric that is created looks more like it was knitted.

What is Tunisian crochet best used for?

As we said, the Tunisian crochet stitch is often referred to as the afghan stitch. In Tunisian crochet, each row is worked twice with different stitches, which makes the finished fabric very thick.

This thick fabric is wonderful for afghans (named after this stitch) as well as other blankets and even washcloths.  It is possible to make warm, thick clothing using the Tunisian crochet stitches.

Think thick, warm hats, sweaters, scarves, etc …

This page is a collection of links to so many helpful resources to get started in Tunisian crochet. Tunisian Crochet Hooks and Yarn

You’ll find links to several books for beginners that include instructions for this type of crochet, along with easy projects that are perfect for those just getting into this art. 

Learn about the 3-color Tunisian technique!  Beginners often find this technique easier to do than just using one color with the Tunisian simple stitch. 

When 3-color Tunisian crochet is done, color and texture are interwoven, and this is a great way to use up the scraps in your stash.

Once you’re ready to try new projects, check out our Tunisian crochet project page!

We hope you enjoy the links below to help you get started and learn more about Tunisian crochet!  It’s addictive!

Tunisian Crochet and Stitches

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23 Pieces Tunisian Crochet Hooks Kit

23 Pieces Tunisian Crochet Hooks Kit #ad

23 Pieces Tunisian Crochet Hooks Kit Including 12pcs 3-10 mm Bamboo Knitting Needle with Bead Carbonized Bamboo Needle + 11pcs 2-8 mm Multi Color Tunisian Afghan Aluminum Crochet Hooks Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

3 Color Tunisian

Three-color Tunisian creates an interwoven color and texture fabric. Some beginning Tunisian crocheters even find it easier to do than Tunisian Simple Stitch with one color. Stitch Diva

5 Tunisian Crochet Tips

5 Tunisian Crochet Tips

Before you start your first Tunisian project, here are five Tunisian tips you should know. Interweave

Afghan Stitch

Learn how to do the afghan stitch; otherwise known as the Tunisian simple stitch. Knitting Crochet and Crafts

Afghan Stitch Basic Instructions

These instructions and illustrations show how to do the foundation row and the Tunisian knit. Vicki's Crochet Designs

Afghan Stitch Dishcloth

A simple afghan stitch project. Crochet Crochet 'N More

Afghan Stitch Now Called Tunisian Crochet

Why is the afghan stitch now called Tunisian crochet? Crochet Kim

Basic Afghan Stitch

How to crochet a basic afghan stitch. Dummies.com

Binding Off

There are two ways of binding off and this tutorial show both. Knitter Knotter

Binding Off Tutorial

Here is another binding off tutorial. Crochet Kim

Changing Colors

Here are some tips for keeping the fabric tidy and the color changes smooth whether you change colors at the beginning of the forward pass or the reverse pass. Stitch Divi Studios

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet #ad

Step-by-step instructions with 16 colorful cowls, sweaters and more. by Brenda Bourg - Paperback - Published 2016

Finishing Tunisian Crochet Projects

With these step-by-step photos and the video tutorial learn how to finish Tunisian Crochet Stitches easily to have a clean finish. Nicki's Homemade Crafts

Get Hooked on Tunisian Crochet

Get Hooked on Tunisian Crochet #ad

Learn How with 13 Projects by Sheryl Thies - Paperback - Published 2011 Affiliate Link to Amazon

Increase Stitch

Try this increasing stitch, Tunisian Reverse Stitch Front & Back, with this tutorial. Stitch Diva

Increase Stitch on Tunisian Crochet Fabric

One way to increase a Tunisian Crochet fabric is to insert the hook into the back hump of the horizontal threads and pick up a loop. Learn this increasing technique. Stitch Diva

Short Rows in Tunisian Crochet

Just as in knitting, short rows are useful for making soft curves, slopes or darts in fabric. Short rows (partially worked rows) can be used with Tunisian Crochet. Learn how! Stitch Diva

Simple Stitch Increasing and Decreasing

Here is a photo and instructional tutorial on increasing and decreasing with Tunisian crochet. Morale Fiber

Stitch - Base Row

To start a Tunisian crochet fabric, a base or foundation row is needed. The base row is worked in two steps: the Forward and the Reverse Pass. Learn how here. Stitch Diva Studios

Susan Bates Afghan Hook

Susan Bates Afghan Hook #ad

Susan Bates Silvalume Double-End Afghan Crochet Hooks are made of lightweight aluminum and is 10" long. Affiliate Link to JOANN

The Tunisian Crochet Handbook

The Tunisian Crochet Handbook #ad

A Beginners Guide! The goal of this book is to guide crocheters step-by-step through Tunisian crochet, starting with tools and yarns, transitioning into how-to’s and stitches, and finishing with easy but engaging patterns. by Toni Lipsey - Paperback Affiliate Link to Amazon

Tip - Controlling Curl

Hints for preventing curling of your afghan stitch project. Stitch Divi Studios

Tunisian Afghan Crochet Hook - 14"

Tunisian Afghan Crochet Hook - 14" #ad

Different sizes from F to K. Manufactuer: Boye Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Tunisian and Afghan Crochet Hooks

Tunisian and Afghan Crochet Hooks #ad

Shop for Tunisian and afghan crochet hooks at JOANN. Affiliate Link to JOANN

Tunisian Bind Off and Other Finishing Tips

The last thing you need to learn is binding off and finishing. Learn here! Petals to Picots

Tunisian Binding Off

It is not always necessary to bind off depending on the look wished. However, you can bind off and here is a photo illustration with instructions. Stitch Divi Studios

Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian Crochet #ad

This booklet has step by step instructions, with pictures, for different stitches. The stitches are then combined in a sampler pillow pattern. by Ava Lynne Green - Kindle Book - Published 2015

TUNISIAN Crochet -  Vol. 1: Basic & Textured Stitches

TUNISIAN Crochet - Vol. 1: Basic & Textured Stitches #ad

Learn the basics of this technique of Tunisian Crochet in the introductory part and further explore a lot of possible stitch combinations. All patterns are explained in detail. by Petra Tornack-Zimmermann - Paperback - Published 2016 Affiliate Link to Amazon

Tunisian Crochet - Working in the Round

Is it possible to do Tunisian Crochet in the Round? Yes, it is. Here are tutorials for two seamless methods. Stitch Diva

Tunisian Crochet 101 - Introduction and Tools

This post will give you a short introduction to this technique and show you the different tools you can use. A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet 101 - Yarn Over Increase

The Tunisian Yarn Over is very easy and it is useful as both an increase and to create lace patterns in Tunisian crochet. A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet 101: Changing colors

There are a few ways of changing colors in Tunisian crochet - this is the forward pass changing color method. A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet 101: Foundation Row and Simple Stitch

This post will teach the foundation row and the first Tunisian stitch - Tunisian simple stitch (Tss). A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet 101: Tunisian Knit Stitch

Continuing on with the Tunisian Crochet 101 tutorial - here learn the Tunisian knit stitch. A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet 101: Tunisian Purl Stitch

Just as in knitting, the Tunisian purl stitch can help prevent the fabric from curling. So it is a good stitch to learn. A Crochet Journey

Tunisian Crochet In The Round

Let’s learn how to crochet Tunisian Crochet in the round with this tutorial! Heart Hook Home

Tunisian Crochet Patterns and Books

Tunisian Crochet Patterns and Books #ad

Leisure Arts has a nice collection of books and patterns on Tunisian crochet for dishclothes, blankets, shawls and more. Check them out. Affiliate Link to Leisure Arts

Tunisian Crochet Workshop

Tunisian Crochet Workshop #ad

The complete guide to modern Tunisian crochet stitches, techniques and patterns. by Michelle Robinson - Paperback - Published 2017 Affiliate Link to Amazon

Tunisian Diagonal Stitch

A pretty Tunisian Stitch that creates a biased fabric is also known as Full stitch, Waffle stitch or Gobelin stitch. Learn this stitch here. Stitch Diva

Tunisian Double Crochet (tdc)

Here is a tutorial for the Tunisian double crochet stitch with instructions and illustrations. Stitch Diva Studios

Tunisian Foundation Row

Tunisian Foundation Row #ad

This video and instructional tutorial is on how to create the foundation row in Tunisian crochet. Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store

Tunisian Hooks

Tunisian Hooks #ad

Need Tunisian crochet hooks? Michaels has a wonderful selection of double-ended Tunisian crochet hooks, interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks, flexible Tunisian crochet hooks, etc. Affiliate Link to Michaels

Tunisian Intarsia

Photos and instructions for working the tunisian intarsia. Knitting-and.com

Tunisian Knit Stitch

Tunisian Knit Stitch #ad

You will find here a video clip on how to crochet the knit Tunisian stitch. Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store

Tunisian Knit Stitch (Tks)

How to do the Tunisian knit stitch in Tunisian crochet. Petals to Picots

Tunisian Purl Stitch

Watch this video to see how to make one of the fundamental Tunisian stitches - the Tunisian purl stitch. Stitch Diva

Tunisian Purl Stitch (tps)

Tunisian Purl Stitch (tps) #ad

You will find here a video clip along with a photo step-by-step tutorial. Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store

Tunisian Reverse Stitch

The Tunisian reverse stitch looks similar to the Tunisian purl stitch, but it is worked from the back of your piece. Here is a tutorial. Petals to Picots

Tunisian Shawls Crochet Book

Tunisian Shawls Crochet Book #ad

This 48-page softcover crochet shawl book features eight easy and fun projects with Tunisian crochet patterns that require easy to intermediate skills. Affiliate Link to JOANN

Tunisian Simple Stitch

Learn how to do the Tunisian simple stitch. Petals to Picots

Tunisian Simple Stitch (tss)

A very simple stitch that is usually learned first when learning Tunisian crochet is Tunisian Simple Stitch. With these instructions and photos, learn this stitch easily. Stitch Diva Studio

Tunisian Simple Stitch Video

Tunisian Simple Stitch Video #ad

Learn the Tunisian simple stitch with this clip from Annie's video class, Learn to Tunisian Crochet with instructor Kim Guzman. Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store

Twisted Tunisian Simple Stitch (Twtss) / Tunisian Rib Stitch Pattern

Learn this stitch with the video and written photo instructions. Stitch Diva





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