With Alex: How To Tunisian Crochet In 3 Minutes!

Hello! Do you want to try Tunisian Crochet but you think it's too complicated and overwhelming to learn? I have been teaching Tunisian Crochet for over six years, BUT NOW I have a NEW video tutorial that teaches you how to Tunisian Crochet in 3 minutes! AND learn four different popular stitches with my NEW Tunisian Crochet Beginner Series! Want to learn now? Scroll down to learn Tunisian Crochet!

WHAT IS TUNISIAN CROCHET?

Tunisian Crochet is a form of crochet that uses a crochet hook to combine knitting and crochet to mimic knitted and woven fabrics. This technique of crochet can be very meditative and relaxing when working on simple projects.

Each row consists of a forward pass that is used to pick up loops from right to left and then a return pass is used to work the loops off of the hook, from left to right. For this beginner series, the work will always be facing and the work will never be turned. Other techniques, such as working in the round, may involve turning the work, but these techniques can be learned later.

The Return Pass will always be the same in this beginner series, but return passes can be different when following a pattern and for some stitches, such as when working lace stitches.

TOOLS NEEDED

The Hook

*********** You may practice with a hook that has no handle. ***********

For larger projects and the beginner patterns listed below, a long crochet hook or a crochet hook with a cord is needed. Pictured below are: a metal hook with no handle by Boye, a 12" long tunisian crochet hook by Furls, and a tunisian crochet hook with a cord that is attached by Clover.

I generally use a Furls tunisian crochet hook for smaller projects and the Clover tunisian crochet hook with cord for larger projects.

For this Beginner Tunisian Crochet Series, I will be using the tunisian hook by Furls.

Furls Tunisian Crochet Hook

12" long
Size K (6.5 mm)
Style: Cruella Deville

The Yarn

***** You may use any weight of yarn that you like. Use a suitable size crochet hook if using a different weight yarn. *****

For this Beginner Tunisian Crochet Series, I will be using Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky Superwash Yarn. I love the stitch definition that this yarn creates, and if you have followed me for awhile, you will know I love all kinds of pinks and this pink is so pretty!

Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky Superwash

Bulky Weight
Colorway: Classic Pink
100% Superwash Wool
100g/106yds/97m

Disclaimer: Universal Yarn did offer yarn support for these tutorials and the link is an affiliate link. This means I may make a smaller percentage if a purchase is made after clicking on one of my links. This does not change the price for the purchaser.

TENSION TIPS

Notice how tall you are pulling up on the loops. Try to keep the loop height consistent and make sure the loops aren’t too tight on the hook making it harder in the return pass.

If you are not meeting gauge by the row count, you may need to make your loops shorter or taller depending on if you have too many rows or too little rows.

BEGINNER STITCHES

The Tunisian Knit Stitch

The Tunisian Knit Stitch creates a fabric that mimics the stockinette stitch in knitting.

Tunisian Simple Stitch

The Tunisian Simple Stitch creates a fabric that looks woven. Vertical lines decorate this fabric giving it an interesting texture.

Tunisian Purl Stitch

The Tunisian Purl Stitch mimics the purl stitch in knitting. The fabric created is decorated with a bumpy texture. This stitch is commonly used in ribbing.

Tunisian Full Stitch

The Tunisian Full Stitch creates a fabric that looks woven with a unique texture. This stitch uses a two row repeat to create clean and straight edges. This stitch can also be used to create increases and shaping when not using the two row repeat.

THE CURL

Tunisian Crochet curls! Sometimes there is just no way around it. In that case, blocking can easily be used to flatten out the finished project.

Some stitches, such as the purl stitch and ribbings for examples, do not curl as much and the finished project may not need to be blocked. These stitches can also be used as border stitches to help minimize the curl.

Also, using a larger hook or loosening tension can help minimize the curl.

But sometimes, the curl will just happen, do not worry and just block it at the end!

The image below is a tunisian knit stitch swatch before being blocked. It curls a lot.

The same swatch is being blocked in the image below. It has been pinned and then steamed.

The image below is the same swatch after being blocked. It now lays flat and does not curl.

Let's Get Started!

After practicing, come back and pick a Beginner Tunisian pattern from the list below.

TUNISIAN CROCHET IN 3 MINUTES!

Abbreviations

ch(s): chain(s)
yo: yarn over
st(s): stitch(es)
tks: tunisian knit stitch
tps: tunisian purl stitch
tss: tunisian simple stitch
tfs: tunisian full stitch

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Written Instructions:

Row 1: Forward Pass: ch any number of chs, starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, pick up a loop in each chain across.

Row 1: Return Pass: yo and pull through 1 loop on the hook, *yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from the * across until 1 loop remains on the hook.

To continue on, you must first pick the stitch that you would like to practice with.

PART 2: TUNISIAN KNIT STITCH