What is Tunisian Crochet for Beginners?
Tunisian Crochet for Beginners
If you’re curious about Tunisian crochet, you’re in for a treat! It’s a fun twist on traditional crochet that feels a little like knitting but uses just one long hook. It creates a thicker, woven-looking fabric that’s perfect for scarves, washcloths, blankets, and more.
What Is Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian crochet (sometimes called Afghan crochet) uses a special long hook that holds multiple loops at once. You work each row in two parts: a forward pass to pick up loops, and a return pass to work them off. You never turn your work!
The result is a structured, textured fabric that’s slightly thicker than standard crochet—great for warm, cozy projects.
How It Differs from Regular Crochet
|
Feature |
Tunisian Crochet |
Regular Crochet |
|
Hook |
Long hook or one with a cable |
Standard single-ended hook |
|
Loops |
Multiple loops stay on the hook |
One loop at a time |
|
Fabric |
Dense, woven texture |
Flexible, often stretchier |
|
Turning |
You don’t turn the work |
You turn after every row |
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) Tutorial
Start with a Tunisian crochet hook and bulky yarn (like our chenille yarns).
Step-by-Step:
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Ch 10
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Forward pass: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat in each chain across.
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Return pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop. Then yarn over, pull through two loops repeatedly.
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Next row: Insert hook under the vertical bar, pull up a loop across. Then repeat the return pass.
Second pass:
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Repeat until desired length!
Bind off by slip stitching through each vertical bar at the end.
Easy Tunisian Projects for Beginners
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Washcloths – Great for practicing the Tunisian simple stitch
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Scarves – Straight rectangles with built-in texture
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Blankets – Try baby blanket size first with bulky yarn
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Coasters or mug rugs – Quick, satisfying, and giftable
Tips to Get Started
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Use a larger hook than your yarn calls for to avoid tightness and curling.
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Expect a little curling at first—that’s normal! Add a border or block it afterward.
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Start with chunky yarn so it’s easier to see your stitches and make faster progress.
Ready to try it? Grab a long hook and some plush chenille yarn, and give Tunisian crochet a go. It might just become your new favorite technique!