Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide

Tunisian crochet stitches are easier to work than you would think. If you can single crochet, you can probably Tunisian crochet. Try out the Tunisian simple stitch (Tss) with this tutorial.

Some Tunisian stitches have a knit look. Crocheters who like the way knit and purl stitches look, but prefer crocheting to knitting can make knit-look projects by combining the Tunisian knit stitch (Tks)...
 

...and the Tunisian purl stitch (Tps).
 

There are more options for colorwork with Tunisian crochet than with standard crochet. Read the photo tutorials below that explain how to make two-toned stripes, solid stripes, and crochet with multiple colors in the same row with Tunisian crochet. The video tutorial right below demonstrates these three methods along with a fourth: cross stitch with Tunisian crochet.
 

Since each row of Tunisian crochet has two parts -- the forward and the return -- it’s possible to create two-toned stripes.

Start by working the forward part of the row with Color A. Make a slip knot with Color B. Pull the slip knot in Color B through the last loop of Color A to start your return.
 

Yarn over with Color B and draw through two loops. Continue to do this all the way across the return.
 

Work the next forward with Color B, adding loops in your chosen stitch onto your hook.
 

When you get to the end of your forward, you will be able to pick up Color A for the return. Be sure not to pull it too tightly, or you will pucker your work.
 

You can continue your two-toned stripes by alternating colors at the beginning of each return and carrying the unworked color up the side of your project so you don’t have too many ends to weave in.
 

Solid stripes are formed by changing colors at the end of your return.

Start by working the forward part of the row with Color A. You’ll also work your return with Color A, stopping when the last two loops remain on the hook. Make a slip knot with Color B. Pull the slip knot in Color B through the last two loops on Color A to finishing your return.
 

Work the next forward and return with Color B. If you’d like to change colors again, switch at the last two loops of the return row.
 

As with the two-toned stripes, you can carry your unworked color up the side of your project, but be sure not to pull your yarns too tightly when changing colors or you will pucker your work.
 

Many crocheters use Tunisian crochet for complex graphed patterns with multiple color changes within a row. If you’d like to try such a project, you will change your color at the yarn over on the forward.
 

You can carry the unworked yarn for a few stitches as a float. Be careful not to pull too tightly on your float or your project will pucker. Then, pick up the color with a yarn over when you need it.
 

Continue in this way until your forward is complete.
 

You’ll also want to change colors on the return. Work across the return in the last color used on the forward until you have one loop in each color on the hook. Drop the color you are using, and yarn over with the next color in the sequence.
 

As you can see, Tunisian crochet is very versatile. It’s also fun and you can make some stunning projects with it.