How To: Tunisian Crochet for Beginners; A Step By Step Guide

Are you ready to start a fascinating journey in Tunisian crochet?

If you’re a beginner looking to try this unique craft, you’re in the right spot. This guide will show you how to master Tunisian crochet, from basic stitches to tools and techniques for making stunning projects.

Whether new to crochet or already skilled, this guide will help you start on the right foot.

But first, have you wondered what makes Tunisian crochet so special? And why is it gaining popularity among crafters? Get ready to find out as we explore its unique qualities.

Grab our free Tunisian Crochet for Beginner’s Guide HERE.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the unique features of Tunisian crochet that make it a distinct and versatile fiber art
• Learn the essential tools and materials required to get started with Tunisian crochet
• Explore the foundational Tunisian crochet stitches, including the simple and knit stitches
• Gain confidence in your Tunisian crochet skills through step-by-step guidance and practical tips
• Unlock the potential to create a wide range of beautiful and functional Tunisian crochet projects

What is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a special technique that combines knitting and traditional crochet. This method uses a Tunisian crochet hook to create loops with a Forward Pass and casting off with a Return Pass, making a unique and textured fabric.

Defining Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet is a mix of knitting and crochet. Unlike regular crochet, it uses a longer hook with a stopper, or a hook with a long cable and stopper attached. This allows for active loops on the hook, making the fabric thick and unique.

Read: The Best Tunisian Crochet Hooks – Find Your Perfect Match!

Essential Tools and Materials

Starting your Tunisian crochet journey means getting the right tools and materials. To begin, you’ll need a few key items.

You’ll first need a Tunisian crochet hook. These hooks are longer than regular crochet hooks or have a cable and stopper attached.

Depending on your project, you might want a set of Tunisian crochet hooks in different sizes.

Next, pick the right yarn for your project. Worsted-weight yarn is great for Tunisian crochet because it has the right balance of structure and drape. But you can try different yarn weights and fibers to get your desired look.

Also, you’ll need a tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors for cutting yarn, and stitch markers to keep track. These small tools can really make a difference, plus they’re just fun to have on hand. 🙂

With the right tools and materials, you’re ready to learn how to Tunisian crochet. Let’s explore the exciting world of this unique crochet technique!

• Worsted-weight yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)

Tunisian Crochet Stitches for Beginners

Learning the basic Tunisian crochet stitches is key to making beautiful projects. I’ll show you how to do the Tunisian Simple Stitch and the Tunisian Knit Stitch, which are great for beginners.

Tunisian Simple Stitch

The Tunisian Simple Stitch is perfect for beginners. It makes a dense, textured fabric. You can use it for blankets or clothes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a Foundation Row:

– Before you can work the Tunisian Simple Stitch, you’ll need to have a completed foundation row. If you haven’t done this yet, refer to the instructions for creating a foundation chain in the video here.

Watch a video tutorial for this stitch here.

2. Forward Pass (Working the Tunisian Simple Stitch):

– With your foundation row completed, you’ll now work the first forward pass of the Tunisian Simple Stitch.

– Skip the first vertical bar (the loop already on your hook counts as the first stitch).

– Insert your hook under the next vertical bar (front to back). The vertical bar is the strand of yarn that runs vertically in each stitch from the previous row.

– Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front) and pull up a loop. Leave this loop on your hook.

– Repeat this process: Insert the hook under the next vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Continue across the row until you have a loop on your hook for every stitch, until one stitch remains.

3. Working the Final Stitch:

– For the last stitch in the row, insert your hook under both loops (the front and back strands) of the last vertical bar at the edge of the row.

– Yarn over and pull up a loop, ensuring you work through both strands to create a nice, neat edge.

4. Return Pass:

– Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook (this creates the edge).

– Yarn over again and pull through two loops. Repeat this yarn over and pull through two loops process until you have only one loop left on your hook.

The Autumn Ombre Scarf and The Udelia blanket are both made using the Tunisian simple stitch.

Tunisian Knit Stitch

The Tunisian Knit Stitch makes a fabric that looks like knitting, hence the name!

Here’s how to do it:

Start with a Foundation Row:

– Before you can work the Tunisian Knit Stitch, you’ll need a completed foundation row. If you haven’t done this yet, refer to the instructions for creating a foundation chain and the return pass in the video here.

Watch a video tutorial for this stitch here.

2. Forward Pass (Working the Tunisian Knit Stitch):

– Skip the first vertical bar (the loop on your hook counts as the first stitch).

– Insert your hook between the front and back vertical bars of the next stitch, going all the way through the fabric to the back of the work. (Unlike the Tunisian Simple Stitch where you insert your hook under just the front vertical bar, here you will go in between the front and back bars, mimicking the look of knit stitches.)

– Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front) and pull up a loop, leaving it on your hook.

– Repeat this process: Insert your hook between the front and back vertical bars of each stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Continue this across the row until you reach the last stitch.

3. Working the Final Stitch:

– For the last stitch of the row, insert your hook under both loops of the final vertical bar at the edge of the row.

– Yarn over and pull up a loop, making sure you go through both strands to create a neat edge.

4. Return Pass:

– Yarn over and pull through one loop (this creates the edge).

– Yarn over again and pull through two loops. Continue yarning over and pulling through two loops until only one loop remains on your hook.

The Griffin blanket and the Let’s Go Camping Blanket both use the Tunisian knit stitch.

Whether you’re new or experienced, learning these Tunisian crochet stitches will expand your project possibilities.

Want to learn more Tunisian crochet stitches? Grab the free Beginner’s Guide to Tunisian Crochet HERE.

Tunisian Crochet for Beginners – Our Free Guide

Are you ready to start your Tunisian crochet journey? Our free guide, which you can grab here, will guide you through the basics and share tips for beginners.

Before you know it, you’ll be making cozy blankets, stylish scarves, and home decor items.

Here’s what you need to do to be well on your way to learning Tunisian crochet:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need a Tunisian crochet hook, yarn, and scissors.
2. Master the basic stitches: Learn the foundation chain, Tunisian Simple Stitch, Tunisian Knit Stitch, Tunisian Purl Stitch and my favorite…the Tunisian Half Double Crochet Stitch.
3. Follow the step-by-step tutorials for the two free patterns included in the guide
4. Be patient and don’t get discouraged. It may take time to master, but with practice, you’ll create beautiful pieces—I promise!

Success in Tunisian crochet comes from taking it slow, practicing often, and enjoying the process.

What to do after you learn the basics?

After learning the basics, you’ll be ready to step it up to more advanced Tunisian crochet patterns.

Here are a few of our most popular Tunisian crochet patterns:

• The Drew Throw
• The Tunisian Crochet Sampler Blanket
• The Griffin Blanket
• The Bryn Blanket
• The Ethan Throw
• Rectangle Placemat Pattern

You can see all of the free Tunisian crochet patterns on our website here.

I am so excited for you to learn this new fiber craft and to get as addicted to it as I am. Have fun! And drop me a line if you have any questions.