What is Tunisian Crochet?

If you’re a crochet enthusiast looking to expand your skills or explore new textures and techniques you might be wondering, “What is Tunisian crochet?” Often described as a mix of knitting and traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet creates a unique, woven-like fabric that’s both sturdy and flexible.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your skills or a seasoned crocheter exploring new territory, here’s everything you need to know about Tunisian crochet.

What Is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet, which used to be commonly known as Afghan crochet (or the afghan stitch), is a technique that uses an elongated hook (called a Tunisian crochet hook or Afghan hook) to pick up and hold multiple stitches at a time, similar to knitting. Each row is worked in two passes:

  • A forward pass, is when you pick up stitches as you work across the row, leaving them on the hook until you reach the end.
  • A return pass, where you work those forward pass stitches off the hook—either one by one, or sometimes two at a time.

The result is a textured, dense fabric that can be tailored to a wide variety of projects—from blankets and scarves to garments and home decor.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into a project, you’ll want to gather the right supplies:

  • Tunisian Crochet Hook: Longer than a regular crochet hook, it may have a stopper on the end or even a flexible cord for larger projects.
  • Yarn: Medium-weight yarns (like worsted weight) are ideal for beginners, but you can essentially use any yarn weight you’re comfortable with.
  • Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for keeping track of rows or complex stitch patterns.
  • Patience: The rhythm is different from standard crochet so give yourself some grace. The payoff is worth it.

Common Tunisian Crochet Stitches

Just like traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet has a variety of stitches. Here are a few of the most common that you will want to start with:

  • Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS): The most common and beginner-friendly stitch. It creates a grid-like texture.
  • Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS): Mimics the look of a knit stitch.
  • Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS): Adds texture and depth, similar to a knit purl stitch.

Each stitch builds on the same two-pass principle, so once you get the hang of how it works, experimenting becomes much easier.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Creates a thicker, warmer fabric—perfect for cold weather items.
  • Great for colorwork and creating detailed textures.
  • If you love the look of some knit stitches but aren’t ready to take on knitting, this might be the perfect option for you.

Cons:

  • Can curl at the edges (especially with the simple stitch).
  • Uses more yarn than standard crochet.
  • The hook can get heavy when working large pieces.

Tips for Success

  • Swatch First: Tunisian crochet tends to be denser, so gauge is important if sizing matters.
  • Use a Larger Hook: Going up a hook size (or two) can reduce curling and make the fabric more flexible.
  • Block Your Work: Wet or steam blocking helps smooth and shape your finished piece.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: The technique can feel awkward at first, but consistency will bring confidence.

Final thougths

Tunisian crochet feels like merging the best of knitting and crochet into one fascinating craft. Whether you’re looking to try a new technique or just exploring new textures, it’s a rewarding skill that can elevate your projects. So grab your hook, choose your yarn, and give Tunisian crochet a try—you might just fall in love with it.

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