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This week we are going to learn Tunisian crochet. This type of crochet is also known as “afghan crochet”, and is similar in many ways to knitting. It creates a very thick result, and a unique look.

An important difference about Tunisian crochet is that you don’t turn your work. You will work your stitches from right to left, and then back from left to right. Also, rather than working one stitch at a time, you are working one row at a time, carrying all the stitches on your hook.

For this reason, you will need to use an afghan or Tunisian hook. This hook looks like a long crochet hook with the other end looking like a knitting needle.

From skacelknitting.com

However, there is a trick that you can use to make a hook if you don’t have one, and you are making something small, like a square. Simply take your regular crochet hook and wrap an elastic several times around the end of the hook. This will prevent your stitches from falling off the end of the hook, and it works great because you don’t have to buy a bunch of different size afghan hooks, you can use the hooks you have on hand.

I will only be teaching the basic Tunisian stitches – there are many out there but we don’t have the time to go through them all

Base Row

Tunisian crochet starts with a base row, consisting of a forward pass and return. You will begin as with all other crochet projects, with a row of chains. You will then insert your hook into the first chain, yo and pull the yarn through, giving you two loops on your hook. Then insert into the next chain, yo and pull through, now three loops are on your hook. You continue this until the end of the row, carrying all the loops on your hook.

The return part of the row is completed by yo, and pulling the yarn through 2 loops on the hook. Then you yo, and pull through the next two loops. You repeat until you get to the end of the row.

This video from Nexstitch.com explains it perfectly.

Tunisian Simple Stitch

The Tunisian simple stitch is completed the same was as the base row, except when you are going from right to left, you will be inserting your hook under the vertical loop of the row before, rather than through the top of the stitch, then yo and bring yarn through.

This video from nexstitch.com shows the Simple stitch.

Tunisian Knit Stitch

The Tunisian knit stitch resembles stockinette stitch when it is completed, giving you the look of knit with the ease of crochet. The completed stitch is much thicker than knit stockinette, making it perfect for afghans.

It is explained perfectly at nexstitch.com, here.

Tunisian Purl Stitch

The tunisian purl stitch is similar in appearance to the knitted garter stitch in that both have a horizontal loopy effect. For this stitch, the yarn placement before you start is crucial. The yarn needs to be brought to the front of the work.

You can find the instructional videos on their website here.

Pattern

Afghan stitch Dishcloth This pattern calls for use of the afghan stitch, that is simply the Tunisian simple stitch Also, you can use your acrylic yarn rather than the cotton yarn they call for. The size of the completed dishcloth isn’t stated, so if it is smaller than our 7″ goal, simply continue your sc border until it reaches 7″ in width.

Knit Stitch Square Follow the above pattern, but instead of working the Tunisian simple stitch, work the Tunisian Knit Stitch in the rows. Complete the pattern with a sc border to 7″.

Purl Stitch Square Follow the above pattern, but instead of working the Tunisian simple stitch, work the Tunisian Purl Stitch in the rows. Complete the pattern with a sc border to 7″.

Have fun!

And have a fun and safe Fourth of July!!!!