The world or the universe of Tunisian crochet craft is vast. There’s so much to explore and learn. All you need is an interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook, yarn and creativity. Tunisian smock stitch is a beautiful and textured crochet stitch that creates a bouncy fabric. It's perfect for creating blankets, pillows, scarves, and cozy home decor. The stitch is relatively easy to learn. Even if you are new to the craft and have just explored the basic stitches, you can still go ahead with working out on the stitch pattern. In this blog, let’s walk you through how to crochet the Tunisian Smock Stitch. Just make sure that you have yarn, the right crochet hook size for your yarn, and crochet accessories.
What is the Tunisian Smock Stitch?
The Tunisian Smock Stitch is a beautifully textured pattern that makes you wonder if it’s actually crocheted. The two-row repeat works like regular Tunisian crochet but with a unique twist. The fabric is dense and does well for winter garments, plush home décor and snuggly accessories such as a hat or scarf. Similar to knitting and crocheting, Tunisian crochet craft is based on a few basic stitches and techniques and for the Smock Stitch, you need to be confident with the basics.
Here’s what you should know:
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS): A basic building block of Tunisian crochet, the stitch pattern combines the dense crochet structure with the smooth feel of knitted fabric. TSS has a dual texture: woven-looking like crochet on one side and textured garter-stitch-esque like knitting on the other. Working TSS means working on a foundation row by crocheting loops and picking them on the crochet hook. Work the loops on the crochet hooks for the next row, similar to traditional crochet. To work a TSS, insert your hook under the front loop of the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain to the end of the row, yarn over, and pull through all loops on your hook.
Tunisian Simple Stitch Decrease (TSSD): This technique decreases the number of stitches. To work on the Tunisian Smock Stitch, make sure to have enough practice of decreases. Similar to knitting and crochet, there are decrease techniques in Tunisian crochet. To work a TSSD, insert your hook under the front two loops of the first two vertical bars, yarn over, and pull through all loops on your hook.
Yarn under (YU): If you have been a regular crocheter, you are the master of yarn over, as for every crochet loop, you need to yarn over. The yarn under technique is similar, but instead of yarning over as with normal crochet, we pull the yarn to the front of the hook. After pulling the yarn to the front of your hook, you’ll need to hold it in place while you pull up the next loop.
Quick Tutorial for Crocheting the Tunisian Smock Stitch Swatch
Step 1 – Make a Foundation Chain
Chain an even number of stitches plus 2 for the turning chain. For example, make a chain of 20+2 stitches. If you are working with DK-weight yarn, you have enough stitches to make a gauge swatch.
Step 2 - Crochet the Forward Pass
Insert your Tunisian crochet hook in the second chain, yarn over it, and pull up a loop. Continue until you have one loop on your hook.
Step 3- Return Pass
Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook. Then, yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook, and repeat until one loop remains on your hook.
Step 4- Row 2 (Forward Pass)- Start the Tunisian Smock Stitch
Yarn over, but do not insert your hook into any stitches. Skip the first vertical bar. Insert your hook under the front two loops of the next two vertical bars, yarn over, and pull through all loops on your hook (TSSD). Repeat this decrease across the entire row, then yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook to turn your work.
When working the forward pass, be sure to insert your hook under the back bump of the loops. This step will create the characteristic v-shaped stitches of the Tunisian smock stitch.
Step 5—Row 2 (Return Pass)
Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook. Then, yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook, repeating until one loop remains on your hook.
When working the return pass, be sure to yarn over before pulling through any loops on your hook. This will help to create a neat and even finish.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your project is the desired length.
The Tunisian Smock Stitch looks challenging, but with a little practice, you'll be creating beautiful projects in no time! Before starting a project, work on a gauge swatch. If you find your stitches are too tight, go for a smaller hook size, and if they feel too loose, work on a bigger hook size. Once you master the unique stitch pattern you can refer to our previous blog on the Tunisian Saloniki Ribbed Stitch Pattern,
Lantern Moon Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hooks are a great option for crocheters who want to try Tunisian crochet or are looking to expand their repertoire. They are made from high-quality materials and come in a variety of sizes. The ebony wood crochet hooks have a luxurious silk-like finish that is soft in the hands and perfect for all kinds of yarn. The interchangeable hooks allow you to switch between different sizes for different projects easily. If you are thinking of expanding your Tunisian crochet skills, then the Bequest Tunisian Crochet Hook Set is perfect. You get multiple crochet hooks and accessories packed in a handy case that allows you to explore the craft. Even for your knitting projects, explore the collection of knitting needles and accessories.