Do you like the look of knitting, but prefer to crochet? Then it’s time to explore the unique technique of Tunisian crochet with the unique Tunisian crochet hooks! Sometimes called “Afghan Crochet”, is a hybrid of knitting and crochet. Like knitting, Tunisian crochet has knit and purl stitches. There are many other unique stitches in Tunisian crochet work that look like a cross between knitting and crochet. In this blog, let’s take a look at the knit and purl stitches.
Materials you’ll need
Crochet hook: Tunisian crochet requires a special tool. Different from traditional crochet hooks, Tunisian hooks are special tools used for only this crochet work. Tunisian crochet hooks are much longer than usual crochet hooks, they either have a stopper or hook or the option to connect a cord. Tunisian crochet hooks with an interchangeable cord allow you to increase their length for larger projects allowing much more versatility for projects like a blanket or other projects with a large number of stitches. If you are new to crochet, our guide to choose crochet hook sizes will help you.
Yarn: Just like normal crochet, the yarn is most important for your craft. The yarn label indicates the hook size and Tunisian crochet hook sizes are no different. The diameter of the hook indicates the size.
To master Tunisian stitches there is only one rule. All stitches work in two rows, forward pass and return pass. The stitches is similar enough to knitting that many refer to this technique as "knitting with a crochet hook”.
Tunisian Knit Stitch
The Tunisian knit stitch (TKS) looks like a knit stitch. The front side of a Tunisian knitted piece resembles the front side of knit stockinette stitch. The fabric created feels denser and has less stretch. In fact, it has a tendency to curl up on the sides, much the same way that stockinette stitch does.
Here’s an easy-to-follow written tutorial which you must follow up with an online tutorial.
Step 1: Chain any number of stitches.
Step 2: Insert the Tunisian crochet hook in between the vertical bars of the first chain stitch, pull up a loop and place on the hook. Pull up a loop in between the bars of every stitch to the end. In the last stitch, go through both parts of the “v” of that stitch. Make sure that you have as many loops on your hook as the chain. This is the forward pass.
Step 3: For the backward pass, chain one, then yarn over. Pull through two loops, yarn over. Continue all the way to the beginning of the row.
To continue working the Tunisian knit stitch, alternate between steps 2 and 3. In few rows you will see the knitted fabric take shape.
Tunisian Purl Stitch
The Tunisian Purl Stitch looks and works almost exactly like a knitted purl stitch. It gives texture to the fabric.
Step 1: Chain any number of stitches.
Step 2: Bring the yarn to the front of the project. Insert Tunisian crochet hook under the vertical bar of the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Bring the yarn to the front of the piece again, insert the hook under the vertical bar of the next stitch, bring the yarn back behind the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Repeat this to the end of the row. In the last stitch, go through both parts of the “v” of that stitch. You should now have as many loops on your hook as the chain stitches.
Step 3: For your backward pass, chain one, then yarn over and pull through two loops. Again yarn over and pull through two loops. Continue all the way to the beginning of the row.
To continue working on the Tunisian Purl Stitch, alternate steps 2 and 3.
With these two basic Tunisian crochet stitches, you can start with any project. Over time and with practice keep expanding your craft repertoire. Make sure to always have good tools such as premium ebony wood crochet hooks from the Lantern Moon collection. You can start with a Tunisian crochet hook in your most used sizes and interchangeable cords to go with it or invest in a set. A Tunisian crochet hook set, such as the Bequest Set has 6 hook sizes, cords and accessories packed in a beautiful Ajrakh case.
We hope you are inspired to try out the Tunisian crochet stitches. Would you like to read other interesting things about knitting, crochet, tricks, technique and more? If so, make sure to follow our blogs.