Tunisian crochet is an amazing craft that opens up endless possibilities with its unique stitch patterns. If you think you know it all, there comes a genius crocheter who combines two stitch patterns and cooks up something new and innovative. In fact, it's an ever-evolving craft. With so many stitches and combinations, you could always be surprised by its versatility. All you need is an interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook in the size matching the yarn weight, and you can proceed with any stitch pattern or project. In previous blogs, we've explored basic Tunisian crochet stitches and textured beauties like Tunisian Double crochet stitch, Tunisian Smock Stitch, and Tunisian Saloniki Ribbed Stitch. Let's explore The Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS) in this blog. The beautiful and versatile stitch creates a lovely textured fabric. It's a great stitch for beginners as it's relatively simple to master.
How to Crochet the Tunisian Full Stitch?
Tunisian Full Stitch, abbreviated as TFS, creates a textured fabric that naturally curls. It looks beautiful in various projects, from dishcloths to clothing such as cowls, scarves, and sweaters. Like many of its Tunisian friends, the Tunisian Full Stitch is a hybrid of knitting and crocheting. It looks like knitting but works like crochet, and the textured fabric often confuses the new yarn artists, whether it's knit or crocheted. In this case, TFS bears a resemblance to the Moss Stitch in crochet. But unlike regular crochet, it works on a two-row basis- a forward pass and a return pass.
Gather your supplies for exploring the Tunisian Full Stitch.
Interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks – Exploring Tunisian crochet stitches, including the Tunisian Full Stitch, becomes easier and more enjoyable with interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks. You can choose hook sizes matching the yarn weight. But, to balance the curling nature or work on an open fabric rather than the dense nature of Tunisian crochet, experts of the hybrid craft suggest choosing bigger hooks rather than matching the yarn weight. You can select different cord lengths and work from projects such as a simple dishcloth to a blanket. If you are new to Tunisian crochet, check out our beginners guide to selecting a Tunisian crochet hook.
Yarn—You can choose yarns according to the crocheted fabric, from lace to chunky varieties. From merino wool to cotton to premium yarns, Tunisian crochet transforms any yarn into a masterpiece.
Accessories—Like knitting and crochet, Tunisian crochet becomes smooth and enjoyable with accessories such as finishing needles, a repair hook, stitch markers, a gauge, measuring tapes, and a handy accessory holder.
Step by Step Instructions to Crochet the Tunisian Full Stitch:
Step 1 - Chain any number of stitches.
This step is the foundation chain for every crochet project. It is like regular crochet. For practice, chain 15-20 stitches. Refer to our beginner’s guide on how to start a crochet chain.
Step 2– Crochet the Forward Pass
Skip the first stitch of the chain and insert your Tunisian crochet hook under the horizontal bar in the space between the next two stitches. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on your hook. Repeat this process across the entire row, inserting your hook under the horizontal bar between each stitch. Be careful to insert the crochet hook under the horizontal bar between the stitches and not into the top of the stitches themselves or the stitch pattern would vary greatly.
Step 3- Crochet the Return pass
Chain one to turn your work. Tunisian crochet works like a typewriter. You work all the way through in one row and reverse you way back in the next row. So, the stitches that you’ve picked up on the crochet hook in the previous row, you will be now working on them. Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook. Repeat yarn over and pull through two loops until one loop remains on your hook.
Step 4- Continue Alternating Rows
Continue alternating these two rows. To finish off with a neat bind-off, slip stitch in each space to the end. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
The most important thing to remember when you work on this stitch set is the location where you insert the crochet hook. Ensure that if you start in the first space of the row, you skip the last space, and if you start in the second space of the row, you work into the last space. Working on increases and decreases with the Tunisian Full Stitch is not complicated. You only need to work on the increase or decrease in the forward pass.
Blocking your Tunisian Crochet Project
After you have completed your project and weave every yarn end, block it. Tunisian crochet tends to curl at the edges; to help prevent this; you can block your finished project. Follow the blocking instructions of the pattern or work according to the yarn requirements.
With a bit of practice, you'll be crocheting beautiful Tunisian Full Stitch projects in no time! Lantern Moon interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks assist you with the Tunisian crochet craft. The handcrafted ebony wood crochet hooks have a luxury silk-like finish that allows yarns to flow smoothly for stitch-making. The option to connect with the stainless-steel core cords with smooth nylon coating opens up endless possibilities for all kinds of projects. The Bequest Set is a handy option for Tunisian crocheters, offering six hook sizes, cords, and accessories.