Tunisian Crochet for Beginners: The Tunisian Simple Stitch Step by Step
Tunisian crochet builds fabric in two passes — loops on the hook going forward, then off again coming back — and looks like weaving or knitting. Learn the simple stitch, the knit stitch and how to stop curling, then make a washcloth.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton, about 60 yd for the washcloth
- Hook
- 6 mm (J-10) Tunisian hook (or a long regular hook for narrow pieces)
- Time
- About 2 hours
- Finished size
- Washcloth about 7 × 7 in (18 × 18 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton — about 60 yd
- 6 mm Tunisian (afghan) hook
- Tapestry needle
In this post
Tunisian crochet is worked in two passes per row. On the forward pass you pick up a loop in every stitch and keep them all on a long hook. On the return pass you work them off again, two at a time. You never turn the work. The result is a dense fabric that looks woven (Tunisian simple stitch) or knitted (Tunisian knit stitch), which is why it's sometimes called "afghan stitch".
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
What you need
- A Tunisian hook: a long hook with a stopper, or a cabled hook for wide pieces. Narrow pieces (up to about 20 stitches) work on a long regular hook.
- Hook size: 1–2 sizes bigger than you'd use for regular crochet with the same yarn. Tunisian fabric is dense and curls if worked tightly.
- Yarn: smooth worsted cotton or acrylic for learning.
Tunisian simple stitch (TSS) washcloth
- Foundation chain: Ch 26.
- Row 1, forward pass: Insert the hook in the 2nd ch from the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. Keep it on the hook. Repeat in each ch across. (26 loops)
- Row 1, return pass: Yarn over and pull through 1 loop. Then *yarn over and pull through 2 loops* until 1 loop remains on the hook. Don't turn.
- Row 2, forward pass: Skip the first vertical bar (the loop on the hook counts as the first stitch). Insert the hook under the next vertical bar from right to left, yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat across. In the last stitch, insert under both strands of the edge bar for a firm edge. (26 loops)
- Row 2, return pass: Same as Row 1.
- Rows 3–28: Repeat Row 2.
- Bind off: Insert under the next vertical bar, pull up a loop and through the loop on the hook (a slip stitch). Repeat across. Fasten off.
Three basic Tunisian stitches
| Stitch | Forward pass: insert the hook… | Looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Tunisian simple stitch (TSS) | Under the front vertical bar, right to left | Woven grid |
| Tunisian knit stitch (TKS) | Between the front and back vertical bars, front to back | Knit stockinette (Vs) |
| Tunisian purl stitch (TPS) | Bring yarn to the front, insert under the front bar, pull up a loop | Knit purl bumps |
The return pass is the same for all three.
Stopping the curl
- Use a bigger hook — the most important fix.
- Keep the forward-pass loops relaxed.
- Start with a row of TPS or work a regular sc border around the finished piece.
- Block it: wet it, pin it flat and let it dry.
Compare with regular crochet, starting with single crochet, or get a woven look with regular crochet in moss stitch. A Tunisian washcloth makes a lovely dishcloth alternative.
Common questions
What is the difference between Tunisian and regular crochet?
Regular crochet finishes each stitch before the next. Tunisian crochet keeps a whole row of loops on a long hook, then works them off on a return pass, and the work is never turned.
Do I need a special hook for Tunisian crochet?
For pieces wider than about 20 stitches, yes: a long Tunisian hook or a cabled hook. Narrow pieces fit on a regular hook with a long shaft.
Why does my Tunisian crochet curl?
Tunisian fabric naturally curls toward the front. Use a hook 1–2 sizes larger than usual, add a border and block it.
Have you tried Tunisian crochet yet? 🧶
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