Crocheting and knitting have their own beauty and techniques. One creates fabric with a single hook, the other with two needles. What if you blend both crafts? Tunisian crochet is a traditional method that bridges crocheting and knitting through its unique tools, Tunisian crochet hooks, which help create Tunisian crochet stitches.
In this blog, you will know the magic behind these hooks, how to choose the right ones for your projects, and the enchanting stitch patterns that define Tunisian crochet.
What is Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan stitch, is a hybrid craft that blends knitting and traditional crochet. Instead of working one stitch at a time, Tunisian crochet holds multiple loops on the hook, like knitting, before completing them in a return pass.
The result is dense, textured fabrics that don’t curl as easily as knitting, yet provide more structure than standard crochet. With the right Tunisian crochet hooks and technique, you can create scarves, blankets, shawls, bags, and even lace garments.
For Beginners - AVOID THESE 7 MISTAKES WHEN LEARNING TUNISIAN CROCHET
Types of Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Check Out the Types of Crochet Hooks:
1. Standard Hook: These are long hooks, which are 10-14 inches long and are ideal for small projects such as dishcloths or scarves, allowing you to hold many loops without overcrowding.
2. Tunisian Hook With Cable Cord: If you plan larger projects, such as blankets or shawls, a Tunisian crochet hook with cable cord is ideal. The flexible cord attached to one end of the hook holds multiple loops, reducing pain in your hands, making the process more comfortable and efficient.
Lantern Moon’s interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set features smooth ebony hooks with pure brass connectors, ensuring seamless transitions between hook and cord, perfect for long creative sessions.
Tunisian Crochet Hook Sizes
Tunisian crochet hook sizes come in various sizes, so choose them based on yarn weight and fabric texture. Check out the below:
|
Yarn |
Hook Sizes |
|
Fingering weight |
3.5–4.5 mm hooks |
|
DK or worsted |
5–6.5 mm hooks |
|
Bulky |
7 mm and up |
Choose a hook that is two sizes larger than the recommended on the yarn label. The stitches tend to be tighter, so this adjustment ensures flexibility and drape.
Lantern Moon offers a Bequest Tunisian crochet hook set, which is crafted from superior materials. The smooth finish of these hooks helps in creating the project effortlessly.
Tunisian Crochet Stitches and Their Texture
You can experiment with different Tunisian crochet stitches. Each stitch offers a unique texture. Let's check out some stitches:
1. Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
The first simple stitch that you can easily learn is the TSS, which creates a sturdy, grid-like fabric. This stitch is ideal for beginners because it forms the foundation for many Tunisian crochet stitch patterns.
To Make It:
- Insert the hook into the vertical bar of the previous row, yarn over (YO), and pull up a loop.
- Complete a forward pass across the row, then work a return pass to close the loops.
This creates a dense, attractive stitch that showcases the yarn’s color beautifully.
2. Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS)
If you know how to knit stockinette, then Tunisian knit stitch is easy to learn. The fabric lies flat and has a subtle "V" structure similar to knitwear, ideal for sweaters, cowls, or hats.
How To Do:
- You can create it by inserting the hook through the space between the front and back vertical bars of the stitch below. This gives your crochet the smoothness of knitting without the use of two needles.
When working with Lantern Moon’s smooth ebony hooks, you can create professional-quality fabrics.
3. Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS)
This is much like purling in knitting, creating a textured, bumpy surface with this stitch. The stitch mainly depends on how you position the yarn, bringing it to the front before inserting the hook and pulling the loop through.
When you alternate knit and purl stitches, it produces the ribbing effect, ideal for cuffs or borders.
4. Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS)
In this stitch, insert the hook between the spaces of the previous rows, creating a subtle woven pattern. It’s slightly more open than the simple stitch, giving a smooth flow while maintaining structure. The TFS stitch is suitable for blankets or wraps; when made with gradient yarns or natural fibers, it appears fabulous.
5. Tunisian Crochet Lace Stitch
There is a misconception that Tunisian crochet creates heavy or dense fabric. But Tunisian crochet lace stitches deny that perception. By using yarn overs (YO), skipped bars, and chain spaces, you can create intricate, airy patterns that resemble lace knitting.
Lightweight shawls, summer tops, or decorative scarves can be easily designed with this stitch.
Read More in Detail: TUNISIAN CROCHET STITCHES FOR WARM WEATHER
What Are the Steps of Creating Tunisian Crochet Stitch?
The process of creating a Tunisian stitch follows a consistent rhythm:
- Foundation Row: First, create a chain (CH) with the desired number of stitches.
- Return Pass: Start by yarn over (YO), pull through one loop (creates the edge), then YO and pull through two loops repeatedly until only one loop remains.
- Subsequent Rows: Work into the vertical bars (or designated spaces, depending on stitch type), repeating the forward and return passes.
Trending Tunisian Crochet Projects
Here are some trending project ideas that you can try:
1. Tunisian Granny Square Bags: These oversized tote bags are getting lots of attention. You can make them from a single; they are often worked in the round with double-ended hooks. They are perfect for trips to the market, beaches, or as project bags.
2. Mosaic Blankets Adding Embroidery: The 2026 CAL features Tunisian mosaic patterns with blackwork-style embroidery; together they create intricate patterns.
3. Textured Accessories (Cowls, Beanies): Try honeycomb, smock, or rib stitches to create fashionable pieces. Double-brim beanies, cowls people love them for their warm and stylish look.
Final Thought
Tunisian crochet hooks provide various options to try. Whether you create textured stitches, such as hearty or lace, each piece shows creativity and tradition.
Lantern Moon tools are smooth and warm to the touch and perfectly balanced, offering a beautiful experience. Your hook is your brush, yarn the paint, and imagine the canvas. Looking to know more about Tunisian crochet? Read our blog.