If you’ve already mastered the basics of Tunisian crochet and are looking for more advanced stitches and stitch patterns to try, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll explore some of the more complex Tunisian crochet stitch patterns, and will be adding more stitch tutorials over time, so watch this space!
What is a Tunisian crochet stitch?
Tunisian crochet stitches are all created on a different type of hook, called a Tunisian crochet hook or Afghan crochet hook.
They’re formed by doing a forward pass (where you pick up the stitches onto the hook) and a reverse pass (where you work them off the hook again). This means you don’t need to turn your work, as the right side will always be facing you.
Tunisian crochet hooks
Check out our Tunisian crochet hooks buyers guide to make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job!
Easy Tunisian crochet stitches
It’s best to start off by learning the Tunisian crochet basics before starting on some of these more complicated stitches. Find out how to make some easy Tunisian crochet stitches in our how to do Tunisian crochet tutorial.
Once you’ve got the basics covered, here are some more interesting stitches and stitch patterns that you can create using Tunisian crochet.
Tunisian crochet stitches
Tunisian knit stitch
Tunisian knit stitch creates a fabric that looks a lot like knitted stocking stitch, but a lot thicker. Trick your friends into thinking you’ve taken up knitting!
It's great for using to create thick, warm and durable projects – think blankets, cowls, socks, cushions, etc.
- Learn how to do How to do Tunisian knit stitch with TL Yarn Crafts
Tunisian purl stitch
Fabric made using Tunisian purl stitch looks similar to knitted garter stitch, or like bumpy knitted purl stitches. However, the fabric is much thicker than a knitted version.
These stitches don’t curl as much as other Tunisian crochet stitches. That means this stitch is good for edging or as a background stitch. It's also often used it in combination with other stitches to create texture. For instance, you can pair it with a Tunisian knit stitch for a ribbed effect, or to create a Tunisian seed stitch (see below).
- Take a look at this How to do Tunisian purl stitch youtube tutorial
Tunisian simple stitch
The Tunisian simple stitch consists of loops running through each other in lines both vertically and horizontally. From afar it looks like lots of single-strand vertical lines alternating with sideways-pointing knit stitches.
As this is a standard Tunisian crochet stitch, try using it for a beginner project to practise. It also can be used to create large panels like in this simple top!
- Learn how to do How to do Tunisian simple stitch with Gathered
Tunisian seed stitch
As you work your way across the row, you’ll make one Tunisian knit stitch and then one Tunisian purl stitch, continuing to alternate until you reach the end of the row. This will create diagonal rows of bumps that give your fabric a pretty, textured look.
- Check out this tutorial on How to do Tunisian seed stitch
Tunisian block stitch
This stitch creates a neat grid of rectangles on top of your fabric, with lots of textured lines running down the fabric.
Use this for Tunisian crochet colourwork! Blankets – baby blankets, afghans, throws, etc – all look fantastic when made with this stitch.
- Get all fancy and try this How to do Tunisian block stitch tutorial
Tunisian entrelac stitch
Entrelac literally means interlaced. For this stitch, you create squares that connect together. The result is a panel made entirely of square with no visible seams connecting them.
Cushions and blankets look particularly lovely when created using this technique. Anything square or rectangular is a good choice, like in this gorgeous cushion!
- Give it a try with this How to do Tunisian entrelac stitch tutorial
Tunisian honeycomb stitch
To make this stitch, you’ll alternate Tunisian simple stitch and Tunisian purl stitch. The end result looks a lot like a honeycomb, with a raised repeating pattern of tiny diamonds covering your fabric.
The shapes made by this stitch really stand out when you use multiple colours. The fabric is very dense and works well for hard-wearing homewares like cushions and sturdy dishcloths, as well as substantial cowls and headbands.
- Learn how to do How to do Tunisian honeycomb stitch with Gathered
How to find other Tunisian crochet stitches
We’ve included some of the most common Tunisian crochet stitches in this library, but there are many more stitches that you can make. Because Tunisian crochet stitches are quite specialist, most patterns will include instructions on how to complete any stitches used, so always read the notes carefully.
Find a fun Tunisian crochet pattern
Put your Tunisian crochet stitch knowledge into practice by trying one of these top Tunisian crochet patterns picked by Gathered.
