How to Crochet a Basic Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet has a variety of other names, including afghan stitch and tricot ecossaise, which means Scottish knitting. Tunisian is not crochet with a regular crochet hook instead it uses a long hook called an afghan hook, hence the name. This hook is also available with long wires on the end like a circular needle. The outcome of the look is a cross between knitting and weaving. The crochet loops are picked up in one direction, as though you are knitting, and then crocheted off in the other direction. Just like knitting, you have a right side and a wrong side. The right side of Tunisian crochet is the one with the vertical strands. The back looks like the indented stitch, usually a rough look like the purl of knitting. Another thing that is different from crochet is that in Tunisian there is no chain to turn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Afghan hook
• Crochet hook
• Yarn

1. The Basic Tunisian Stitch (TS). Make a chain foundation for the length of the project. Insert the hook into the second chain, picking up the top strand of the chain only, yo (Yarn Over), *draw through, insert the hook into the top of the next chain, yo draw through, repeat from the * to the end of the row. You should have 1 loop on the hook for each chain worked.

2. Next, yo, pull through 1 loop, this is the equivalent of 1 turning chain, which raises the hook into the correct position to continue on.

3. Next, *yo, pull through 2 loops and continue this from * to the end of the row.

4. No turning chain is made at the start of the pick-up routine. The loop on the hook is the first stitch of the row. Insert the hook into the next strand (I refer to it as the vertical stitch).

5. Next, yo. Pull though one loop (The actual vertical stitch), repeat from the * in the pervious step until the end of the row.

6. Now, to learn to increase in Tunisian crochet is done at the start of the row. Insert the hook under the horizontal strand lying between the loop on the hook and the next stitch (I refer to it as the lying between strand.)

7. Next, yo, and pull up through the loop, (2 loops on the hook) now pick up the vertical stitch like you did earlier (3 loops on the hook). You have now increased the piece by one stitch.

8. Next, you need to know how to decrease. You need to pick up two vertical strand at the same time onto the hook, yo, pull the yarn though both strands at once leaving 1 loop on the hook.

9. Now you need to know how to finish the project. Use and ordinary crochet hook two sizes smaller that the size of the afghan hook used. Continue to pick up the vertical strands at the front of the work and make one single crochet in every strand to the end of the piece.