Don’t be afraid to try Tunisian crochet! These 25 totally awesome Tunisian crochet stitches will have you reaching for that new hook!
This guide was created by Amanda Saladin, a published knit and crochet designer whose work has appeared in Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today!. I created this list to share the best-tested and most reliable Tunisian stitches for your projects.
The Best Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Let’s talk about Tunisian crochet! I could seriously talk about it all day. I was a little late to the Tunisian crochet scene, but after discovering it a while ago I’m totally hooked! I love the distinct way that Tunisian crochet looks, and I especially love how it looks like knitting! (But I still don’t love when people ask me what I’m knitting when I’m really crocheting haha!)
Whether you are a Tunisian crochet newbie or you’ve been “in the know” for a while now, this post is for you! We’ve got an excellent selection of stitches for you today with everything from basic Tunisian crochet stitches to advanced Tunisian crochet stitches and everything in between. If you’re not saying “wow I didn’t know that Tunisian crochet could look like that” by the end of this post, then you must really know your stuff!
The thing that I love most about Tunisian crochet is that even the smallest change in a regular stitch pattern can make a whole new look. A lot of these stitches can be made just by changing your hook placement or adding a yarn over or adding a chain. After seeing all the different tweaks you can use to change the look of your Tunisian crochet stitches, you just might be inspired to play around and make your own!
What is Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian crochet is a hybrid technique that combines elements of crochet and knitting. If you enjoy the look of knitting but prefer to work with a hook, this might be for you!
Instead of completing each stitch one at a time, you pick up loops across the row (like knitting) and then work them off on the return pass using a special long hook. The result is a beautiful, textured fabric with a woven look and extra structure.
Tunisian crochet is great for blankets, scarves, and home décor, and it’s ideal for crafters who enjoy the rhythm of crochet with the smooth look of knit stitches.
Essential Supplies for Tunisian
- Tunisian Crochet Hook: (Afghan hook) Must be long enough to hold the entire row’s worth of loops.
- Stopper/Cable: To prevent loops from slipping off the back.
- Yarn: Choose yarn that is smooth and light-colored for easy stitch visibility.
- Notions: Scissors and Stitch Markers (essential for keeping count).
Tips for Tunisian Crochet
Even if you’re new to Tunisian crochet, you’re probably aware of the fact that it’s a bit different to work Tunisian than regular crochet. While you do use a hook to pull up loops in the yarn, you will most often use an extra long hook because you will have many loops on your hook at one time.
Tunisian crochet patterns are written where there are two parts to a row – the forward pass and the backward pass. The forward pass is usually always just pulling up the loops, but where you place your hook determines the look of the stitch.
If you are following a written pattern, use the hook size recommended for the yarn. If you are just going to try out these amazing stitches, go up a hook size or two. Tunisian tends to get tight, so it’s best to use a larger hook.
It’s really not as hard as it looks, just be sure to go through both loops of the last stitch when pulling up that final loop so you get a nice even edge. Be aware, though, that Tunisian crochet has a tendency to curl, so make friends with blocking.
Finally, be aware that Tunisian crochet uses a LOT of yarn. It’s just the nature of doing two passes per row!
Now, on to these gorgeous stitches!
25 Totally Awesome Tunisian Crochet Stitches
1. Honeycomb Stitch
If you have mastered the tunisian simple stitch and the tunisian purl stitch, then you’ve got to try the tunisian honeycomb stitch. This is a much-loved tunisian crochet stitch that features a solid, slightly texture surface with lots of drape. That makes this stitch perfect for pretty much anything – but especially garments!
Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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2. Tunisian Knit Stitch
Did you know that you can use the tunisian crochet technique to make stitches that resemble knitting? It’s true! The tunisian knit stitch is similar to the tunisian simple stitch, just with a slightly different hook placement. You can learn how to make this stitch by following along with the right or left-handed video tutorials.
Designer: Knitter Knotter
Yarn: None Specified
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3. Lattice Stitch
The lattice stitch is easy to spot, thanks to its distinctive diagonal lines. You might think that this would be one of the more complicated tunisian crochet stitches, but it’s actually pretty easy. The video and written tutorials walk you through how to work the tunisian lattice stitch using tunisian simple stitches and decreases.
Designer: TLYC Blog
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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4. Ocean Stitch
Ok, this one’s for my more experienced tunisian crocheters. The ocean stitch uses a modified return pass and different hook placements for the forward pass to create a little sea of textured shells. The density of this particular stitch pattern is well suited to things like crochet bags that benefit from the added structure and stiffness.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
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5. Seed Stitch
In addition to learning all sorts of new tunisian crochet stitches, this designer’s website will also teach you how to read tunisian crochet charts. This is a handy skill to have and it can really help you visualize the more intricate stitches. To make the tunisian seed stitch, you will be using tunisian knit and tunisian reverse stitches.
Designer: Crochet Kim
Yarn: None Specified
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6. Smock Stitch
The tunisian smock stitch reminds me of mermaid scales. It’s a really eye-catching stitch that doesn’t curl very much and makes a nice solid surface. To make this tunisian crochet stitch, you will need to know how to tunisian simple stitch 2 stitches together (like a decrease) and how to yarn under. Don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as it sounds, especially with the video tutorial.
Designer: TLYC Blog
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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7. Pyramid Lace Stitch
Of course, not all tunisian crochet stitches are stiff and solid. You can absolutely achieve beautiful lace designs with tunisian crochet too! You can even exaggerate the look of the lace by using a larger hook than you normally would. The pyramid lace stitch uses tunisian knit stitches, increases and a modified return pass.
Designer: Alexandra Halsey for AllFreeCrochet
Yarn: Lily Sugar n Cream (Worsted Weight #4)
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8. Reverse Stitch
Let’s turn up the texture with the tunisian reverse stitch. This is considered a basic tunisian crochet stitch, but it can feel a little awkward at first. The hook placement is similar to tunisian simple stitch but you’ll be working from the back of your piece. If that sounds confusing, don’t fret, because this photo tutorial explains it nice and clearly.
Designer: Petals to Picots
Yarn: None Specified
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9. Tunisian Simple Stitch
If you are new to the wonderful world of tunisian crochet stitches, then you should really start here with the tunisian simple stitch. This is like the original tunisian crochet stitch and it is used as a building block for a lot of the more decorative tunisian crochet stitches, so make sure you master this one first!
Designer: B Hooked Crochet
Yarn: Scheepjeswol Stone Washed XL Yarn (Aran Weight #4)
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10. Woven Stitch
Here’s a great example of a stitch that looks complicated, but is actually really easy! The woven stitch is a good stitch to practice changing colors in tunisian crochet. Rows of tunisian knit stitches alternate with rows of tunisian full stitches, and you’ll be switching between the two colors before the return pass of each row. See, easy!
Designer: Sylvia Margaret and Beanie Mini Tutorials
Yarn: None Specified
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11. Full Stitch (aka Gobelin Stitch)
Learn how to crochet the tunisian full stitch and how to make a tunisian crochet scarf too, with this great tutorial from Purl Soho. The difference between the full stitch and the simple stitch is all about where you place your hook. I like this stitch because it resembles weaving. It makes a nice fabric that is solid but that also still maintains a ton of drape.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Alpaca Pure (Aran Weight #4)
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12. Crossed Tunisian Stitch
The crossed tunisian stitch is worked similarly to the crossed double crochet stitch used in regular crochet. If you can do the tunisian simple stitch and if you are familiar with skipping stitches, then you should be in good shape for this easy tunisian crochet tutorial! I really like the look of this stitch, with the columns of little X’s.
Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None Specified
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13. Rib Stitch
The tunisian rib stitch forms pretty columns of raised stitches for an interesting and lightly textured design. Unlike other ribbed stitches, it doesn’t really have a lot of stretch. In order to work this stitch, you will need to use tunisian simple and tunisian twisted stitches. You can learn how to do this from the video tutorial linked below.
Designer: The Purple Poncho
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Worsted Weight #4)
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14. Top Stitch
Beautiful and simple mesh is a great choice for a lightweight summer vest or skirt. The trick to crocheting the tunisian top stitch (a.k.a. The bump stitch) is all in where you place your hook. This is an easy and repetitive stitch pattern that you are sure to master in no time! I wonder if you could cross stitch a design on top?
Designer: Moogly
Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino (Worsted Weight #4)
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15. Extended Crossed Tunisian Simple Stitch
Extended stitches are a crochet designer favorite for creating crochet wearables with lots of drape. This particular stitch pattern has both drape and opacity (it’s not see-through or holey). That means that you don’t have to worry about wearing an undershirt or a slip. Hello, cute and lightweight crochet summer tops and skirts!
Designer: Nine Inspired
Yarn: Lion Brand Truboo (DK Weight #3)
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16. Bobble Stitch
If you think of the tunisian simple stitch as a single crochet stitch, then it’s quite easy to visualize how you would work a tunisian double stitch (very similar to a double crochet). Work three of these double stitches together for a burst of texture. Bobble stitches stand out from the background of the work so you can use them to spell words or depict images.
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn: None Specified
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17. Drop Stitch
If you have ever seen a scarf knit with drop stitches, then you know just how beautiful they are! As it turns out, you can get a similar look with the tunisian drop stitch. A modified version of the tunisian simple stitch is used in tandem with a modified return for a truly unique look. I would love to see this stitch in a pretty variegated yarn!
Designer: Crochet Kim
Yarn: None Specified
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18. Textured Stitch
Part of the fun of tunisian crochet is experimenting with new combinations of stitches. This clever combination of crossed simple stitches and basic purl stitches has been dubbed the textured tunisian stitch. It looks similar to honeycomb stitch but with a bit of a looser weave and more space in between the honeycombs.
Designer: Petal to Picots
Yarn: None Specified
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19. Arrowhead Stitch
The tunisian arrowhead stitch is named for the little upside “v” shapes that dot its surface. I like tunisian crochet stitches that are a little bit lacey like this one, because they don’t tend to curl as much as the basic tunisian crochet stitches. This stitch pattern calls for tunisian simple stitch, and tunisian simple stitch 2 together, along with tunisian knit stitch.
Designer: TLYC
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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20. Brick Stitch
Here’s a cute and clever stitch pattern for when you are working with two colors of yarn. I love how the neutral yarn frames the variegated yarn – it looks just like stained glass! To pull off this stitch pattern, you’ll be using mostly tunisian simple stitch along with tunisian double stitches worked around the post.
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland & Lion Brand Ferris Wheel (Worsted Weight #4)
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21. Wave Stitch
If you’re familiar with the wave stitch in regular crochet, then you’ve already got the gist of this tunisian crochet stitch! Stitches of varying heights are employed to make the work rise and fall in this easy and eye-catching design. The stitch tutorial calls for tunisian slip stitch, tunisian simple stitch and tunisian double crochet stitch.
Designer: TLYC
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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22. Laced Cables and Bobbles
Cables and bobbles are twice the fun in this interesting and attractive-looking tunisian stitch pattern. The cablework in this design is actually more of a “faux cable” made with interlocking loops, but it’s just as pretty and so much easier! I love the rich textures here and I think it would make a perfect blanket.
Designer: Pink Mambo
Yarn: None Specified
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23. Tunisian Purl Stitch
I would be remiss to not include the tunisian purl stitch in a list of tunisian crochet stitches. It’s one of the basic tunisian crochet stitches. I find that it can be underappreciated, as folks may find that it feels sort of awkward when first starting out. I think the extra trouble is worth it for the lovely ridges it creates, and it also helps reduce curling.
Designer: Moogly
Yarn: None Specified
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24. Straw Stitch
You can upgrade the basic tunisian simple stitch when you alternate between working your stitches in the front vertical bar and the back vertical bar. This makes for a very solid fabric, that’s also a bit more flat than regular tunisian simple stitch, as well as less bulky. I would love to see it in two colors!
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn: None Specified
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25. Double Crochet
Did you know that there is a double crochet in the tunisian crochet technique? It’s a fun and easy stitch pattern that grows twice as fast as traditional tunisian crochet stitches – since each row is twice as tall! The surface of the work looks so intricate and unique, but it’s actually a really easy stitch to learn.
Designer: The Purple Poncho
Yarn: Caron One Pound (Worsted Weight #4)
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Common Questions about Tunisian Crochet Stitches
Yes — curling is one of the most common issues in Tunisian crochet!
It happens because each stitch naturally leans forward during the forward pass, causing the fabric to roll toward the front (the hook side).
How to prevent it:
Use a larger hook than you normally would for regular crochet (one or two sizes bigger helps).
Add a border or edging in regular crochet stitches, such as single crochet or slip stitch.
Block your finished piece — a light steam or wet block usually relaxes the fabric and flattens it nicely.
In short: Curling is normal, but easy to fix with a bigger hook, a border, and blocking.
In Tunisian crochet, every row has two parts — the forward pass and the return pass.
🧶 Forward Pass: You pick up loops on your hook across the row (like collecting stitches onto a knitting needle).
🔁 Return Pass: You work those loops off one by one, returning to the start of the row.
The forward pass builds your row’s height, and the return pass completes the stitches.
Together, they create the signature “woven” look of Tunisian crochet.
Think of it like: “Pick up stitches” (forward) → “Work them off” (return).
You’ll need a Tunisian crochet hook, also called an afghan hook.
Here’s what to look for:
Length: Longer than a regular hook, since you hold multiple loops at once.
Style:
For small projects (dishcloths, scarves): use a straight Tunisian hook with a stopper on the end.
For large projects (blankets, garments): use a corded or interchangeable hook — the flexible cable holds lots of loops comfortably.
Size: Go 1–2 sizes larger than you’d use for standard crochet to reduce fabric curl.
Bonus tip: Most Tunisian hooks come in aluminum, bamboo, or wood — choose whichever feels best in your hand.
Final Thoughts about Tunisian Crochet Stitches
I really can’t get enough of these tunisian crochet stitches! Do you know of any other ones that I missed? What are some of your favorite tunisian crochet stitches and what sorts of projects do you like to use them for? Let’s chat in the comments!
This is only the beginning my friends! We do these free crochet patterns weekly, so you are definitely going to want to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss any of them. Welcome to the Love Life Yarn crochet community. You’re in good company!
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.
Be sure to check out these other crochet stitches:
Crochet Stitches for Beautiful Blankets
50 Amazing Crochet Stitches
Textured Crochet Stitches
Advanced Crochet Stitches
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
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I love Tunisian crochet….liked what you shared!
Just what I was looking for! Yes, there is lots of videos on you tube but most of them look like they’ve come from Eastern European sources . There’s video but no audio. Finally I can see written instructions.