Tunisian Crochet Stitches: Tunisian Stitches List & Tutorials

By Jodie Morgan

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Want a list of Tunisian crochet stitches? I’ve got you covered!

Here is my Tunisian stitch guide with free crochet patterns and video tutorials to try!

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Table Of Contents

Tunisian Crochet Stitches For Beginners

Wondering what the basic Tunisian crochet stitches are? Here are some easy Tunisian crochet stitches to try.

Get out your Tunisian crochet hook, and let’s make these Tunisian crochet basic stitches! (All stitches mentioned have free patterns.)

(Note: Tunisian crochet hooks are more extended than hooks, as the stitch patterns require more stitches at once than other crochet stitches in regular crochet.)



(That’s the fundamental difference between it and other methods of crochet.)

How Do You Crochet Tunisian Stitch?

Let’s start with an essential Tunisian crochet stitch guide. This is the first thing you need to learn to practice Tunisian Crochet! It’s also called the afghan stitch pattern.

(A variation on this to level up your skills is the Simple Stitch Rib.)

Tunisian Purl Stitch

When you first learn it, the Tunisian purl stitch is trickier than other basic crochet stitches. But it’s worth the effort! This stitch looks a lot like a knitted purl stitch.

Tunisian Knit Stitch

Sure, it says ‘knit’ stitch. But it’s a crochet stitch that looks like a knit stitch! There is no need to use knitting needles with this one, just your afghan crochet hook!



Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch

As you’ve probably guessed already, this stitch looks like regular double crochet. Below is a video and photo tutorial to help you.

Treble Stitch

People use treble stitches to create taller fabrics. They look lovely!

Top Stitch 

The Tunisian top stitch doesn’t look like traditional crochet. But it’s a beautiful stitch!

Here are some others to try.

Chain Back Bar Stitch

This interesting Tunisian crochet stitch looks like waffle stitch. Learn how to do it with this tutorial from CrochetKim.



Chain Top Loop Stitch

This lovely, textured stitch reminds me of a fluffy carpet. But if you make something with it, you’ll want to have the result on display, not on the floor!

Flat Simple Stitch

It’s great if you want something that looks intricately woven.

Japanese Purl Stitch

This pretty but practical stitch resembles an infinite line of waves rolling on the sea. Here’s a picture tutorial by Kim Guzman

Tunisian Simple Stitch To Back Loop

Create a repeating design of swirling little dots.

Twisted Knit Stitch

It makes an effect similar to ribbing but with a nice twist.



Twisted Simple Stitch

The simplest Tunisian stitch out there, with a unique twist! 🙂

Advanced Tunisian Crochet Stitches

Here’s a list of different Tunisian stitches. These Tunisian crochet patterns are trickier than those mentioned previously, so be patient with yourself as you attempt them!

Aligned Cross Stitch

A lovely geometric design with alternating horizontal and vertical crosses.

Alternating Chain Back Bar and Purl Stitch



Looks like a pleasant bunch of flowers threaded together! Here is a tutorial by Crochet Kim.

Alternating Full Stitch and Tss2tog Stitch

It would make an excellent textured stitch for a bag or home decor item. Practice with Crochet Kim and her tutorial.

Alternating Half Slip Stitch and Yarn Over Stitch

Creates lovely, neat rows of fabric like knitted ribs!



Alternating Knit and Purled Knit Stitch

Looks like a complex maze of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines.

Alternating Knit Stitch and Chain Back Bar Stitch

A differently structured version of the above, but just as appealing. It also has a pretty textured look. Take a look at the tutorial by Kim Guzman.

Alternating Twisted Knit and Simple Stitch



Combines two of the simplest stitches in the Tunisian Crochet technique to create an appealing, deceptively simple stitch.

Basketweave Stitch

This would make a great stitch for a basket, bag, or another decor item, hence the name.

Barbed Wire Stitch

Despite the name bringing up connotations of sharp, dangerous-looking fencing, this unique stitch makes for a great project!



Here’s step by step instructions by Crochet Kim.

Bobble Stitch

Create lovely little bobbles with this fun stitch. (Aka popcorn stitch.)

Brick Stitch

The finished product looks like you’ve knitted a series of tiny, closely laid squares!



Double Extended Stitch

Make a taller, more detailed version of the Tunisian simple stitch.

Here’s a great tutorial by Kim Guzman.

Drop Stitch

Create dramatic, loose scarves and shawls with this beautiful technique.

What Is Tunisian Full Stitch?

It’s a more complex, tightly crocheted textured stitch with little details. It would make a wonderfully warm cowl for winter.

Grapevine Stitch

This looks so much like a grapevine. You almost expect grapes to pop up from it. 🙂

Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch

Gives a textured appeal to a blanket or scarf using this pattern reminiscent of honeycombs. Getting hungry for honey yet?

Lattice Stitch

Looks like a cute little hexagon tile effect. It reminds me of old window frames in vintage houses and interior designs.

Ocean Stitch

This looks a little like a series of intertwined waves. Why not use it to fashion a bag for your things at the beach?

Offset Cross Stitch

This is an exciting variation. I love how the fabric looks like a haphazard quilt!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f96s_Iz1fPI

Pearl Stitch

Perfect for winter! This Tunisian stitch would make a fun and fluffy hat or mittens.

Prairie Stitch

The diagonal effect resembles softly blowing prairie grasses, or a great geometric design, depending on how you look.

Seed Stitch

Not to be confused with the knitting stitch, though it looks similar!

Tunisian Smock Stitch

Doesn’t this look like a cute, chunky weave pattern? It would make a perfect, sturdy stitch for a durable bag with a good amount of stretchiness.

Straw Stitch

Think of it as a vertical design similar to ribbing. It reminds me of straws, hence the name, or perhaps thatched roofing! Here’s a tutorial by Raffamusadesigns.

Tiny Clusters Stitch

This super cute repeating pattern reminds me of lots of tiny seashells on a beach. It’s repetitive, so it’s relaxing to create once you know how to do it.

Wave Stitch

Reminds me of relaxing on the beach watching the waves! Perfect for summery dishcloths and throws. It comprises stitches of varying heights. Make it in three complementary colors for the ultimate wow factor.

Woven Stitch

This Tunisian stitch looks like a fabric weave or rippled water. Plus, it’s perfect for making home decor items if you like a woven look.

Reversible Tunisian Crochet Stitches

Here’s a Tunisian crochet stitch dictionary of reversible ones.

What Is Tunisian Reverse Stitch?

Unlike Tunisian simple stitch, Tunisian reverse stitch is done on the backside of the fabric. The foundation row has vertical bars in front and back and a chain-like top.

Tunisian reverse stitch makes thick, bumpy crochet projects. This stitch doesn’t curl as much as others. You’ll love the textures once you get used to working on the opposite side of the fabric!

How Do You Do A Reverse Tunisian Crochet Stitch?

Here’s an excellent tutorial by The Crochet Crowd on YouTube.

Lace Tunisian Crochet Stitches

Here are some other Tunisian crochet stitches instructions for lace projects. Enjoy practicing something new with your Tunisian hook!

(Note: These use basic stitches and advanced techniques, so have patience and determination as you attempt them!)

Aligned Clusters Stitch

This Tunisian lace stitch is perfect for delicate projects like shawls or scarves. It’s complicated with multiple repeats but makes a lovely result.

Arrowhead Stitch

This open, lacy stitch is excellent if you love designs with triangles.

Blackberry Stitch

This Tunisian crochet stitch has a beautiful lacy effect. But unlike the berry it’s named after, it won’t scratch or prick you!

Crochet Kim demonstrates this stitch.

Extended Shells Stitch

This is a longer, slightly more complex but equally lovely version of the classic shell stitch. Perfect for projects needing drape.

Faux Hairpin Lace Stitch

It’s as lovely as it sounds! Creates a delicate, open design with vertical lines. Follow Kim’s tutorial.

Keyhole Lace Stitch

Confusing at first, but the unique keyhole effect makes it worth it. You’ll have to watch the video tutorial to see what I mean!

Ladder Lace Stitch

Though much less open and airy than its similar knitted counterpoint, it’s still lovely and lacy. The name comes from how the vertical rows resemble ladder rungs.

Layered Eyelets Stitch

Little clusters on top of little clusters! This complicated stitch is rich in visual appeal, but don’t let it scare you off! It’ll take a while, but be worth it.

Lozenge Stitch

Fancy making something crocheted to look like a cough lolly? No? When you see how beautiful this stitch looks, you might change your mind!

Great for practicing cluster stitches.

Mesh Stitch

Ever wanted a handy supermarket bag for your fruit and vegetables? Make a beautiful, functional one using this technique.

Pyramid Lace Stitch

Creates a never-ending, repeating stack of interlocking pyramids that’s very pleasing to the eye. It would make a lovely coaster or mat!

Shooting Stars Stitch

Create an airy shawl inspired by the starry night sky. Perfect for summer evenings!

Q&A

Which Tunisian Crochet Stitch Uses The Least Amount Of Yarn?

The simple stitch, as it doesn’t need many loops.

How Many Tunisian Stitches Are There?

There are many crochet Tunisian stitches! No one’s exactly sure, but many estimates over 100 to choose from! Plenty of future project ideas.

Tunisian crochet stitches create a fabric with an interesting texture. There are plenty of new techniques to try, so happy crocheting your following Tunisian Crochet projects!

Hope you found this Tunisian stitches tutorial helpful.

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About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Crochet Penguin

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

[email protected] | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate crocheter and blogger with 17+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother, she fell in love with crocheting after her first child was born. When she’s not crocheting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online crochet community. Please say hello, or see what she's making on socials.

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Comments

  1. Oh my gosh, thank you so much for this Jodie! I’m in the process of making some placemats for my SIL at the moment and wanting to “see” different stitches and your article is giving me everything that I could of hoped for all on one page! Again, Thank you, this is a lifesaver!

    Reply
    • Thanks so much for your kind words. That’s so wonderful to hear that you’ve found my post helpful. The placemats for your sister in law sound like just the thing to use Tunisian crochet stitches. Cheers Jodie

      Reply

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