Tunisian Simple Stitch – Free Tunisian Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Just learning to Tunisian Crochet? Then the Tunisian Simple Stitch is the place to start! This stitch is very easy to learn, plus it gives you a good picture of stitch anatomy, and the “Tunisian Curl”.
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This is the January Stitch for the 2025 New Year New Stitch Crochet Along!
Tunisian Crochet is a fiber arts technique that is worked in a way that identifies in part as traditional crochet with elements of knitting. It’s like crochet, because it’s worked with a one hook, but it’s similar to knitting, because it’s worked in live loops all on the hook at one time.
Tunisian crochet is worked using special crochet hooks, called Tunisian Crochet Hooks, and much like knitting, you can get straight Tunisian hooks or circular Tunisian hooks. However, smaller projects, like 6″ afghan squares, can be worked on a traditional crochet hook! It just needs to be a plain hook with no special handle or grip.
The Tunisian Simple Stitch, abbreviated as TSS, is the foundational stitch in Tunisian crochet, and is the base for all other Tunisian Crochet Stitches.
This stitch is also great for practicing stitch tension, since it’s the same movements on the forward pass and return pass.
The TSS has a grid-like finish, almost like mini squares on the front of the fabric, which makes it versatile across many project types.
It’s especially great for homewares, like dishcloths and towels, but is also beautiful on projects like bags and sweaters!
The TSS does yield a thick fabric, so choosing the right yarn and hook combination is important! The rule of thumb is choosing a Tunisian crochet hook that is two times bigger than what is listed on the yarn label.
For instance, if you choose a worsted weight yarn that is labeled for use with an I/9/5.50mm crochet hook, then you want to use a K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian crochet hook or bigger.
This bit of information is important when choosing your project type. For instance, if you want to make a sweater, it may be best to choose a lighter weight yarn like sport weight. Sport weight yarn typically calls for an E/4/3.50mm crochet hook, so you would use a G/6/4.00mm crochet hook or an H/8/5.00mm crochet hook. This will make the fabric less dense and give it more drape.
But projects like tote bags may be good to use a worsted or bulky weight yarn and a K hook, because it makes for a denser, sturdier fabric. It would be especially sturdy with a 100% cotton yarn.
It is also important to note that the Tunisian Simple Stitch makes the fabric curl up like a tube, and is another reason why choosing the proper crochet hook is important.
One way to combat the TSS curl is having a bigger hook size than suggested on the yarn label, but other ways you can help flatten the fabric is by slip stitching around the project’s outside edge on the back side and blocking the project.
How to get the Tunisian Simple Stitch pattern:
Tunisian Simple Stitch Square Crochet Pattern
Option 1: Continue scrolling for free pattern instructions on this site
Option 2: Purchase the ad-free PDF that includes tutorial photos from one of my shops
What materials are needed for the afghan square?
If you’re following along with the 2025 New Year New Stitch CAL, we’re making afghan squares to assemble into a blanket at the end of the year. The Tunisian Simple Stitch is the January Stitch. For this afghan square you will need worsted weight yarn and a K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian Crochet Hook. I am using 100% acrylic yarn and since I’m making 6″ squares, I am also able to use a traditional crochet hook.
Let’s learn the Tunisian Simple Stitch:
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
- 6” = .6oz/25yds
- 12” = 2.7oz/135yds
- 15” = 4.3oz/220yds
Gauge
14 TSS sts x 13 rows = 4”
Finished Measurements
Block to 6”(12”,15”)
Stitch Guide
ch = chain
TSS = See Special Stitches
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
YO = yarn over
Skill Level
Easy
PATTERN WRITTEN IN U.S. TERMS
Pattern Notes
- This square is worked from bottom to top.
- Where asterisks appear, repeat the instructions between them.
- This pattern is worked in multiples of any number; the instructions are written for a beginning ch-21 for a 6” square, ch-42 for a 12” square, and ch-52 for a 15” square.
- To work a gauge swatch, chain 15 then work pattern below for 13 total rows.
- Stitch chart is on the last page.
- There is a companion video on YouTube.
Special Stitches
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) = Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of stitch, yarn over, pull back under vertical bar.
TSS Bind Off (Bind Off) = Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of stitch, yarn over, pull back under vertical bar and through the loop on the hook (i.e. slip stitch).
Instructions
R1.
Forward Pass: Working in the back bump of the chain across:
Ch 21(42,52), insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, draw up a loop, *insert hook in next ch, draw up a loop* across
Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook, *YO, pull through 2 loops on hook* across until one loop remains
R2.
Forward Pass: 1st loop on hook counts as 1st st, so skip 1st vertical bar: 1 TSS in each st across, place last TSS under both vertical bars on end
Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook, *YO, pull through 2 loops on hook* across until one loop remains
Repeat R2 (Fwd & Rtn Pass) until fabric measures 5 ¾ – 6” (11 ¾ – 12”, 14 ¾ – 15”)
R3. Bind off.
R4. Turn project over to face back side, sl st in the end of each row and in each stitch arnd; Fasten.
Finishing
- Block to 6” x 6” (12” x 12”, 15” x 15”) as needed.
- Hide all strings.
And that’s how you work the Tunisian Simple Stitch!
Happy Tunisian Crocheting!
Written pattern and photographs © 2025 Sonya Blackstone of Blackstone Designs. Do not sell, share, or modify this pattern, but instead share the link to where the pattern can be found. You may sell items you make with this pattern. This pattern, as with all Blackstone Designs/Sonya Blackstone patterns, are not for educational use without written permission from the designer. All rights reserved.
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