Tunisian Purl Stitch – Free Tunisian Crochet Stitch Tutorial
The Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) is a Tunisian crochet stitch that mimics the look of the knitted purl stitch while being worked with a crochet hook. It is part of the Tunisian crochet family, which involves working stitches onto an extended hook in a two step process.
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This is the March Stitch for the 2025 New Year New Stitch Crochet Along!
Tunisian crochet, also known as afghan crochet, is a unique crochet technique that combines elements of both knitting and traditional crochet. It uses a long hook (sometimes called an afghan hook) that resembles a knitting needle but with a hook at the end.
Tunisian crochet is worked in two steps called ‘forward pass’ and ‘return pass’ for each row. This creates a thick, structured fabric that can resemble knitting, but is created entirely with crochet techniques.
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 Purl Stitch, abbreviated as TPS, is a beginner skill level Tunisian Crochet Stitch, because it is a one stitch multiple and a one row repeat.
The Tunisian Purl Stitch is another versatile Tunisian crochet stitch, because it looks great on many projects, like garments and blankets, plus this stitch doesn’t have the traditional “tunisian curl” that most other stitches have!
The TPS does create a thick fabric, so making sure you have the right yarn and hook combination is important! The rule of thumb with Tunisian crochet is choosing a hook that is two sizes larger 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.
Choosing the right size Tunisian crochet hook for your project type is important! 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.
What’s great about the Tunisian Purl Stitch?
The Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) is awesome because it adds a rich, textured surface to your fabric that contrasts beautifully with smoother stitches like the Tunisian Simple Stitch or Knit Stitch. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Nice for colorwork
When you mix TPS with other stitches, especially in color changes, it can make designs or stripes really pop.
Texture, texture, texture
TPS gives you those signature bumpy ridges across your work, similar to knitting’s purl stitches. It’s perfect when you want a cozy, nubby feel—think scarves, dishcloths, or accent panels.
Great contrast stitch
It pairs beautifully with the Tunisian Knit Stitch or Simple Stitch to create striped or ribbed effects. Ideal for faux ribbing in garments or borders.
Adds depth and dimension
Because of the way the yarn is held in front before inserting the hook, it creates a 3D, raised texture that stands out. It brings visual interest even to a simple design.
More drape than other Tunisian stitches
On its own, TPS fabric tends to be a bit softer and more flexible than dense stitches like TSS. It makes it a nice option when you want the look of Tunisian crochet without the stiffness.
How to Get the Tunisian Purl Stitch Pattern:
Tunisian Purl 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 Purl Stitch is the March 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 Purl Stitch:
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
- 6” = .6oz/25yds
- 12” = 2.7oz/135yds
- 15” = 4.3oz/220yds
Gauge
14 TPS sts x 13 rows = 4”
Finished Measurements
Block to 6”(12”,15”)
Stitch Guide
ch = chain
TPS = 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 14 then work pattern below for 13 total rows.
- There is a companion video on YouTube.
Special Stitches
Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) = Bring yarn to front of project and insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of the stitch, then bring yarn tail back up and behind the hook, yarn over, pull yarn through vertical bar.
Bind Off (BO) = Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bars of the stitch, yarn over, pull yarn 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 20(41,51), insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, draw up a loop, *insert hook in next ch, yarn over, 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 TPS in each st across to last stitch, for last stitch place hook under both front and back vertical bars, YO, pull through both loops
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.
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 Purl 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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