Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch – Free Tunisian Crochet Stitch Tutorial

What is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet is a unique fiber art technique that blends the best of both worlds—crochet and knitting. Like crochet, it’s worked with a single hook, but instead of completing each stitch right away, you keep a row of loops on your hook—similar to knitting. The result is a beautifully textured fabric that feels dense, warm, and full of character.

What is the Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch?

The Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch is a variation of the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), but instead of working each vertical bar in order, you cross them—creating tiny “X” shapes across your fabric.

This crossing action gives the stitch its distinctive look. It’s almost like a woven basket texture or a subtle braid pattern, depending on your yarn and tension.

Visually, it looks more intricate than it really is, which makes it a favorite among Tunisian crochet lovers who want maximum texture with minimal effort.

This stitch is another one that’s great for practicing stitch tension, since it’s the same movements on the forward pass and return pass.

Project Ideas

This stitch’s versatility is what makes it shine. It’s stunning in so many projects—from garments to home décor.

Here are some ideas where the Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch really stands out:

Scarves and Cowls

The stitch’s natural stretch and texture give scarves and cowls a cozy, dimensional look that’s both warm and stylish.

Sweaters and Cardigans

Because of its flexibility and drape, it makes an excellent fabric for lightweight cardigans, vests, and even tunic-style sweaters.

Home Décor

Try it in blankets, throw pillows, or even placemats. The woven-like look makes it appear professionally made.

Hats and Beanies

The subtle texture adds interest to simple silhouettes—perfect for unisex patterns or modern minimalist designs.

Bags and Purses

The crisscross effect looks amazing in structured pieces, especially when combined with a sturdy yarn like cotton or hemp.

Yarn and Hook Pairings

Different yarns completely change the character of the Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch.

• Cotton: crisp definition, perfect for dishcloths, coasters, or summer wearables.
• Acrylic: soft and cozy, ideal for winter projects and beginners.
• Wool blends: luxurious drape and warmth, great for wearable pieces.
• Bamboo or Linen blends: lightweight and silky, perfect for shawls or tops.

The Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch 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 Crossed Simple Stitch makes the fabric curl up like a tube, and is another reason why choosing the proper crochet hook is important.

The Look From Both Angles

One of the cool things about the Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch is that both angles are beautiful.

The view from the top-bottom angle shows those neat X-shapes lined up across the rows, but if you turn the swatch so the sides become the top-bottom, then it has an equally as beautiful look, giving this swatch versatility!

Pairing it with Other Stitches

The Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch looks fantastic alone, but pairing it with other Tunisian stitches creates stunning effects! Try:

• Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS) rows between crossed simple stitch sections for a modern, mixed texture.
• Tunisian Reverse Stitch (TRS) edges for a flat, non-curling border.
• Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) accents to break up the texture with subtle ridges.

Combining stitches keeps projects engaging and adds designer-level details to your crochet pieces.

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

• 6” = .7oz/40yds
• 12” = 2.8oz/150yds
• 15” = 4.5oz/235yds

K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian Crochet Hook

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Gauge

16 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

Confident Beginner

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 2+2; the instructions are written for a beginning ch-24 for a 6” square, ch-48 for a 12” square, and ch-54 for a 15” square.
• To work a gauge swatch, chain 16 then work pattern below for 13 total rows. 
• Stitch chart is on the last page.

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): *skip 1st TSS, TSS in next, TSS in skipped stitch* across.

Instructions

R1. 

Forward Pass: Working in the back bump of the chain across:

Ch 24(48,54), 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: *skip 1st TSS, TSS in next, TSS in skipped stitch* across; 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.

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.
  
  
  

Happy Tunisian Crocheting!