Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch Free Tutorial
Last month we learned the rib stitch, but this month is the Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch. It has flatter ribbing and is quicker to work up. It too is worked alternating two stitches, which keeps the project fun.
This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links, which helps me to keep bringing awesome free content!
This is the May Stitch for the 2025 New Year New Stitch Crochet Along!
Tunisian crochet, also known as afghan crochet, is a technique that combines elements of both knitting and crocheting. It uses a special Tunisian crochet hook (called an afghan hook or cro hook) to hold multiple loops on the hook, creating a highly textured fabric that resembles knitted or woven fabric. It is often used for making items like bags, afghans, home accessories, cowls, and more.
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.
What exactly is the Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch?
The Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch is created by alternating the Tunisian Simple Stitch with the Tunisian Twisted Simple Stitch, which gives it that mock ribbing look.
This ribbing is slightly textured but still creates lines that look like a knit 1×1 rib stitch, which gives this stitch many project possibilities!
What projects is the Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch good for?
The Tunisian Mock Rib stitch is very versatile. On one hand it’s only lightly textured, so it can easily be the main stitch of any project. On the other hand, it does have a ribbed look, which means it can also be used for trims and edges! Here are some idea:
- Clothing
- Sweaters (Main stitch or edges like cuffs and collars!)
- Skirts
- Shorts
- Accessories
- Hats
- Earwamers
- Scarves
- Mittens (Perfect for cuffs!)
- Bags (See it on the Tunisian Sampler Bag!)
- Home Decor
- Blankets (Great as a main feature or ribbed edging!)
- Pillows
What yarns should I use?
The Tunisian Mock Rib stitch, like most Tunisian stitches, 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 Mock Rib 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 Tunisian 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.
Are you ready to Tunisian Mock Rib Stitch?
Tunisian Mock Rib 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 Mock Rib Stitch is the May 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 Mock Rib Stitch:
Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)
- 6” = .6oz/25yds
- 12” = 2.7oz/135yds
- 15” = 4.3oz/220yds
Gauge
16 sts x 12.5 rows = 4”
Finished Measurements
Block to 6”(12”,15”)
Stitch Guide
ch = chain
TSS = See Special Stitches
TwTss = 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 2 + 2; the instructions are written for a beginning ch-22 for a 6” square, ch-46 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.
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.
Tunisian Twisted Simple Stitch (TwTss) = Insert hook from left to right under the front vertical bar of stitch, twist hook up to normal position, 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 22(46,54), 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 TSS, 1 TwTss* 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.
And that’s how you work the Tunisian Mock Rib 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.
Sonya Blackstone is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
