Tunisian Smock Stitch Free Tutorial
If you’re in the mood to try something new with your Tunisian crochet skills, the Tunisian Smock Stitch is where it’s at! This gorgeous, squishy stitch has a quilted, criss-cross look that’s perfect for cozy projects like afghans, scarves, or even home décor. It might look super fancy, but once you get into the rhythm, it’s really satisfying and easier than it seems.
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This is the June Stitch for the 2025 New Year New Stitch Crochet Along!
In this post, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about the Tunisian Smock Stitch—from what it is, how to work it up, and what you can make with it. Whether you’re brand new to Tunisian crochet or already have a few stitches under your belt, this one is totally worth learning.
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 Smock Stitch?
The Tunisian Smock Stitch is a textured Tunisian crochet stitch that forms a beautiful diamond-like pattern. It’s made using Tunisian Simple Stitch decreases with a unique technique of yarn under instead of yarn over. Sounds intense? Don’t worry—it’s very doable, especially with a bit of practice.
The magic happens with the repeating pattern of decreases and yarn unders, which pulls the fabric together and creates that signature smocked look. It’s especially stunning in solid colors that really show off the texture.
What projects is the Tunisian Smock Stitch good for?
The Tunisian Smock Stitch is pretty versatile, so I can’t really think of a project it wouldn’t be good for. It does have a texture that provides loose loops, so snag-prone projects may not be the best. Here are some ideas:
- Sweaters (Great accent stitch!)
- Hats/Earwamers
- Scarves
- Blankets (Great as a main feature!)
- Pillows
What yarns should I use?
Any yarn can be used for the Tunisian Smock stitch, so it just depends on the project! As with most Tunisian stitches, it does yield a thick fabric, so choosing the right yarn and hook combo is vital! The basic rule 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.
It is also important to note that the Tunisian Smock Stitch makes the fabric edges curl up 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.
Why You’ll Love the Tunisian Smock Stitch
- Eye-catching texture – Instantly elevates any project.
- Great for solid color yarns – Shows off stitch definition beautifully.
- Perfect for home décor – Think throw pillows, afghan squares, and more.
- Rhythmic & relaxing – Once you’ve got it down, it’s smooth stitching.
Tips for Crocheting the Smock Stitch
Watch your tension – This stitch pulls in more than TSS, so keep things relaxed and even.
Don’t skip the yarn under – It may seem like a little thing, but it’s essential to the texture.
Practice with smooth, light-colored yarn – Makes it easier to see what you’re doing.
Block your finished piece – The texture can benefit from a little shaping after.
How to get the Tunisian Smock Stitch Pattern
Tunisian Smock Stitch 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 Smock Stitch is the June 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 Smock 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
BO = See Special Stitches
ch = chain
TSS = See Special Stitches
TSS2tog = See Special Stitches
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
YO = Yarn Over
YU = See Special Stitches
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 4 + 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 14 total rows.
- This pattern does have significant curl, so you will need to take measures to uncurl it, such as blocking.
- Tip: “Smocks” are offset, so remembering to grab the 2nd loop from the previous “smock” and the 1st loop of the next “smock” will help keep you on track!
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 Simple Stitch Two Together (TSS2tog) = Insert hook under next two front vertical bars at the same time, YU, pull through.
Yarn Under (YU) = Bring the yarn tail to the front of the hook, wrap it up over the top and down the back.
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 24(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 TSS2tog, YU* across, for last stitch place hook under both front and back vertical bars, YO, pull through both loopsReturn Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook, *YO, pull through 2 loops on hook* across until one loop remains
R3.
Forward Pass: 1st loop on hook counts as 1st st, so skip 1st vertical bar: 1 TSS in next st, *1 TSS2tog, YU* across, to last two stitches, 1 TSS, 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 R2-3 (Fwd & Rtn Pass) until fabric measures 5 ¾ – 6”(11 ¾ – 12”,14 ¾ – 15”)
R5. Bind off
R6. 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.
Practice with the Tunisian Watermelon Bag!
The Tunisian Watermelon Bag is made using several different Tunisian Crochet Stitches, because it is intended to be a practice project! Have no fear, if you’re not into watermelon prints, you can choose any colors, even one solid color or a variegated yarn, and still make a cute bag! This bag includes the Tunisian Crossed Simple Stitch, which we haven’t learned, but it can be replaced with January’s stitch. Plus, it features the Tunisian Knit Stitch (February), and the Tunisian Smock Stitch (this post)!
That’s the Tunisian Smock 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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