Hello everyone! Let's start our "Stitch of the Week" series with the Tunisian Simple Stitch!
Tunisian Crochet Basics -
The simple stitch is the most iconic and instantly recognizable Tunisian stitch. Most beginners learn this stitch first. It's also sometimes referred to as "the Afghan stitch" and abbreviated as "TSS" in most patterns. It has a slight curl because all the stitches are worked on the front of the project. Hence the importance of working with a proper sized hook and adjusting your tension for a nice finished fabric.
I know it's always nice to have the video tutorial, however, you should also have the resources to read a written pattern as well. Below is the written instructions for TSS:
Begin this & nearly all Tunisian projects with a Foundation Row:
TSS with a single ended hook.
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) is worked through the FRONT vertical bar.
Bind off row.
There are only a few times when the bind off isn’t necessary. It typically isn't needed for most lace designs since that would close up an otherwise lacy project.
TSS with a double ended hook. - A very different result if working flat.
Using a double ended hook produces a very different result when working on a flat project. Due to the unique nature of the technique, you are no longer dependent on the length of the hook to determine the width of your project. You could literally do a king size afghan with a six-inch hook!
It also gives you the option of working in the round with the same six-inch hook.
We'll explore double ended stitching in another session.
Some free patterns using TKS (video & written)
Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket (Video)
Easy Blanket Using Tunisian Crochet (Video)
Wingspan Scarf in Simple Stitch (Video)
Simple Stich Fingerless Mittens (Video)
Pink Fantasy Infinity Scarf
Tunisian Crochet Washcloths
Tunisian Crochet Neck Warmer
Below are some examples of TSS.
Lastly, the chart symbols for TSS & the return row if you have an opportunity to work with charted patterns:
Tunisian Crochet Basics -
- Tunisian crochet projects are made up of a Foundation Row, multiple Forward/Return Pass Rows and, in most cases, a Bind Off Row.
- Use a hook 2-3 times larger than the yarn band recommends.
- Always swatch for proper tension (personal recommendation due to the many variants with stitches/hooks/yarn)
The simple stitch is the most iconic and instantly recognizable Tunisian stitch. Most beginners learn this stitch first. It's also sometimes referred to as "the Afghan stitch" and abbreviated as "TSS" in most patterns. It has a slight curl because all the stitches are worked on the front of the project. Hence the importance of working with a proper sized hook and adjusting your tension for a nice finished fabric.
I know it's always nice to have the video tutorial, however, you should also have the resources to read a written pattern as well. Below is the written instructions for TSS:
Begin this & nearly all Tunisian projects with a Foundation Row:
- Create a chain (later we'll explore different cast ons)
- (1) Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- (2) Yarn over and pull up a loop. Leave that loop on your Tunisian crochet hook.
- Repeat steps 1&2 across the row. This is your "Forward Pass". Don't turn your work.
- Yarn over and draw through one loop only. (Yarn over and draw through two loops.) Repeat () to the end. You should have one loop on your hook.
TSS with a single ended hook.
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) is worked through the FRONT vertical bar.
- Forward Pass - Insert your hook from right to left (assuming that you are right-handed), so that the hook goes behind the front vertical bar (keeping the hook to the front of the work, not front-to-back).
- Draw up a loop. Leave it on your hook. Repeat across the row to the last vertical bar before the left edge.
- Last stitch of the forward pass - insert your hook under the both vertical bars of the last stitch (it should look like a v on the outer edge of the work) and pull up a loop.
- Return Pass - Yarn over and draw through one loop only. (Yarn over and draw through two loops.) Repeat () to the end. You should have one loop on your hook.
Bind off row.
There are only a few times when the bind off isn’t necessary. It typically isn't needed for most lace designs since that would close up an otherwise lacy project.
- Binding off starts just as you would any other row. Insert your hook as you would for TSS.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Continue pulling through the loop on the hook. You're only doing a slip stitch, just like any other slip stitch in regular crochet. Repeat across the row to the last stitch.
- Last stitch - insert your hook under the both vertical bars of the last stitch (it should look like a v on the outer edge of the work) and finish the slip stitch. Chain 1, cut the yarn and pull through the loop to fasten off.
TSS with a double ended hook. - A very different result if working flat.
Using a double ended hook produces a very different result when working on a flat project. Due to the unique nature of the technique, you are no longer dependent on the length of the hook to determine the width of your project. You could literally do a king size afghan with a six-inch hook!
It also gives you the option of working in the round with the same six-inch hook.
We'll explore double ended stitching in another session.
Some free patterns using TKS (video & written)
Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket (Video)
Easy Blanket Using Tunisian Crochet (Video)
Wingspan Scarf in Simple Stitch (Video)
Simple Stich Fingerless Mittens (Video)
Pink Fantasy Infinity Scarf
Tunisian Crochet Washcloths
Tunisian Crochet Neck Warmer
Below are some examples of TSS.
Lastly, the chart symbols for TSS & the return row if you have an opportunity to work with charted patterns:
Attached Files
I'll get my first square going in the morning.
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