Let’s learn the fine art of Tunisian crochet!
Traditional crocheters often find Tunisian crochet a bit strange and unknown, yet it is becoming more popular these days.
You may have heard Tunisian crochet referred to as afghan crochet. Often the Tunisian stitch is called the afghan stitch. This should clear up any confusion as we proceed!
What is Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet is a combination of both crochet and knitting. A crochet hook is used to make the Tunisian crochet stitches, but all of the stitches are held on the crochet hook, just like knitting.
Long crochet hooks are necessary to hold the long line of stitches. It is also possible to add a cable attachment to the crochet hook for this purpose. Check out our page devoted to Tunisian crochet hooks and other supplies!
Although a Tunisian simple stitch is used, in Tunisian crochet the crocheter can include many other possible stitch combinations. All of these combinations create very different finished surfaces.
What is the difference between crochet and Tunisian crochet?
Tunisian crochet falls under the main umbrella of crochet. It is a special type of crochet that is done in a slightly different style than traditional crochet. However, the finished fabric looks similar to a knitted piece.
As mentioned before, because all of the Tunisian stitches are held on the crochet hook just like is done in knitting, the fabric that is created looks more like it was knitted.
What is Tunisian crochet best used for?
As we said, the Tunisian crochet stitch is often referred to as the afghan stitch. In Tunisian crochet, each row is worked twice with different stitches, which makes the finished fabric very thick.
This thick fabric is wonderful for afghans (named after this stitch) as well as other blankets and even washcloths. It is possible to make warm, thick clothing using the Tunisian crochet stitches.
Think thick, warm hats, sweaters, scarves, etc …
This page is a collection of links to so many helpful resources to get started in Tunisian crochet. 
You’ll find links to several books for beginners that include instructions for this type of crochet, along with easy projects that are perfect for those just getting into this art.
Additional links to Tunisian crochet books can also be found on our site.
Learn about the 3-color Tunisian technique! Beginners often find this technique easier to do than just using one color with the Tunisian simple stitch.
When 3-color Tunisian crochet is done, color and texture are interwoven, and this is a great way to use up the scraps in your stash.
Once you’re ready to try new projects, check out our Tunisian crochet project page!
We hope you enjoy the links below to help you get started and learn more about Tunisian crochet! It’s addictive!
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Learn How with 13 Projects
by Sheryl Thies
- Paperback
- Published 2011
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A Beginners Guide! The goal of this book is to guide crocheters step-by-step through Tunisian crochet, starting with tools and yarns, transitioning into how-to’s and stitches, and finishing with easy but engaging patterns.
by Toni Lipsey
- Paperback
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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Learn the basics of this technique of Tunisian Crochet in the introductory part and further explore a lot of possible stitch combinations. All patterns are explained in detail.
by Petra Tornack-Zimmermann
- Paperback
- Published 2016
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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The complete guide to modern Tunisian crochet stitches, techniques and patterns.
by Michelle Robinson
- Paperback
- Published 2017
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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23 Pieces Tunisian Crochet Hooks Kit Including 12pcs 3-10 mm Bamboo Knitting Needle with Bead Carbonized Bamboo Needle + 11pcs 2-8 mm Multi Color Tunisian Afghan Aluminum Crochet Hooks
Affiliate Link to Amazon.com
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Three-color Tunisian creates an interwoven color and texture fabric. Some beginning Tunisian crocheters even find it easier to do than Tunisian Simple Stitch with one color.
Stitch Diva
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Before you start your first Tunisian project, here are five Tunisian tips you should know.
Interweave
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Learn how to do the afghan stitch; otherwise known as the Tunisian simple stitch.
Knitting Crochet and Crafts
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These instructions and illustrations show how to do the foundation row and the Tunisian knit.
Vicki's Crochet Designs
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A simple afghan stitch project.
Crochet Crochet 'N More
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Why is the afghan stitch now called Tunisian crochet?
Crochet Kim
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How to crochet a basic afghan stitch.
Dummies.com
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There are two ways of binding off and this tutorial show both.
Knitter Knotter
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Here is another binding off tutorial.
Crochet Kim
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Here are some tips for keeping the fabric tidy and the color changes smooth whether you change colors at the beginning of the forward pass or the reverse pass.
Stitch Divi Studios
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With these step-by-step photos and the video tutorial learn how to finish Tunisian Crochet Stitches easily to have a clean finish.
Nicki's Homemade Crafts
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Try this increasing stitch, Tunisian Reverse Stitch Front & Back, with this tutorial.
Stitch Diva
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One way to increase a Tunisian Crochet fabric is to insert the hook into the back hump of the horizontal threads and pick up a loop. Learn this increasing technique.
Stitch Diva
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Just as in knitting, short rows are useful for making soft curves, slopes or darts in fabric. Short rows (partially worked rows) can be used with Tunisian Crochet. Learn how!
Stitch Diva
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Here is a photo and instructional tutorial on increasing and decreasing with Tunisian crochet.
Morale Fiber
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To start a Tunisian crochet fabric, a base or foundation row is needed. The base row is worked in two steps: the Forward and the Reverse Pass. Learn how here.
Stitch Diva Studios
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Hints for preventing curling of your afghan stitch project.
Stitch Divi Studios
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Shop for Tunisian and afghan crochet hooks at JOANN.
Affiliate Link to JOANN
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The last thing you need to learn is binding off and finishing. Learn here!
Petals to Picots
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It is not always necessary to bind off depending on the look wished. However, you can bind off and here is a photo illustration with instructions.
Stitch Divi Studios
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Is it possible to do Tunisian Crochet in the Round? Yes, it is. Here are tutorials for two seamless methods.
Stitch Diva
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This post will give you a short introduction to this technique and show you the different tools you can use.
A Crochet Journey
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The Tunisian Yarn Over is very easy and it is useful as both an increase and to create lace patterns in Tunisian crochet.
A Crochet Journey
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There are a few ways of changing colors in Tunisian crochet - this is the forward pass changing color method.
A Crochet Journey
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This post will teach the foundation row and the first Tunisian stitch - Tunisian simple stitch (Tss).
A Crochet Journey
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Continuing on with the Tunisian Crochet 101 tutorial - here learn the Tunisian knit stitch.
A Crochet Journey
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Just as in knitting, the Tunisian purl stitch can help prevent the fabric from curling. So it is a good stitch to learn.
A Crochet Journey
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Let’s learn how to crochet Tunisian Crochet in the round with this tutorial!
Heart Hook Home
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A pretty Tunisian Stitch that creates a biased fabric is also known as Full stitch, Waffle stitch or Gobelin stitch. Learn this stitch here.
Stitch Diva
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Here is a tutorial for the Tunisian double crochet stitch with instructions and illustrations.
Stitch Diva Studios
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This video and instructional tutorial is on how to create the foundation row in Tunisian crochet.
Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store
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Photos and instructions for working the tunisian intarsia.
Knitting-and.com
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You will find here a video clip on how to crochet the knit Tunisian stitch.
Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store
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How to do the Tunisian knit stitch in Tunisian crochet.
Petals to Picots
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Watch this video to see how to make one of the fundamental Tunisian stitches - the Tunisian purl stitch.
Stitch Diva
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You will find here a video clip along with a photo step-by-step tutorial.
Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store
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The Tunisian reverse stitch looks similar to the Tunisian purl stitch, but it is worked from the back of your piece. Here is a tutorial.
Petals to Picots
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Learn how to do the Tunisian simple stitch.
Petals to Picots
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A very simple stitch that is usually learned first when learning Tunisian crochet is Tunisian Simple Stitch. With these instructions and photos, learn this stitch easily.
Stitch Diva Studio
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Learn the Tunisian simple stitch with this clip from Annie's video class, Learn to Tunisian Crochet with instructor Kim Guzman.
Affiliate Link to Annie's Craft Store
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Learn this stitch with the video and written photo instructions.
Stitch Diva
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