This pattern will teach you the fundamentals of Tunisian Simple Stitch, allowing you to create a dense, knit-like fabric perfect for blankets, scarves, or even garments. The color gradient effect will naturally occur if you use a self-striping or gradient yarn.
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly Tunisian Crochet Yarn: Worsted Weight (Category 4) yarn, preferably a self-striping/gradient yarn for the effect shown, or you can manually change colors. (Approximately 150-250 yards for a scarf, 50-100 yards for a swatch). Hook: Tunisian crochet hook (Afghan hook) appropriate for your yarn weight. A 6.0 mm (J/10) or 6.5 mm (K/10.5) hook is typically good for worsted weight yarn to achieve a flexible fabric. Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional, for marking rows).
Gauge: Not critical for a swatch or scarf, but aim for a fabric that isn’t too stiff. Approximately 15 stitches x 12 rows (in TSS) = 4 inches (unblocked).
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
- TSS: Tunisian Simple Stitch
- FwdP (Forward Pass): The part of the row where you pick up loops onto your hook.
- RetP (Return Pass): The part of the row where you work off loops from your hook.
- sl st: slip stitch
- fo: fasten off
Understanding Tunisian Crochet Basics: Unlike traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet involves working in two passes for each row:
- Forward Pass (FwdP): You pick up loops onto your hook, working from right to left (if right-handed). All loops remain on the hook.
- Return Pass (RetP): You work off the loops from your hook, working from left to right. This pass defines the previous row’s stitches and sets up the next row.
Part 1: The Swatch/Scarf Body
Step 1: Foundation Chain Begin by making a foundation chain. The number of chains determines the width of your project. For a Swatch: Ch 25 (This will give you 24 Tunisian stitches, plus the edge stitch). For a Scarf: Ch 35-45 (Adjust for your desired scarf width).
Step 2: First Forward Pass (Row 1 FwdP) This is your first row of picking up loops.
- Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)
- Insert hook into next ch, yo, pull up a loop. Repeat from * to * across the chain until you reach the last chain.
- You will have the same number of loops on your hook as your starting chain (e.g., 25 loops if you chained 25).
Step 3: First Return Pass (Row 1 RetP) This pass works off the loops and creates the fabric.
- Yo, pull through 1 loop (this creates the first chain of your return pass and secures the edge).
- Yo, pull through 2 loops on hook. Repeat from * to * until only 1 loop remains on your hook.
Step 4: Subsequent Rows (Tunisian Simple Stitch – TSS)
From now on, you’ll be working into the vertical bars created by the previous row.
Row 2 (and all subsequent FwdPs):
- Skip the first vertical bar (the one directly under your hook – this is your “edge” stitch).
- Insert hook under the next vertical bar (the one directly to the right of your hook), yo, pull up a loop.
- Repeat from * to * across the row.
- Important Edge Stitch: For the very last stitch of the Forward Pass, to create a neat and straight edge, insert your hook under both the front and back vertical loops of the very last stitch of the previous row (often looks like a ‘V’ or ‘L’ on its side at the very end). Yo, pull up a loop.
- You will again have the same number of loops on your hook as your starting chain.
Row 2 (and all subsequent RetPs):
- Yo, pull through 1 loop.
- Yo, pull through 2 loops on hook. Repeat from * to * until only 1 loop remains on your hook.
Repeat Rows: Continue repeating the FwdP and RetP of Row 2 until your project reaches your desired length.
- For a Swatch: Work until it’s a square (approx. 6-8 inches long).
- For a Scarf: Continue until it’s your desired scarf length (e.g., 60-70 inches). The color changes will happen automatically if using a gradient yarn.
Part 2: Binding Off
To create a neat, finished edge that matches the beginning chain and prevents unraveling, you’ll bind off with slip stitches.
Bind Off Row (FwdP for Bind Off):
- Skip the first vertical bar.
- Insert hook under the next vertical bar, yo, pull up a loop, and immediately sl st through the loop on your hook.
- Repeat from * to * across the row.
- For the last stitch of the bind-off, insert hook under both vertical loops of the very last stitch, yo, pull up a loop, and immediately sl st through the loop on your hook.
- You should now have only 1 loop left on your hook, and your edge will look like a row of regular crochet slip stitches.
Finishing: Fo, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle. If making a scarf, block it gently if desired, to even out stitches.
Video tutorial
Tips for Success:
- Tension: Try to maintain a loose tension, especially on the Forward Pass, as Tunisian crochet fabric tends to be denser and can curl. Using a hook size larger than you might for regular crochet helps.
- Curling: Tunisian crochet fabric often curls, especially with TSS. This is normal. Blocking can help, and for wider projects like blankets, alternating TSS with other Tunisian stitches (like Tunisian Purl Stitch or Tunisian Knit Stitch) or adding a border can prevent it. For a scarf, the weight of the yarn and blocking usually suffice.
- Counting Stitches: Always count the loops on your hook after each Forward Pass to ensure you haven’t accidentally increased or decreased. The number of loops should always match your starting chain.
Enjoy creating your beautiful gradient Tunisian Simple Stitch project!
