What Is Tunisian Crochet? A Beginner's Introduction

What Makes Tunisian Crochet Different

Tunisian crochet (also called Afghan stitch) sits somewhere between knitting and crochet. Instead of a regular hook, you use a longer hook with a stopper at the end, which lets you hold many loops at once, similar to a knitting needle.

Unlike traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet is worked in two passes per row: a forward pass where you pick up loops across the row, and a return pass where you work them off. This creates a dense, woven-looking fabric that's warm, sturdy, and great for blankets, scarves, and bags.

Getting Started

You'll need a Tunisian hook (sometimes called an Afghan hook) long enough to hold your project's stitches, plus worsted weight yarn to start. The basic stitch to learn first is the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), which forms the foundation for most patterns.

One thing to watch for: Tunisian crochet fabric can curl at first, especially along the foundation row. This is normal and usually relaxes with blocking or after a few rows.

If you enjoy the rhythm of knitting but prefer crochet's forgiving nature, Tunisian crochet might become your new favorite technique. It looks intricate, but the core stitch is simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly.