Tunisian crochet consists of 3 types of rows. First Row- The first row is always a foundation row. Middle Rows- The middle rows form the fabric and can be any combination of stitches. (Shown as TSS in image) Last Row- The last row is always a bind off row.
The Foundation Row
The foundation row consists of three parts: the chain, picking up loops in the chain, and the return pass.
The Chain- With your hook, chain any number of stitches
Picking Up Loops- skip the first chain, then insert your hook into the back bump of the next chain. Yarn over your hook and draw a loop onto your hook. You will have now added a loop to your hook. Continue until all remaining chains have been worked.
The Return Pass- after the chain has been worked, the stitches all need to be closed. This is done by chaining one, then yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat the yarn over and pull through two loops until there is only one loop left on the hook.
Note- Tunisian crochet creates a denser fabric than regular crochet, always use a hook 1-2 sizes larger than would be used for regular crochet. Tutorial uses a 6.0mm hook with DK yarn.
After The Foundation Row
Anatomy of a Tunisian Crochet Stitch and What to Do Next The row after the foundation row is where the fun starts. A tunisian crochet stitch consists of 5 bars: 2 vertical bars and 3 horizontal bars.
The ability to work into any of these bars in a variety of ways is what gives tunisian crochet a wide variety of textures. The most common tunisian stitch is the Tunisian Simple Stitch (abbreviated Tss).
Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss)- to make a tunisian simple stitch, insert hook from right to left behind front vertical bar. YO and draw up a loop. Note- you never work the first set of vertical bars in the row.
Tunisian Simple Stitch
Once you've mastered the Tunisian Simple Stitch, check out more tunisian crochet stitches here
