Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: By Janice Jones

The Tunisian knit stitch (abbreviated Tks) is a wonderfully versatile stitch that creates a fabric that mimics the look of a knitted stockinette stitch. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to crochet the Tunisian knit stitch confidently, even as a beginner.

Swatch of the Tunisian Knit Stitch still on the hookTunisian Crochet Knit Stitch

When I first started crocheting,  Tunisian Crochet seemed extremely foreign and challenging.

Was I ever wrong?

Tunisian crochet may be a little easier for knitters because they are accustomed to having many stitches on their needles. It is, however, clearly crocheted because it works with a crochet hook.

Knitting Verses Crochet

There are many factors that separate knitting and crocheting.  But somethings are very similar.  Take a look at the two swatches below, the knit stockinette stitch and the tunisian crochet knit stitch.

stockinette-stitch-blue.jpgStockinette Stitch (Knitting)
Close up view of the Tunisian Knit StitchTunisian Crochet Knit Stitch (Crocheting)

History of Tunisian Crochet

Please skip over this part and go directly to the instructions if history is not your thing.  For those interested in history, Tunisian crochet does not seem to have a clear history.  The exact origins of Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, are a bit murky and debated. There's no definitive historical record pinpointing the inventor or the period in which it emerged. However, here's what we can piece together:

Early 1800s

1800s: Some historians believe Tunisian crochet might have roots in ancient Andean cultures or even Coptic knitting from Egypt. However, concrete evidence is lacking.
Early 19th Century (Europe): The earliest documented mentions of a similar technique appear in Europe during this time. It was called "tricot crochet," meaning "knitted crochet" in French.

In the mid-1800s (England), a stitch called "Shepherd's Knitting" emerged. It resembled Tunisian crochet and further solidified its potential European development.

Late 1800s—Early 1900s

:The craft grew popular in the Western world, particularly in the United States. This period is often linked to the misnomer "Afghan stitch." Shawls and blankets resembling those from Afghanistan were believed to have been made using this technique, leading to the name.

World Wars

Tunisian crochet experienced a decline in popularity between the World Wars, possibly due to yarn shortages and a focus on more practical crafts.

Modern Day

Mid-20th Century Onward: Tunisian crochet saw a resurgence, reclaiming its original name and garnering renewed interest.

Present Day: It continues to be a beloved craft, appreciated for its unique look, versatility, and ability to create traditional and modern designs.

Creating the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch

What You'll Need:

Yarn:

You can use any weight yarn for this stitch, but beginners may find the worsted weight (#4) easiest to work with. I don’t have a preference for the type of fiber, but the swatch I worked on for this tutorial was made with 100% acrylic yarn, which made it very thick and not quite as easy to block. If you have 100% wool in your stash, I recommend using it for this practice. 

Tunisian crochet hook:

Choose a hook size appropriate for your yarn. Tunisian crochet hooks are longer than regular ones and often have a cap on the end to prevent stitches from slipping off. They also come with cables for use in larger projects.  I am using a 5.5 mm Tunisian Hook with my CYC #4 Worsted Weight Yarn for this tutorial

Scissors: These are used to cut yarn at the end of your project.

Tapestry Hook for weaving in ends.

Understanding the Tunisian Knit Stitch

Close up view of the Tunisian Knit Stitch

Unlike traditional crochet, which works in rows, Tunisian crochet is worked in a forward (picking up loops onto the hook) and return pass (working off loops so that you end up with one loop left on the hook).

The Tunisian knit stitch looks very similar to the traditional stockinette stitch.  Here are two swatches, one knit with the stockinette stitch and one crocheted with the Tunisian Knit Stitch.  You can see the similarity.

Is the Tunisian Knit Stitch Reversible?

No.  Similar to the traditional knit stockinette stitch, the reverse side of the Tunisian knit stitch looks like the reverse stockinette stitch.

Swatch of the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch showing the right sideThe Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: Right Side
Swatch of the tunisian knit stitch showing the wrong sideThe Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch: Wrong Side

Basic Crochet Terms to Know

Yarn over (YO): Bring the yarn from the right side of the hook up and over the hook.

Pull Through:  With the loop on your hook, pull it through the stitch you are working on.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch

Foundation and Set-up Rows

1. Foundation Row:

Make a slip knot and chain your project's desired number of chains. This will determine the width of your work. For this swatch, I created 20 chains.

Tunisian crochet knit stitch first chain stitch row

2. Forward Pass Set up Row:

You may work into the back bump of the chain or the top loop. It is up to you.

Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. (Do not work into the first chain.) You will now have two loops on your hook. *Repeat this step across the entire chain.* You will have the same loops on your hook as chains in your foundation row.

Shows where the back bumps of a crochet chain are located

3. Return Pass of the Set-Up Row:

Yarn over and pull through one loop on your hook. *Yarn over and pull through two loops*. Repeat this step across the entire row until only one loop remains on your hook. This single loop is your turning chain.

Shown is the return pass for the Tunisian crochet knit stitch
Competed return pass for the Tunisian crochet knit stitch

4. Subsequent Rows:  Forward Pass

Forward Pass: 

Skip the first vertical bar closest to the hook (created by the return pass of the previous row).

Identify the two vertical bars of the next stitch. 

Insert your hook between these two bars from front to back and pull up a loop.  Leave the loop on the hook. 

Repeat across the row to the last stitch.

For the last stitch of every forward pass, insert your hook under the two loops that form the edge stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.

A diagram of the first forward pass of the crochet knit stitch

5. Subsequent Rows: Return Pass

Yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook.

Repeat this step until one loop remains on your hook.

Continue repeating the forward and return pass until you reach your desired length.

6. Bind Off

How to Bind off:

Work the forward pass as you usually would.

On the final return pass, work two loops together as usual. Then, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook, creating a neat and sturdy edge.

Here are some tips for success

  • Curling:  All Tunisian crochet stitches curl but there are a couple of things you can do.  Choose a hook one or more sizes larger than you would for your yarn.  Work the forward pass loser than normal, and block your swatch afterwards. If possible, use 100% wool as it is easier to block.
  • Counting Stitches: Pay close attention to your stitch count, especially at the beginning and end of rows.
  • Practice: Mastering the Tunisian knit stitch takes practice, like any new skill. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect.
  • Experiment: Once you feel comfortable with the basic stitch, experiment with different yarn weights and colors to create unique projects.
  • Finding the Right Hook: Consider going up one size hook if the fabric gets too thick and tight for your project.

Projects for Beginners

Scarves and Cowls: The Tunisian knit stitch creates warm, cozy scarves and cowls.

Dishcloths and Washcloths: The dense fabric of the Tunisian knit stitch is perfect for practical projects.

Blankets and Afghans: With patience and persistence, the Tunisian knit stitch can be used to create beautiful and intricate blankets.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tunisian Knit Stitch

What is the Tunisian crochet knit stitch?

The Tunisian crochet knit stitch (TKS) mimics the look of knitted fabric but is made with a crochet hook. It's worked in two passes (forward and return) using a Tunisian hook, and closely resembles the stockinette stitch in knitting.

What kind of hook do I need for Tunisian knit stitch?

You need a long Tunisian crochet hook, sometimes with a flexible cord. A smooth metal or bamboo hook with a tapered head works best for inserting between the vertical bars of each stitch.

How is TKS different from traditional knitting?

Though the result looks similar, the method is different. TKS uses one hook, not two needles. The loops are picked up in a forward pass and worked off in the return pass. TKS also produces a denser, less stretchy fabric than knitting.

How do I identify the correct bar to insert the hook into?

Insert the hook between the front and back vertical bars — not under the front bar only. This gives TKS its characteristic “V” knit look. Tilt your work slightly to clearly see both bars.

Why does my fabric curl at the edges?

Curling is common. You can prevent it by using a larger hook, adding a few rows of Tunisian purl or reverse stitch at the edges, and blocking the finished fabric.

What are the best projects for using TKS?

TKS is ideal for scarves, cowls, dishcloths, bags, pillows, and structured sweater panels. It’s not great for projects that require a lot of drape.

Last Words about the Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch

Despite our understanding of its historical trajectory, many questions about Tunisian crochet's origins remain unanswered. Was it genuinely invented in Europe, or did similar techniques exist elsewhere first? Further research and archaeological discoveries might shed more light on this intriguing craft's past.

Learning the Tunisian knit stitch is rewarding and opens up creative possibilities. With this step-by-step guide and a little practice, you'll create stunning Tunisian crochet projects in no time!

Tunisian Crochet Knit Stitch:  Pin Now, Crochet Later

Tunisian Knit Stitch Pin ImageTunisian Knit Stitch: Pin for Future Reference

More Crochet Stitch Tutorials