Technique family · Long-hook
Tunisian Crochet
Worked with a long hook that holds many live loops at once, producing a dense, woven-looking fabric built in forward and return passes.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Category
- Techniques
- Common fibres
- Wool, Cotton, Acrylic, Blends
Definition
Tunisian crochet — also called afghan crochet or the tricot stitch — uses an elongated hook to pick up a row of loops in a forward pass, then works them off in a return pass.
Overview
Because loops stay on the hook, the fabric sits somewhere between crochet and knitting: it is thicker, less elastic and noticeably heavier than standard crochet at the same gauge. The right side of Tunisian simple stitch has a distinctive grid of vertical bars, which makes it an excellent canvas for surface embroidery and colourwork.
The technique's main quirk is curl: the classic simple stitch biases toward the front until it is blocked or edged. Foundation rows in slip stitch, a larger hook, or alternating stitch patterns all reduce it.
Characteristics
- Long hook or cabled hook holds all live loops of a row
- Two passes per row: forward pick-up, then return
- Dense, drapeless, warm fabric with a woven appearance
Typical uses
- Blankets and afghans
- Structured bags
- Winter accessories
- Homeware
Questions
Why does my Tunisian fabric curl?
Tunisian simple stitch naturally biases forward. Use a hook one to two sizes larger than usual, add a slip stitch foundation, and block the finished piece.
Does it use more yarn?
Yes — expect noticeably more yarn than standard crochet for the same area, because the fabric is denser.
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