The image shows Tunisian crochet, specifically the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) — a popular technique that creates a fabric looking similar to knitting. Here’s how you can make it step-by-step:
🧶 Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) — Full Tutorial
🪡 What You Need:
- Yarn: Medium-weight (size 3 or 4 is best for learning)
- Hook: Tunisian crochet hook (long hook or with a cable)
- Scissors & yarn needle
🧵 STEP 1: Make the Foundation Chain
- Make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
- Chain (ch) any number of stitches — let’s start with ch 15.
Each chain = one vertical stitch in the fabric.
👉 Example: ch 15 → 15 stitches across.
🧵 STEP 2: Forward Pass (Picking up loops)
Now we’ll pick up loops — this is what makes Tunisian crochet special.
- Do NOT turn your work (Tunisian crochet always stays facing you).
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over (YO) and pull up a loop — leave it on the hook.
- Insert hook into the next chain, YO, pull up a loop — leave it on the hook.
- Repeat across the whole chain.
👉 You should now have 16 loops on your hook (1 loop for each chain + the starting loop).
🧵 STEP 3: Return Pass (Working loops off)
Now we’ll work those loops off — one by one.
- YO, pull through 1 loop only (this creates the edge stitch).
- Then, YO and pull through 2 loops — repeat this all the way across.
- Continue until only 1 loop remains on your hook.
👉 This finishes Row 1.
🧵 STEP 4: Work the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
Now we begin the main texture — the part shown in your photo.
Forward Pass (Row 2 and onward)
- Don’t turn your work.
- Look at the vertical bars in front of you — each “V” column is one stitch.
- Insert your hook under the front vertical bar (just 1 strand).
- YO, pull up a loop, and leave it on your hook.
- Move to the next vertical bar — repeat steps 3–4.
- Continue to the end of the row.
- When you reach the last stitch, insert your hook under both vertical bars of the edge stitch (this keeps the edge straight).
- YO, pull up a loop.
👉 You now have loops on your hook again.
Return Pass
- YO, pull through 1 loop.
- Then YO, pull through 2 loops repeatedly until you have only 1 loop left.
That’s one full Tunisian Simple Stitch row done ✅
🧵 STEP 5: Repeat Rows
Repeat the Forward Pass and Return Pass until your piece is as long as you want.
Each pair of passes = 1 row of stitches.
🧵 STEP 6: Binding Off (Finishing Edge)
When you’re done with your last row:
- Insert hook under the next vertical bar.
- YO, pull through both loops on hook (like a slip stitch).
- Repeat across the row.
- Cut yarn and pull through the last loop to secure.
- Weave in ends.
💡 Optional: Block the Fabric
Tunisian crochet tends to curl at the edges — don’t worry, that’s normal!
To fix:
- Lightly steam or wet block it flat (pin it and let it dry).
- Or use a border stitch (like single crochet around the edges).
📘 Summary Chart
| Step | Name | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundation Chain | ch desired number |
| 2 | Forward Pass | Pick up loops along the chain |
| 3 | Return Pass | YO, pull through 1, then pull through 2 across |
| 4 | Forward Pass (TSS) | Insert under front vertical bar, YO, pull up loop |
| 5 | Return Pass | YO, pull through 1, then 2s across |
| 6 | Bind Off | Slip stitch under each vertical bar |