How to do Tunisian crochet with a regular hook: a step-by-step guide

If you’re a crochet enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Tunisian crochet – it’s a versatile technique that produces stunning fabric, and it’s a fantastic way to elevate your crochet skills. While it often requires a special hook, the good news is that you can get started using a regular crochet hook. In this guide, you’ll learn how to master the Tunisian simple stitch (tss) with just the tools you already have.

This tutorial is best if you’re looking to practice Tunisian crochet before buying new materials, or if you’re looking to make a piece of fabric that isn’t very wide, as it only allows your project to be as long as the silver part of your crochet hook. I’ve used this technique to create the bag strap of the Star bag.

P.s. I also have a video tutorial on Instagram if you're more of a visual learner!

What You'll Need

• A regular crochet hook: Any size will work for this tutorial, but keep in mind that the length of the silver part of your hook will be the maximum length of your crocheted fabric.
• A skein of yarn: Pick your favorite yarn to practice with.

For this example, I chose a 10 ply/aran/worsted weight yarn (DROPS Paris) and a 5mm crochet hook.

Getting Started: The Foundation Row

1. Create a slipknot: Begin by making a slipknot.

2. Chain your stitches: Chain a few stitches, depending on how wide you want your project to be. Keep in mind that all the stitches will need to fit on the silver shaft of your crochet hook. For this tutorial, let’s use six chain stitches.

3. Pull up loops: Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Leave the loop on your hook. Repeat this process across the row until all your loops are on the hook. For six chain stitches, you’ll end up with five loops.

Row 1: Return Pass

1. Yarn over: Start by yarning over and pulling through just one loop on your hook.

2. Pull through two loops: Yarn over again and pull through two loops. Continue this process until only one loop remains on your hook. Together with your foundation row, this counts as your first row of Tunisian simple stitch.

Row 2: Forward Pass

1. Identify the vertical bars: Look at the vertical bars created by the previous row.

2. Pull up loops: Insert your hook from right to left, under the 2nd vertical bar from your hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat this across the row.

3. Work the last stitch carefully: On the final stitch, ensure you grab two bars for a clean edge. To make it easier, turn your work so you can see both the vertical bar from the front and one from the back – together, they resemble a V-shape. Insert your hook under both of those loops and pull up. If you started with six chain stitches (five Tunisian simple stitches), you should have five loops on your hook.

Row 2: Return Pass

1. Repeat return pass: Follow the instructions for Row 1: Return Pass above.

Building Subsequent Rows

You can make your Tunisian simple stitch fabric as long as you like! To create the following rows, keep repeating and alternating between Row 2: Forward Pass and Row 2: Return Pass. Always end your work on a return pass.

Pro Tips for Success

• Mind your edges: Uneven edges? Double-check that you’re always working into the last stitch of each row properly.
  
• Loosen up your tension: Avoid pulling your loops too tight. Tunisian crochet thrives on a bit of slack to keep the fabric flexible and easy to work with.

Why Try Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet offers a unique texture that’s different from traditional crochet or knitting. It’s perfect for making scarves and blankets, and, because it’s a relatively sturdy stitch, it’s a great alternative to work up a bag strap. Plus, experimenting with a regular hook is a great way to dip your toes into this technique without investing in new tools.

Simple as that! If you try this technique, I’d love to see – be sure to tag me on socials @devout_hand (Instagram, TikTok). Kisses!