Tunisian simple stitch detailed tutorial

Want to try out Tunisian crochet and don’t know where to start?

The Tunisian simple stitch (abbreviated as Tss) is the most basic and most widely used stitch in Tunisian crochet, so maybe start with it.

All the other Tunisian crochet stitches developed over decades by crafters have something in common with the Tunisian simple stitch, so once you master it, you’ll be able to easily learn all the other stitches as well.

In the following sections, we’ll cover the basics (how to make the Tunisian simple stitch, in photos and video), we’ll discuss how to manage curling, similar stitches, and I’ll answer some common questions I see often from beginners. I will also recommend some patterns to get you started.

Now pick up a hook and some suitable yarn (check out this article about Tunisian crochet basics to decide what hook/yarn combination to start with) and make a foundation row (I have a full tutorial here on how to make different types of foundation rows) and let’s get started making a Tunisian simple stitch fabric.

Tunisian simple stitch example collage — Different samples of Tunisian simple stitch in various yarn types, weights and colors.

Tunisian simple stitch definition

The Tunisian simple stitch is the simplest and easiest to make stitch in the Tunisian crochet world.

It creates a grid-like fabric appearance, with vertical lines that overlap horizontal lines (the return pass chains). The fabric is smooth, uniform, soft to the touch.

The back of the fabric shows rows of horizontal loops, some larger and more forward than the others.

With proper tension and the right hook size, you can create perfectly square Tunisian simple stitches, which then allow you to create cross stitch embroidery on top of the fabric.

You can also use the square proportion of the stitches to make colorwork designs, where each stitch corresponds to a pixel in a graph. These projects are called graphghans and you can learn more about them here.

The Tunisian simple stitch is also known as the afghan stitch, as it has been used for decades to create stunning blankets or afghans.

It is called “simple” because it is the easiest and fastest Tunisian crochet stitch to make, and it requires no special manipulation of the hook or the yarn.

How to crochet the Tunisian simple stitch

To make a fabric using the Tunisian simple stitch, you need to start with a foundation row.

If you don’t know how to make a foundation row, follow one of the tutorials on this page.

For this tutorial, we will cast on 11 stitches, not counting the first loop.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Foundation row consisting of 11 stitches, including the last stitch (first loop not counted). — Foundation row consisting of 11 stitches, including the last stitch (first loop not counted).

To make the first Tunisian simple stitch, insert the hook behind the first vertical bar in the foundation row (in the stitch right after the first loop on the edge).

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Inserting the hook under the first vertical bar to make one stitch. — Inserting the hook under the first vertical bar to make one stitch.

Yarn over and pick a loop on the hook. Keep this loop on the hook.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Hook inserted under the vertical bar. — Hook inserted under the vertical bar.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. First stitch picked up. — First stitch picked up.

Continue inserting the hook under the next vertical bar and picking up loops.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Inserting the hook under the second vertical bar. — Inserting the hook under the second vertical bar.

Pick up loops under all the vertical bars in the foundation row.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. All loops picked up. — All loops picked up.

At the end of the row, insert the hook under the two vertical bars on the edge and pick up a loop. This is usually called the last stitch.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Making the last stitch by inserting the hook under the two vertical bars on the edge. — Making the last stitch by inserting the hook under the two vertical bars on the edge.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Last stitch picked up. — Last stitch picked up.

To make the return pass, first chain one. This will create a straight and smooth edge. Some designers skip this step to make a tighter edge at the end of the row.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Chain 1 at the end of the row for a smooth edge. — Chain 1 at the end of the row for a smooth edge.

Continue to make the return pass by repeating “yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook”.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Yarn over and pull through 2 to make the return pass. — Yarn over and pull through 2 to make the return pass.

Once the return pass is complete, you should have only 1 loop left on the hook.

Continue picking up stitches behind the vertical bars of the stitches below to make a Tunisian simple stitch fabric.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Tunisian simple stitch fabric with 4 rows, including the foundation. — Tunisian simple stitch fabric with 4 rows, including the foundation.

The back of the work will look bumpy, with horizontal loops. This is how it should look.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Back of the Tunisian simple stitch fabric, showing the characteristic loops, similar to reverse stockinette from knitting. — Back of the Tunisian simple stitch fabric, showing the characteristic loops, similar to reverse stockinette from knitting.

This will also cause the fabric to curl, even if you use very loose tension, like I did in this tutorial.

Tunisian simple stitch tutorial. Curling of the Tunisian simple stitch fabric. — Curling of the Tunisian simple stitch fabric.

See below how to manage the curling of the Tunisian simple stitch fabric.

To bind off in pattern, insert the hook under the next vertical bar and pull up a loop. Slip stitch and repeat the process until you reach the last stitch.

Pick up the last stitch as usual and slip it. Cut off the yarn and pull the thread through the loop to secure it.

To weave in the end, follow one of the 3 methods for weaving in ends that I detailed in this tutorial.

Video tutorial for the Tunisian simple stitch

Right handed video tutorial for the Tunisian simple stitch.

Left handed Tunisian simple stitch video tutorial.

In these videos I also show how to make some variations of the Tunisian simple stitch.

You can try them out, but it is best to start with the simple stitch and master it before experimenting with different ways of making Tunisian stitches.

Managing curling in Tunisian simple stitch

Most beginners who try Tunisian crochet for the first time end up wondering if they’re doing something wrong. Why is Tunisian simple stitch fabric curling?

The curl is inherent in the Tunisian simple stitch and a few other stitches due to the way that the stitches are made.

More of the fabric is on the back of the work, just like in stockinette in knitting.

That makes the Tunisian simple stitch fabric curl towards the part of the fabric that has less volume (front), to allow the part with more volume to expand (back).

There are different ways of reducing curling in Tunisian simple stitch fabric. Explore them all in the post dedicated to reducing or removing the curl of Tunisian crochet projects.

Reduce or remove tunisian crochet curling 7 — Two Tunisian simple stitch samples made with a smaller and larger hook than recommended for the yarn. They both curl.

Just going up a hook size is not enough to remove the curl of Tss. It will reduce it a little, but you want good tension, so don’t overdo it. Rather, use one of the methods in the article linked above.

Patterns using the Tunisian simple stitch

The Tunisian simple stitch can be used either on its own, or as part of a stitch pattern. You can make hats, scarves, blankets, articles of clothing, shawls, slippers, pillows.

It’s a very useful an versatile stitch, although sometimes you do need to use it in combination with other stitches to prevent curling.

In the list below, you’ll find a lot of patterns that use the Tunisian simple stitch either on its own or as a main stitch. I don’t even think I have ever created a pattern that doesn’t use Tss. It’s that useful.