How to Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) for Beginners

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Ready to learn how to crochet the Tunisian simple stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to crochet the Tunisian simple stitch (Tss) and give you tips for using this stitch in patterns.

UPDATED: AUGUST 4, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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Learn how to Tunisian Simple Stitch for Beginners.
Tunisian Simple Stitch with Scheepjes Stone Washed XL yarn

The Tunisian simple stitch is a great starting point for learning Tunisian crochet. It creates a dense and stretchy fabric that’s great for a variety of projects.

Tunisian crochet is sometimes called “a hybrid of crochet and knitting” because it can produce stitches that look like either. While this is true, the Tunisian simple stitch is completely unique. No other stitch looks like it!

The simple stitch is one of the three basic Tunisian crochet stitches, and it’s very beginner-friendly.

In fact, it’s the best first Tunisian crochet stitch to learn!

In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of the Tunisian simple stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best suited for. Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.

Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:


What is Tunisian Crochet and Tunisian Simple Stitch?

Tunisian crochet is a form of crochet that uses a different hook, sometimes called an afghan hook. This hook is much longer than a standard crochet hook because all of the stitches must be on the hook at once, similar to knitting.

Tunisian crochet is excellent to learn because you can create stitches that look like knitting as well as stitches that are completely unique to the craft.

The Tunisian simple stitch is the most basic Tunisian crochet stitch. It’s the best starting point to learn, yet it’s one of the prettiest and most versatile Tunisian crochet stitches out there.

What Hook Do You Need for the Tunisian Simple Stitch?

As I briefly mentioned before, to work the Tunisian simple stitch, you need a Tunisian crochet hook. You can often find these at craft stores. They will really stand out because it looks like a knitting needle with a crochet hook on the end.

Double-ended crochet hooks are used for Tunisian crochet in the round projects. You can technically use a double-ended hook to practice, but it’s best if you get yourself a standard Tunisian crochet hook.

Instead of buying an expensive Tunisian crochet hook set, try getting one from your nearby craft store to see if you enjoy Tunisian crochet. If you find that you like it and want to do more, then it might be a good idea to invest in a quality set. I really like the Lantern Moon interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks, and you can check out my review here.

Tunisian Simple Stitch Tutorial

Are you ready to learn how to crochet one of the most interesting stitches you’ll ever find?

Tunisian Simple Stitch pattern and tutorial

Supplies

The Tunisian simple stitch is incredibly versatile so you can pair it with any weight yarn from lightweight to super bulky. In order to see the unique pattern this stitch creates, use a smooth or slightly textured yarn if you want a little more visual interest.

  • Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
  • 6.5 mm Tunisian Crochet Hook

Using a bigger hook than you would normally use for a medium-weight yarn is intentional. As you’ll see later on, Tunisian crochet fabric likes to curl on the bottom edge, and using a larger crochet hook helps to reduce this curl. For more information, check out our article about reducing Tunisian crochet curling.

Pattern Notes

  • The side facing you as you crochet is considered the right side of the work.
  • This crochet pattern is written in US terms.

Unlike what you’re used to with regular crochet stitch patterns, a single Tunisian crochet row is made up of a forward pass and a return pass.

In the forward pass, stitches are collected on the hook. In the return pass, stitches are worked off the hook. So for each row of a Tunisian crochet stitch pattern, you will see separate instructions for the forward and return passes.

This also requires a separate bind-off step to finish the last row of stitches so it matches the rest of the fabric.

Stitch Multiple

The Tunisian simple stitch has no multiple which means you can work with any number of stitches in your project.

Stitch Abbreviations

  • Ch Chain
  • Fwd Forward
  • Hk Hook
  • Rep Repeat
  • Rtn Return
  • Tss Tunisian Simple Stitch
  • St(s) Stitch(es)
  • YO Yarn Over Hook

Row 1 Forward Pass: Ch any number of sts. Insert hk in 2nd ch from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in next ch, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * to end of row.

Row 1 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Row 2 Forward Pass: Insert hk through 2nd bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hook). *Insert hk through the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * to end of row.

Row 2 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.

Repeat: Rep row 2 forward pass and return pass until your project measures the length you want, ending on a row 2 return pass. Continue to bind off the step.

Bind Off

Insert hk in 2nd bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Fasten off.


Is your work curling?

If you notice your swatches curling along the bottom edge, or even the top edge after you fasten off, don’t worry! You’re not doing anything wrong.

Tunisian crochet is more closely related to knitting than traditional crochet. The way we work the stitches, constantly pulling the yarn tension in the same forward direction, is a bit like knitting. Plus, we do tend to work Tunisian crochet stitches tighter, which can also cause those edges to curl. It’s all part of the charm (and challenge) of this craft.

In this article, I share six simple and practical tips to beat the Tunisian crochet curling.

Tunisian Simple Stitch Step-by-Step Video


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Right-Handed Tutorial on YouTube

Left-Handed Tutorial on YouTube

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Tunisian Simple Stitch Project Ideas

The Tunisian simple stitch creates a dense and stretchy fabric that’s perfect for a variety of projects. I love making scarves and blankets with this stitch, but you can get even more creative and use it for bags, pillows, and clothing!

Here is a quick beginner project that uses the Tunisian simple stitch so you can put your new skills to use:

More Tunisian Crochet Tutorials + Free Patterns

At B.Hooked, we’re passionate about Tunisian crochet and dedicated to providing a wealth of resources to help you learn this beautiful form of crochet. I even collaborated with Craftsy to bring you Tunisian Crochet For Beginners, an in-depth course that shows you everything you need to know to learn Tunisian crochet.

Here are some more Tunisian crochet projects we think you might like!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Tunisian simple stitch project curling?

If you find that your Tunisian crochet project is curling, you aren’t doing anything wrong. Curling at the bottom and top edge is normal for Tunisian crochet. Because you don’t turn the work with Tunisian crochet stitches, tension is pulled in the same direction and causes the curling.

While you can’t completely get rid of the curling, there are some things you can do to reduce it. See our article here for the best tips!

Can I use a regular crochet hook for Tunisian crochet?

Since all of the stitches need to be on the hook at once, you can’t use a standard crochet hook for Tunisian crochet. Entrelac crochet is similar to Tunisian crochet and is the one exception. See that in action with our Entrelac Crochet baby blanket.

How do I make a blanket with a Tunisian crochet hook?

Since most Tunisian crochet hooks are 12″-14″ in length, you are not able to crochet a blanket with them. You will need to use an interchangeable Tunisian hook set (similar to interchangeable cirular knitting needles). Interchangeable Tunisian hooks are standard hook length, but allow for a cord to be attached to the end. This allows you to crochet projects bigger than 12″ or 14″.

What Tunisian crochet hook should I buy?

When you’re just starting out, a standard Tunisian crochet hook in a 6.5 mm size will allow you to make small projects and swatches to see if you like Tunisian crochet.

If you plan to make bigger projects, I recommend the interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set from Lantern Moon. This set includes an abundance of hook and cord sizes so you can make any size project you want. Here is a review I wrote up on them to see if this is the right set for you.

Tunisian Crochet on the podcast…

Need some inspiration to listen to while you learn the Tunisian simple stitch? Check out this episode of the BHooked Podcast where I chat with Toni Lipsey, the talented maker behind TL Yarn Crafts.

Hit the play button below to listen!

My Favorite Tunisian Crochet Hooks

When you’re serious about Tunisian crochet, you’ll probably want to invest in a nice hook set. My current favorite Tunisian crochet hooks are by Lantern Moon.

Lantern Moon Tunisian Crochet Hooks

This set includes a variety of hook and cord sizes so I always have the combination I need for whatever size project I want to make. For more details about these hooks, see my full review here.