How to read Tunisian Crochet Patterns
So, you've fallen in love with Tunisian crochet, but now you're staring at a pattern that looks like a secret code? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Reading Tunisian crochet patterns can feel confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like unlocking a new level in your crochet journey.
Whether you're a beginner or just need a refresher, this guide will break it all down for you—stitch abbreviations, common symbols, and how to follow Tunisian crochet instructions step by step. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Tunisian Crochet Patterns
Unlike regular crochet patterns, Tunisian crochet patterns have two main steps in each row:
The Forward Pass (FP): This is where you pick up loops across your work, loading them onto your hook.
The Return Pass (RP): This is where you work those loops off, one by one, until you’re back to a single loop.
Think of it as taking a trip (picking up stitches) and then coming back home (working them off). Simple, right?
Common Tunisian Crochet Abbreviations & Symbols
Here are some of the most common terms you’ll see in Tunisian crochet patterns:
Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
Tss (Tunisian Simple Stitch): Insert your hook under the front vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS)
Tks (Tunisian Knit Stitch): Insert your hook between the front and back vertical bars, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS)
Tps (Tunisian Purl Stitch): Bring the yarn to the front, insert your hook under the front vertical bar, yarn over, and pull up a loop (this creates a textured effect).
Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS)
Tfs (Tunisian Full Stitch): Insert your hook in the space between stitches rather than under a vertical bar.
Tunisian Bind Off: A method to close your stitches at the end, similar to casting off in knitting.
💡 Pro Tip: Many Tunisian crochet tutorials on YouTube can help you see these stitches in action!
How to Read a Tunisian Crochet Pattern (Step by Step)
Let’s break down what a typical pattern might look like:
1️⃣ Foundation Row: Start with a foundation chain (just like in regular crochet). Then, work a Forward Pass by inserting your hook into each chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop, leaving all loops on the hook.
2️⃣ Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through one loop (this is the edge stitch), then yarn over and pull through two loops repeatedly until only one loop remains.
3️⃣ Pattern Rows: Follow the stitch instructions, remembering that every row consists of a Forward Pass (picking up loops) and a Return Pass (working them off).
Example Pattern:
Foundation Row: Chain 10. Work a Forward Pass into each chain. Work a Return Pass. Row 1: Tss across. Work a Return Pass. Row 2: (Tks, Tss) repeat across. Work a Return Pass. Repeat Row 2 until the desired length. Bind off.
📌 Save this guide for later so you can always refer back when you're working on a pattern!
Try a Free Tunisian Crochet Bag Pattern!
FREE TUNISIAN CROCHET BAG PATTERN
If you’re looking for an easy Tunisian crochet project to practice your skills, I’ve got the perfect one for you! This beginner-friendly Tunisian crochet bag pattern is simple, stylish, and totally free. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the stitches while making something practical.
Learning how to read Tunisian crochet patterns might seem tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Whether you're following a written pattern or a Tunisian crochet chart, the key is to take it step by step and enjoy the process.
Now that you're equipped with the basics, go grab your hook and start stitching! Have any favorite Tunisian crochet tips or beginner-friendly patterns? Drop them in the comments!
More Tunisian Crochet Patterns to Try
Now that you know how to read Tunisian crochet patterns, why not take your skills to the next level? Here are some stunning Tunisian crochet designs you can try next
