"Afghan Crochet Stitch"

You will need an Afghan hook and compatible weight yarn. Check my Equivalency Tables page for easy size and weight conversions.

Unlike regular crochet where you work every loop off the hook before beginning the next stitch, with Tunisian stitch the rows are worked in two parts, keeping all the loops on the hook for the first half of the row, then completing the row by working all the loops off the hook.Basic Afghan Stitch is worked by beginning with a length of chain. Your pattern will stipulate how many stitches are required.

Insert the hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, yarn over hook, pull the loop through.

Keeping all loops on hook [as above], continue pulling loops through each chain stitch to end of chain length. Do not turn work.

To complete row, work all loops off hook as follows: Yarn over hook and pull loop through first loop on hook.

*Yarn over hook and pull through next two loops [as above]. Repeat from * to end. The last loop on the hook is the first loop of the next row. Do not turn your work. This is the foundation row for most Afghan Stitch patterns.

The hook is positioned differently for the second row of the basic stitch, but the stitches themselves are worked similarly on and off the hook as for the foundation row.

To begin, miss the first vertical bar on the previous [foundation] row.

Insert the hook under the front vertical bar of the next stitch [as above]. Yarn over hook, and pull loop through.

Continue along foundation row in this manner[as above], until you have two stitches remaining. Insert the hook under the front vertical bars of both these last two stitches together, yarn over hook, pull loop through both stitches.

Work the second half of this row in the same manner as you did the foundation row. Continue working this way until your practice piece measures approximately 10cm [4ins]. This is a good size piece to check your tension on. If your tension is too loose, change to a smaller hook. If it’s too tight, choose a size larger hook.

This stitch produces a strong, firm, thick fabric. It makes very warm blankets, crochet slippers etc. because there are no air holes. It is also very useful for coin purses and bags.

There are variations of the Afghan Crochet Stitch, being Tunisian Stockinette Stitch and Tunisian Purl Stitch.

Tunisian Stockinette Stitch, also called Knit Stitch, has the appearance of rows of v’s on top of each other.

Tunisian Purl Stitch, or Purl Stitch, has the appearance of round bumps and can be used by itself or in conjunction with other Afghan Stitches to produce different textured patterns. A lot of crocheters work this purl stitch tighter than their other work. Be very conscious of this and check your tension regularly. If you find this is happening, change to a size larger Afghan Crochet Hook.

If you would like to make the cute pincushion shown at the top of this page CLICK HERE to go to my free pattern. To learn how to work lengths of chain and the other basic crochet stitches, purchase my e-book “CROCHET MADE EASY” by CLICKING HERE NOW!