What is Tunisian Crochet?

The first thing you might notice about Tunisian crochet is that it doesn’t quite look like crochet—at least, not in the way you might expect.

It’s worked with a specialized crochet hook, but the stitches and techniques feel like a blend of crochet and knitting.

In fact, the finished fabric often looks more like knitting than traditional crochet, and even some of the terminology comes from the knitting world!

So, what exactly is the difference between traditional crochet, knitting, and Tunisian crochet?

• Traditional Crochet – Uses a single hook, and each stitch is completed before moving on to the next. The fabric can be turned after each row.

• Knitting – Uses two needles, collecting loops onto one needle at a time, creating fabric with a distinct front and back.

• Tunisian Crochet – Uses a modified crochet hook to gather up stitches in one row (like knitting), then works a return pass to close them off, leaving just one loop on the hook before starting the next row (like crochet). Tunisian is a fusion of both techniques, giving you a completely unique look and texture!

Is Tunisian Crochet Easy to Learn?

Like anything new, Tunisian crochet takes a little practice—but if you’re already familiar with crochet, you’ve got a head start!

At first, the longer hook might feel a little awkward in your hands, and the motion of gathering and releasing stitches can take some getting used to.

The best way to get comfortable?

Practice small swatches before diving into a big project, and focus on these key skills as you learn:

✅ Holding your hook, yarn, and fabric comfortably – A Tunisian hook is longer than a standard crochet hook, so finding a grip that works for you is important.
✅ Maintaining even tension – Consistency in both stitches and overall fabric is key to getting a clean, professional-looking result.
✅ Keeping your edges straight – The sides of your work can get messy if you’re not careful, so paying attention to the first and last stitches of each row will help keep everything neat.
✅ Recognizing stitch anatomy – Knowing what the front, back, top, and bottom of your stitches look like makes it easier to follow patterns and troubleshoot mistakes.
✅ Following a Tunisian crochet pattern – Once you’ve got the basics down, try working through a simple pattern to put your skills to the test!

Tunisian crochet is a fantastic technique that bridges the gap between crochet and knitting, giving you access to a whole new world of texture and style.

With a little patience and practice, you’ll be hooked in no time!