Tunisian crochet is a little different to the normal type of crochet, but produces beautiful, precise patterns and can be very simple to do. The main differences are that you keep loops on your hook, so you'll need to select a long, straight crochet hook, and you work forwards and backwards, without the need to turn your work.
The Tunisian cluster stitch is straightforward and builds rapidly to a really pretty pattern, great for throws, afghans and pillow covers. It is suitable for intermediate level crocheters and anyone seeking to try something a little unusual!
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Watch the Tunisian crochet cluster stitch video tutorial:
Materials
This is quite a delicate stitch, so you won't want to go much above DK weight, at least for a first attempt. Plus with Tunisian crochet you keep loops on your hook so a chunky yarn would be cumbersome. Choose a long, straight crochet hook. Check your yarn manufacturer's band for hook size suggestions. You will also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
This is quite a delicate stitch, so you won't want to go much above DK weight, at least for a first attempt. Plus with Tunisian crochet you keep loops on your hook so a chunky yarn would be cumbersome. Choose a long, straight crochet hook. Check your yarn manufacturer's band for hook size suggestions. You will also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Abbreviations
* repeat from here required number of times
ch chain
ch sp chain space
rep repeat
st(s) stitch(es)
yo yarn over
* repeat from here required number of times
ch chain
ch sp chain space
rep repeat
st(s) stitch(es)
yo yarn over
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Written instructions
To start, create a foundation chain in multiples of four to your desired length, plus two. Remember not to turn your work.
Row 1 forward: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. *Insert hook into next ch, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * keeping all chains on hook.
Row 1 back: yo and pull back through 3 loops. *Ch 3, yo and pull through 5 loops. Repeat from * to last 4. Ch 3 and pull through last 4 loops.
Row 2 forward: ch 1. Pull up a loop from top of 1st cluster from previous row. *Pull up a loop from each of 3 chs in the next ch sp, pull up a loop from the closing ch of cluster in previous row. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2 back: yo and pull back through 3 loops. *Ch 3, yo and pull through 5 loops. Repeat from * to last 4. Ch 3 and pull through last 4 loops.
Repeat row 2 (back and forward) until project reaches desired length.
To start, create a foundation chain in multiples of four to your desired length, plus two. Remember not to turn your work.
Row 1 forward: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, pull up a loop. *Insert hook into next ch, yo and pull up a loop. Repeat from * keeping all chains on hook.
Row 1 back: yo and pull back through 3 loops. *Ch 3, yo and pull through 5 loops. Repeat from * to last 4. Ch 3 and pull through last 4 loops.
Row 2 forward: ch 1. Pull up a loop from top of 1st cluster from previous row. *Pull up a loop from each of 3 chs in the next ch sp, pull up a loop from the closing ch of cluster in previous row. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2 back: yo and pull back through 3 loops. *Ch 3, yo and pull through 5 loops. Repeat from * to last 4. Ch 3 and pull through last 4 loops.
Repeat row 2 (back and forward) until project reaches desired length.