How To Crochet The Tunisian Purl Stitch

Welcome back to the cozy corner of our crochet world! Today, we’re diving into the delightful and versatile Tunisian Purl Stitch. It’s a gem that often surprises crafters with its striking resemblance to the classic knitted Garter stitch. If you love the texture and appearance of Garter stitch but prefer the rhythm of crochet, you’re in for a treat.

The Tunisian Purl Stitch, combines elements of both knitting and crochet to create a unique and beautiful fabric. This stitch’s roots trace back to the early 19th century, and it’s believed to have origins in North Africa, where it was used to create intricate and durable textiles. Over the years, it has gained popularity worldwide for its ability to produce dense, warm, and textured pieces.

Perfect for everything from cozy blankets and scarves to stylish garments and home décor, the Tunisian Purl Stitch offers both versatility and aesthetic appeal. Its dense fabric is ideal for creating items that need structure and warmth, making it a favorite for winter accessories and afghans. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter looking to expand your repertoire or a newbie eager to explore the fascinating world of Tunisian crochet, this stitch is a fantastic addition to your toolkit.

So, grab your hook and let’s embark on this exciting journey to master the Tunisian Purl Stitch, and soon, you’ll be creating crochet pieces that are as beautiful as they are unique!

 Before we start, if you prefer video tutorials, scroll down this post a little.

In this post, I’ll guide you through reading the pattern and working this essential tunisian stitch you’ll need for lots of projects: the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS).

Working the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS)

Tunisian Purl Stitches (TPS) are crocheted with the working yarn in front of your hook.  Insert the hook from right to left (or left to right if you are left handed) in the front bar and pull up a loop.  Repeat with each stitch across, completing a normal edge stitch (see my introductory post), and finally, completing a normal return pass (also explained in the introductory post).

Materials List:

Note: this list contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you!

You can use any weight yarn and an appropriately sized hook for this project, as you’ll work your foundation row until it reaches the desired length. I chose to use #4 weight (aran) yarn for my blankets. It works up quickly, I have plenty of it in my stash, and it’s a common choice among crocheters.

For the green version, I used Brava Worsted by Knit Picks, which you can find at WeCrochet here.

For the yellow version of this square, I used approximately 120 yards of Paintbox Simply Aran in shade 221.

Both yarns are machine washable and dryable, making them practical choices for blankets.

I used a 6.5mm Tunisian hook for the green version and a 6mm Tunisian hook for the yellow version. Remember, you can use whatever hook size is appropriate for the yarn you’re using.

Handy Hint: In Tunisian Crochet, it’s best to go up one or two hook sizes. This ensures your drape isn’t too stiff and to reduce curling in your project.

You will also need:

Where To Get The PDF Pattern

You can purchase the individual square pattern in my website shop by clicking the button below. However, I would recommend getting the complete e-book of all 12 square patterns plus the joining and border instructions!

Prefer Video tutorials?

If you prefer I have both right and left handed video tutorials on my Youtube Channel to help you through this stitch.

Technique – written and photo tutorial

Foundation Row: Complete a normal foundation row as explained in the Introduction to Tunisian Post here.  There is no stitch multiple for this stitch, so you can chain any number of stitches. However, I recommend doing a 4″ x 4″ swatch to learn the stitch.

Row 1, Forward Pass: In the video, I explain to “scoop up” the working yarn so that it is in front of your hook and hold it in place; insert hook through the first vertical bar. Release the working yarn, YO (normally) and pull up a loop; first stitch made.  Complete the instructions you just read for each stitch down the row.  Work a normal edge stitch by inserting your hook (without doing a forward yarn under) catching 2 loops of the edge stitch and yarn over to pull up a loop.

Row 1, Return Pass: Chain 1, *yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat from * to the last stitch, there will be one loop left on your hook.

Row 2, Forward and Return Passes: complete instructions for row 1 both passes until your work measures the desired measurement.

Photo Tutorial

Written instructions for the 12″ Tunisian Purl Stitch Square:

Chain any number of stitches until you reach 12”. This stitch has no stitch multiples so you can use any number of stitches to reach your 12″. As a reference using a 6mm hook and 4 weight yarn I chained 50.

Complete a foundation row as instructed in the introductory blog post here.

Remember: TPS are crocheted with the working yarn in FRONT of your hook.  Insert the hook from right to left in the front bar (or left to the right if you are left handed). Pull up a loop.

Abbreviations:

Row 1

F: With the working yarn in front of your hook, insert the hook from right to left in the front bar (or left to right if you are left handed) and pull up a loop. Rep this process until you reach the left edge stitch. Work a normal left edge stitch by not putting the working yarn in front of your hook, insert your hook into the left edge stitch going through 2 loops and pull up a loop.

R: Normal return pass.

Row 2: Repeat row 1 (both F and R instructions) until your square measures 12”.

Bind off: You can do this with a 6.5mm regular crochet hook if you prefer. With the starting loop on your hook: insert hook as we have been for the TPS (making sure the yarn is in front of the hook). Yo, pull through all loops on the hook.  You are slip stitching all the way down this row.

Insert hook as to work a TPS, yo, pull thru all loops on the hook.  Repeat this process until you reach the left edge stitch. Insert hook through two loops on the left edge, yo, pull thru all loops.  FO.  Weave in ends.

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Learn Tunisian Series Links