How To Crochet The Tunisian Smock Stitch

Welcome to the next step in our Learn to Tunisian Crochet Blanket Crochet Along! Today, we’re diving into the beautiful Tunisian Smock Stitch, the tenth stitch in our series.

This stitch creates a stunning, textured pattern that resembles fish or mermaid scales, adding a touch of magic to any project.

While the Tunisian Smock Stitch is an easy two-row repeat, I found that it took some practice to keep track of which row I was on.

Don’t worry, though—once your eyes adjust to the flow of the pattern, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to create this gorgeous texture with ease!

I believe that this smock stitch is also known as the tunisian Lattice Stitch.

To work the Smock Stitch, you will need to know how to do a TSS2TOG which is Tunisian Simple Stitch 2 together.  It is a decrease, but you make up for it by yarning under and holding that yarn under the whole time (instead of releasing it, just like we do for a purl stitch).

Take Note!

This is a more difficult stitch to work and you will need to pay very close attention to where you are inserting your hook and starting and finishing each forward pass. 

Stitch multiple:

It is a 2 row repeat and requires an even number of chain stitches to get started.

If you prefer video tutorials, scroll down this post a little.

 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 because 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 camel version of this square, I used approximately 130 yards of Paintbox Simply Aran.

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 camel coloured version. Remember, you can use whatever hook size is appropriate for the yarn you’re using.

WHERE TO GET THE PDF PATTERN

You can purchase the individual square pattern in any of my shops by clicking the buttons below. However, I would recommend getting the complete e-book of all 12 square patterns plus the joining and border instructions for one unbelievably low price!

PREFER VIDEO TUTORIALS?

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

 

Smock Stitch Square Written Instructions

To work this swatch with me, I recommend doing at least 4″ x 4″ square to learn the stitch before doing a pattern.  For the CAL, you will need to do this for 12″ x 12″ square.  This stitch has a stitch multiple of 2, Simply crochet any even number of stitches until you reach the desired measurement.

ABBREVIATIONS USED:

• YO – Yarn Over
• Ch – chain
• F – forward pass
• R – reverse pass

Chain an even number of stitches (multiple of 2) until you reach 12” and complete a foundation row.

The Smock Stitch is worked with the working yarn in front of your hook, much like the TPS (purl stitch) except you won’t let the yarn go, you will continue to hold it in place while you work a TSS2TOG (tss 2 together—decrease).  The loop you are holding on the hook will make up for the loss of a stitch when you work the decrease.  To work the left edge stitch, yo and work the left edge stitch as normal (the yo is to make up for the loss of stitches due to decreasing).

Tunisian smock stitch is a 2 row repeat.

Row 1

F: Yo Purl-wise (yarn in front of hook) and hold the loop while working, insert hook behind 2 front bars and pull up a loop (you can now stop holding the loop on the hook as it is “set”). *Yo purl-wise and hold the loop, insert hook behind the next 2 front bars and pull up a loop. Rep from * to left edge stitch: yo normally, and make a left edge stitch.

R: Normal return pass.

Row 2

F: TSS in 1^st st, *yo purl-wise, TSS2TOG over next 2 front bars. Rep from * until 1 bar and the left edge stitch remain. TSS last bar. Work a left edge stitch as normal.

R: Normal return pass.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 working both F and R passes 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: yo purl-wise, insert hook as we have been for the Smock Stitch, yo, pull through all loops on the hook.  You are slip stitching all the way down this row.

Yo, insert hook as if you were working a Smock Stitch, yo, pull through all loops on the hook.  Repeat this process until you reach the left edge stitch. Yo, insert hook through two loops on the left edge, yo, pull through all loops.  

FO.  Weave in ends.

 

Photo Tutorial

 

Don’t forget to tag me in your Tunisian Crochet Tunisian Smock Stitch makes on Facebook and Instagram!

LEARN TUNISIAN SERIES LINKS