How To Do The Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch

How To Do The Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch
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Welcome back to our exciting journey through the world of Tunisian Crochet! In this installment of our free Learn to Tunisian Crochet Blanket Crochet Along, we’re introducing the eighth stitch: the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch (TDCS).

This versatile stitch works up super quickly compared to some of the previous stitches we’ve learned, creating a beautifully drapey fabric.

You’ll notice that the gaps between the stitches are a bit larger, which not only contributes to the speed of your work but also enhances the fluidity of the fabric.

As you practice the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch, be sure to pay close attention to the beginning and end of your rows, and note when and how many chains to work for the best results!

TDCS

Working the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch (TDCS)

To work the Tunisian Double Crochet Stitch (TDCS): yo, insert hook in the front bar, pull up a loop, yo and pull thru two loops on the hook.  Repeat with each stitch across.  To adjust for height, add a chain to both the left and right edges of the fabric.

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

Working the left edge stitch (or right edge if you are left handed)

There are a couple of ways to work the left edge stitch, one of which, I prefer even though it is not considered the “correct way” to work this stitch.

Option 1: work a left edge stitch as “normal” by not yarning over, inserting your hook into the two loops, yo pull up a loop; then ch1 to get ready for your return pass, but also chain 1 again to get it up to height.  So… work a normal edge stitch but ch2 before doing the return pass.

Option 2: Yo, insert into edge stitch, yo pull up a loop, yo and pull thru two loops.  When you get ready to do your return pass, ch1.  I prefer Option 2 simply because it does not create a “gappy” side.

 

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 yellow version of this square, I used approximately 110 yards of Paintbox Simply Aran in shade 253.

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 to ensure your drape isn’t too stiff and to reduce curling in your project.

You will also need:

Scissors

Stitch markers (optional to mark first and last stitches)

Tape Measure

Yarn Needle

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.

Written Instructions

For the CAL, you will need to do this for 12″ x 12″ square. 

Stitch multiple: any number of stitches.

Abbreviations used:

  • YO – Yarn Over
  • TDCS – tunisian double crochet stitch
  • Ch – chain
  • F – forward pass
  • R – reverse pass

Chain any number of stitches until you reach 12” and complete a foundation row.

Reminder: To work a TDCS, yo, insert hook in the front bar, pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops on the hook.  Repeat this with each stitch across, working a normal left edge stitch.  To compensate for height, ch1 at the beginning and end of each row (this will result in a chain 2 at the left edge stitch).

Row 1

F: Ch1, crochet a row of TDCS, with an extended edge stitch (insert hook into the edge stitch and work as normal: ch2).

R:  Normal return pass.

Row 2: repeat row 1 both F and R passes.

Bind off: You can do this with a 6.5mm regular crochet hook if you prefer—with the starting loop on your hook: yo, insert hook as we have been for the TDCS, yo, pull through all loops on the hook.  You are slip stitching all the way down this row.

*Yo, insert hook as to work a TDCS, yo, pull thru all loops on the hook*.  Repeat from * to * until you reach the left edge stitch: 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 Half double crochet Stitch makes on Facebook and Instagram!