How to Crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)

A clear, beginner-friendly guide to the foundation of Tunisian crochet: learn the forward pass, return pass, edge stitch, bind-off, and tips to reduce curling.

What You’ll Need

Tunisian (Afghan) crochet hook (often 1–2 sizes larger than the yarn label suggests)
Worsted/medium weight yarn (great for learning)
Scissors & tapestry needle
Optional: blocking pins/mat (helps reduce curling)

What Is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet blends elements of knitting and crochet. You’ll “pick up” loops across a row (forward pass) and then work them off on the way back (return pass) without turning your work.

Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS): Step-by-Step

Foundation Row — Forward Pass

Chain the desired length.
Insert hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop. Leave the loop on the hook.
Repeat across the chain. You’ll have one loop for each chain, plus the starting loop.

Foundation Row — Return Pass

Yo, pull through 1 loop (this creates the edge stitch).
Then repeat: yo, pull through 2 loops at a time across the row until 1 loop remains on the hook.

Subsequent Rows — Forward Pass

Skip the first vertical bar (that’s your edge). Insert hook under the front vertical bar of the next stitch, yo, pull up a loop; leave on hook.
Repeat under each vertical bar across.
For the last stitch, insert the hook under both strands at the edge (front bar + the strand behind) to keep edges straight; yo, pull up a loop.

Subsequent Rows — Return Pass

Same as before: yo, pull through 1; then yo, pull through 2 across to the end.

Edge Stitches & Neat Sides

Forward Pass: keep edges tidy by working the final stitch under two strands.

Return Pass: pull through 1 loop, then pull through 2 loops repeatedly until one loop remains.

Bind-Off (Finishing Row)

Insert hook under the next vertical bar as if to TSS.
Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook (a slip stitch).
Repeat across the row. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Common Tips & Troubleshooting

Curling? Go up a hook size, block your piece, or add a few rows of Tunisian reverse/simple rib at the start and end.
Too tight? Loosen tension on the forward pass; the return pass should flow easily.
Stitch count drifting? Count vertical bars each row and don’t forget the final “under two strands” edge stitch.

Quick Reference

Action	What to Do
Forward Pass	Insert under front vertical bar, yo, pull up loop (leave on hook).
Return Pass	Yo, pull through 1; then yo, pull through 2 across.
Edge Stitch	Insert under both edge strands for a neat chain edge.
Bind-Off	Slip stitch through each vertical bar.