Ready to learn how to make an easy yet gorgeous Tunisian rib stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to create this stunning stitch and offer you useful tips for incorporating it into your projects.
UPDATED: NOVEMBER 7, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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This special Tunisian rib stitch is much easier to crochet than it seems! It uses a simple one-row pattern to create a dense and stretchy fabric that’s perfect for various projects.
Tunisian crochet is sometimes called a mix of crochet and knitting because it can make stitches that resemble either of them. This particular Tunisian crochet rib stitch looks just like brioche knitting or the fisherman’s rib stitch!
This simple stitch is one of the easiest for beginners in Tunisian crochet, and it has a lot of texture. If you know how to do the simple and full stitches, you can definitely give this stitch pattern a try!
Unlike other Tunisian crochet stitches, this rib stitch has significantly less curl on the top and bottom edges, so that’s a big plus!
In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of this gorgeous Tunisian rib stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best suited for. Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.
Don’t know how to Tunisian crochet yet? No worries! I have a beginner-friendly tutorial to show you how to crochet the Tunisian simple stitch here. It’s a great starting point for learning the basics of Tunisian crochet!
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- What is Tunisian Crochet and the Tunisian Rib Stitch?
- What Hook Do You Need for the Tunisian Rib Stitch
- Tunisian Rib Stitch Tutorial
- Stitch Multiple
- Stitch Abbreviations
- Tunisian Rib Stitch Step-by-Step Video
- Tunisian Rib Stitch Project Ideas
- More Easy Tunisian Crochet Tutorials + Free Patterns
- Why is My Tunisian Simple Stitch Project Curling?
- Can I use a regular crochet hook for Tunisian crochet?
- How do I make a blanket with a Tunisian crochet hook?
- What Tunisian crochet hook should I buy?
- Tunisian Crochet on the Podcast with TL Yarn Crafts
- My Favorite Tunisian Crochet Hooks
What is Tunisian Crochet and the Tunisian Rib Stitch?
Tunisian crochet is a special crochet style that uses a distinct hook, often called an afghan hook. This hook is longer than a regular crochet hook because it holds all the stitches at once, just like in knitting.
Learning Tunisian crochet is a great idea because it allows you to make stitches that resemble knitting and also ones that are unique to this craft.
The Tunisian rib stitch is a broad term that covers various rib stitch patterns. The Tunisian rib stitch we’ll explore in this tutorial is notable for its textured, stretchy, and beginner-friendly nature, achieved in the absence of the Tunisian purl stitch.
Tunisian Rib Stitch Tutorial
Are you ready to learn how to crochet one of the most interesting Tunisian rib stitches you’ll ever find?
Supplies
The Tunisian rib stitch is quite versatile and can be used with different yarn weights. However, it works best with lightweight or medium-weight yarn. If you want to highlight the unique pattern, consider using a smooth or slightly textured yarn to add some visual appeal to your project.
- Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
- 8 mm Tunisian Crochet Hook
Using a larger crochet hook than what you’d typically use for medium-weight yarn is a deliberate choice. Tunisian crochet fabric tends to curl at the bottom edge, and using a larger hook can help minimize this curl. For more information, check out our article about reducing Tunisian crochet curling.
Pattern Notes
- This stitch pattern is not reversible (it looks different on both sides)
- The side facing you as you crochet is considered the right side of the work.
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
Unlike what you’re used to with regular crochet stitch patterns, a single Tunisian crochet row is made up of a forward pass and a return pass.
In the forward pass, stitches are collected on the hook. In the return pass, stitches are worked off the hook. So for each row of a Tunisian crochet stitch pattern, you will see separate instructions for the forward and return passes.
This also requires a separate bind-off step to finish the last row of stitches so it matches the rest of the fabric.
Stitch Multiple
Start any project with this Tunisian rib stitch by chaining an odd number of stitches.
Stitch Abbreviations
- Ch Chain
- Fwd Forward
- Hk Hook
- Rep Repeat
- Rtn Return
- Tfs Tunisian Full Stitch
- Tss Tunisian Simple Stitch
- St(s) Stitch(es)
- YO Yarn Over Hook
Foundation Row Forward Pass: Ch any odd number of sts. Insert hk in 2nd ch from hk. YO and pull up a loop (leave loop on hk). *Insert hk in next ch, YO, and pull up a loop. Rep from * to end of row.
Foundation Row Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. Rep from * until only one loop remains on hk.
Row 1 Forward Pass: Tss. *Tfs between the last tss and the next bar. Tfs between the next two bars. Tss immediately after the last Tfs. Rep from * to end of row.
Row 1 Return Pass: YO and pull through the first loop. *YO and pull through two loops. YO and pull through three loops. Rep from * until three loops remain on hk. Then YO and pull through two, twice.
Repeat: Rep row 1 forward pass and return pass until your project measures the length you want, ending after finishing a return pass. Continue to bind off the step.
Tunisian Rib Stitch Bind Off
Insert hk in 2nd bar from hk. YO and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. *Insert hk in the next bar, YO, and pull up a loop. Pull the same loop through the loop on hk. Rep from * to end of row. Fasten off.
Tunisian Rib Stitch Step-by-Step Video
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Right-Handed Tutorial on YouTube
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Tunisian Rib Stitch Project Ideas
Because this Tunisian rib stitch pattern isn’t reversible, it’s ideal for projects where you don’t need both sides to look the same. While I wouldn’t recommend using this stitch for a scarf, it’s a great choice for making blankets, clothing, pillows, and various home decor items. You’ll find that this stitch adds a special touch to these creations.
More Tunisian Crochet Tutorials + Free Patterns
At B.Hooked, we’re passionate about Tunisian crochet and dedicated to providing a wealth of resources to help you learn this beautiful form of crochet. I even collaborated with Craftsy to bring you Tunisian Crochet For Beginners, an in-depth course that shows you everything you need to know to learn Tunisian crochet.
Here are some more Tunisian crochet projects we think you might like!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Tunisian rib stitch project curling?
If you find that your Tunisian crochet project is curling, you aren’t doing anything wrong. Curling at the bottom and top edge is normal for Tunisian crochet. Because you don’t turn the work with Tunisian crochet stitches, tension is pulled in the same direction and causes the curling.
While you can’t completely get rid of the curling, there are some things you can do to reduce it. See our article here for the best tips!
Can I use a regular crochet hook for Tunisian crochet?
Since all of the stitches need to be on the hook at once, you can’t use a standard crochet hook for Tunisian crochet. Entrelac crochet is similar to Tunisian crochet and is the one exception. See that in action with our Entrelac Crochet baby blanket.
How do I make a blanket with a Tunisian crochet hook?
Since most Tunisian crochet hooks are 12″-14″ in length, you are not able to crochet a blanket with them. You will need to use an interchangeable Tunisian hook set (similar to interchangeable circular knitting needles). Interchangeable Tunisian hooks are standard hook length, but allow for a cord to be attached to the end. This allows you to crochet projects bigger than 12″ or 14″.
What Tunisian crochet hook should I buy?
When you’re just starting out, a standard Tunisian crochet hook in a 6.5 mm size will allow you to make small projects and swatches to see if you like Tunisian crochet.
If you plan to make bigger projects, I recommend the interchangeable Tunisian crochet hook set from Lantern Moon. This set includes an abundance of hook and cord sizes so you can make any size project you want. Here is a review I wrote up on them to see if this is the right set for you.
Tunisian Crochet on the podcast…
Need some inspiration to listen to while you learn the Tunisian simple stitch? Check out this episode of the BHooked Podcast where I chat with Toni Lipsey, the talented maker behind TL Yarn Crafts.
Hit the play button below to listen!
My Favorite Tunisian Crochet Hooks
When you’re serious about Tunisian crochet, you’ll probably want to invest in a nice hook set. My current favorite Tunisian crochet hooks are by Lantern Moon.
This set includes a variety of hook and cord sizes so I always have the combination I need for whatever size project I want to make. For more details about these hooks, see my full review here.
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