Crochet is constantly evolving, and among the most stylish trends making waves in the crafting world is Tunisian crochet. This technique combines elements of both knitting and traditional crochet to create a dense, textured fabric with a distinctive look. If you’re looking to dive into the world of Tunisian crochet without getting overwhelmed, easy motif-based patterns are the perfect starting point.
In this article, we’ll explore trendy Tunisian crochet motifs, walk through an easy project, and provide tips to make your crochet journey smooth and satisfying.
🌟 Why Tunisian Crochet?
Tunisian crochet, sometimes called “Afghan crochet,” uses a long hook to hold multiple loops on the hook at once, similar to knitting. The result is a beautiful, woven-like fabric that’s:
- Thicker and warmer than standard crochet
- Great for structured items like bags, cushions, or coasters
- Perfect for exploring geometric patterns and colorwork
Motifs, particularly square or hexagonal ones, are a trendy way to incorporate Tunisian crochet into modern projects like garments, accessories, and home décor.
🧶 Materials You’ll Need
- Tunisian crochet hook (with or without cable, depending on size)
- Worsted weight yarn (cotton or acrylic for practice)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers (optional)
🔹 Very Easy Tunisian Crochet Motif: Basic Square Pattern
📌 Skill Level: Absolute Beginner
📏 Finished Size: ~4” x 4” (can vary based on yarn and tension)
🔄 Stitches Used:
- Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
- Tunisian Slip Stitch (TSlSt) for bind-off
- Chain (ch)
📋 Step-by-Step Pattern
Step 1: Foundation Row
- Chain 12 (or any number depending on how big you want your motif).
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Keep that loop on your hook.
- Repeat this across the row. You should have 12 loops on your hook.
Step 2: Return Pass (for all rows)
- Yarn over, pull through one loop (creates the chain edge).
- Then yarn over, pull through two loops.
- Repeat pulling through two loops until only one loop remains on the hook.
Step 3: Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
- Insert your hook into the vertical front bar of the next stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (keep it on your hook).
- Repeat across the row.
Return pass as before.
Repeat Step 3
- Work about 10 rows of TSS or until your square looks evenly proportioned.
Step 4: Bind Off
- Insert hook into vertical bar as if to TSS, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook (slip stitch).
- Continue across the row.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
🧩 Ways to Use This Motif
Once you’ve mastered the basic Tunisian square motif, you can combine them to make:
- Patchwork blankets
- Tote bags
- Cushion covers
- Table runners
- Wall hangings
🎨 Creative Variations
To stay on-trend and make your motifs pop, try these ideas:
1. Color Blocking
- Change colors mid-row for bold, graphic effects.
2. Diagonal Fade
- Use variegated yarn or gradient techniques to create ombré effects.
3. Two-Color Tunisian
- Alternate rows with different colors for contrast.
4. Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS) Motif
- Try TKS for a knit-like texture—great for sweaters or scarves.
5. Embroidered Motifs
- Add surface embroidery for personalized flair.
🔧 Tips for Tunisian Crochet Success
- Use a larger hook than your yarn label recommends to prevent curling.
- Block your motifs with steam or wet blocking for neat edges.
- Practice tension control to keep motifs uniform.
- Don’t pull the return pass too tightly—this causes curling.
- Keep practicing—Tunisian crochet feels odd at first but gets easier fast.
🧶 How to make Trend Crochet Motifs: Very Easy Tunisian Crochet Pattern
🧶 What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (cotton or acrylic)
- Hook: Regular 5.0mm (H/8) crochet hook (longer if available)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
- Optional: Stitch marker
🧵 Tunisian Crochet Motif (Square) – Easy Instructions
🪝 Step 1: Make a Foundation Chain
- Chain 12 (or any even number depending on the size you want).
- This will be the width of your motif.
- Turn your work. You’ll now work back across the chain to build the first row.
🧵 Step 2: Forward Pass (Pulling Up Loops)
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop — leave it on the hook.
- Repeat this process into each chain across the row.
- You’ll have 12 loops on your hook.
🧵 Step 3: Return Pass
- Yarn over, pull through one loop (this creates a neat edge).
- Yarn over, pull through two loops.
- Repeat “yarn over, pull through two loops” until only one loop remains on the hook.
🎉 You’ve now completed your first row of Tunisian crochet!
🧵 Step 4: Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
Repeat these steps for 10–12 rows:
- Forward pass:
- Insert your hook under the vertical front bar of the second stitch (not the edge).
- Yarn over, pull up a loop.
- Do this across the row.
- Return pass:
- Same as before: yarn over, pull through 1 loop, then yarn over and pull through 2 loops until one remains.
👉 Tip: Don’t work into the very last bar. Instead, insert your hook under the two side loops (like a normal stitch) to make a clean edge.
🧵 Step 5: Bind Off
Once your square is the size you like:
- Insert your hook under the vertical bar like before.
- Yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook (like a slip stitch).
- Repeat across the row.
- Cut your yarn and pull the tail through the last loop to secure.
🧵 Step 6: Finish
- Use your tapestry needle to weave in ends.
- Block the square with steam or light misting for a neat finish (optional but recommended).
Video tutorial:
🌟 Final Thoughts
Tunisian crochet motifs are an easy, on-trend way to level up your crochet skills. Whether you want to make minimalist coasters, modern throws, or stylish wearables, starting with basic square motifs using the Tunisian Simple Stitch is a great first step.
With just a few materials and a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful, functional crochet pieces that blend traditional technique with contemporary style.
