Tunisian Simple Stitch

To celebrate the upcoming pattern that will be published in Twist Collective, I've conjured up a tutorial on the Tunisian Simple Stitch (sometimes known as an Afghan Stitch among other names I've encountered).  It really is a very simple stitch that uses a regular crochet hook as long as you don't require a very wide simple stitch.  The pattern that is in the works uses the simple stitch to make a belt accessory.  I've also used it to make a strap for a crochet bag, and it's very effective because it is a stable stitch and has a nice woven texture...

Here is what the finished stitch looks like:

Illustrated tutorial begins here:

1. To begin the Tunisian Simple Stitch, you make a single crochet chain with the desired number of stitches (plus one extra).  Maintain this number of stitches throughout.  This kind of crochet is worked only on one side so it's not necessary to turn the work.

2. Insert hook one stitch away from hook in the back of the stitch.  Pull up a loop and keep it on the hook.  Insert hook into the back of the next stitch and pull up a loop keeping it on the hook.  Continue until you've pulled up a loop for every stitch in your chain counting to make sure you've the goal number of stitches on the hook.

3. Next, YO, pull through one loop.  YO again, but this time, pull through 2 loops. Repeat YO and pulling through 2 loops until 1 remains on the hook.  This remains on the hook and becomes the first loop on your hook for the next step.

4. Insert hook behind the vertical bar of the next stitch and pull up a loop keeping it on the hook.  Insert hook behind the vertical bar of the next stitch and pull up a loop keeping it on the hook.  Continue until you've pulled up a loop for every stitch in your chain counting to make sure you have maintained the goal number of stitches on the hook.

5.  Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until desired length is reached.  BO with crochet bind-off.

In a few days, I'll get the video tutorial up and running... Look for it in an upcoming post!

All of the images and illustrations in this tutorial are Copyright 2010, Adriprints Press.  Please do not use them without express written permission of the author and illustrator.  Thank you.