Week #12: Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along

Well, we’ve made it to the FINAL square pattern of the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet Along. Crazy! I saved this one for last because that’s where we’ll typically use this stitch set… at the end of a pattern.

Tunisian Basics Crochet Along Square #12

This square uses the Tunisian Small Rib stitch. This is a great finishing stitch for all kinds of edgings. Whether you’re using this as a cuff on a new Tunisian Cardigan, or as a border on a blanket, this it a great, minimal curling Tunisian crochet stitch that is both pretty to look at and easy to make.

For this square we are combining two of our favorite stitches: the Tunisian Knit Stitch and the Tunisian Reverse Stitch. We’re simply alternating a knit stitch with a reverse stitch the entire time and repeating that same row until the size is reached.

The stitches will always line up so it is easy to see where you should insert your hook and it is easy to tell as soon as you get off track.

This square pattern has vertical lines that work great for wearables too. One thing I LOVE about Tunisian is the versatility and the clean lines we are able to create. Gorgeous!

In this CAL we are starting with the basics. The goal of this project is for you to walk away with not only a snazzy new blanket, but with a firm grasp of all things Tunisian crochet. This includes all of the basic stitches, how to read the patterns, mastering your tension, adjusting stitch counts, and so much more.

I decided to make 24 squares for my crochet-along blanket, two of each week’s pattern. My finished blanket will be 4 blocks wide and 6 blocks tall, plus the width of the border. See more about blanket sizing here.

Some things to note about this square:

The stitch multiple for this square is an ODD number of chains to start.

We are simply repeating the same row over and over, alternating the knit stitch and the reverse stitch.

Always start each row with a knit stitch and end with a knit stitch.

Square #12: Tunisian Small Rib Square

If you are new to this Crochet-Along, you will want to start here with the Materials & Information post. You will also benefit from the Ultimate Guide to Tunisian Crochet. This will not only help beginners to learn the techniques used in Tunisian crochet, there are helpful tips and notes for any skill level.

Now… let’s get started!

Materials:

Brava Worsted Yarn
-approx. 120 yards

Crochet hook in size 7mm (or needed to obtain gauge)

Gauge: approx. 13 sts x 12.5 rows = 4″ (10 cm) square

Finished Dimensions: approx. 11.75″ (30 cm) square

It is most important that your squares throughout the Crochet-Along remain consistent in size to each other, even if they don’t exactly match my measurements. If you find that your square is not the correct size, you can either change your hook size or adjust the number of chains needed to start.

Tunisian Stitch Multiple: The stitch multiple for the Small Rib is 2 + 1. Basically just make sure that the stitch count is an odd number, and if your square needs to be adjusted for size, add or remove from the starting chain in multiples of two stitches.

There is not a video of this square. If needed please refer to the Knit Stitch video and the Reverse Stitch video.

Pattern Notes:

Pattern written using US terms.

Return Pass: Ch-1, * YO, pull through 2 loops * repeat from * to end.

Tslst = Tunisian Slip Stitch (to fasten off, slip stitch maintaining the Knit/Reverse pattern)

Tunisian Small Rib Square:

Foundation Row: Ch-39, pull up a loop in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each to end. Return Pass. (39)

Rows 2 – 36: TKS in first * TRS, TKS * repeat between * * across. Edge stitch. Return Pass. (39)

Tslst across. Ch-1, rotate, * sc in each row end to corner, 3sc in corner st, sc in each st across, 3sc in corner st * repeat between * * one more time. Fasten off using Invisible Join.

You will want to block each of your squares as they are completed. See this full tutorial on how to block your crochet pieces.

Of course you could wait and do them all at once before we assemble the blanket at the end of the Crochet-Along, but doing it as we go gets it out of the way while also ensuring that our sizing is correct for each square as we go along.

For my blocking board I marked out a 12″ square using my T-Pins. I then used a contrasting yarn to tie round the perimeter of the square to make blocking the square in straight lines to be easier and faster.

I am keeping this blocking template handy for the duration of the CAL so I can block as needed. Awesome!

When you finish your square be sure to comment with a photo of it on this post in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook. You can also tag me by using @HeartHookHome across all social media, and/or use the hashtag #2023TunisianCAL so we can ALL see!

Stay tuned for NEXT Wednesday, October 4th 2023, when we start compiling our squares into blankets. I am so excited!!