Week #2: Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. See our disclosure policy for more information.
Are you ready for the second square in the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along?! This week we are learning how to crochet the Knit Stitch, a fun stitch that looks like almost exactly like knitting.
Tunisian Basics Crochet Along Square #2
This is the second week of the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along and I just know that you’re going to love this stitch. It works up quickly, it looks just like knit and it has a great squish factor.
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.
One of the most basic Tunisian crochet stitches is the Knit Stitch. You will invariably run into this stitch along your Tunisian journey, so let’s master it this week. 🙌 In fact, this is the stitch we use for the free Tunisian Knit Short Row Cardi pattern. 👀
Some things to note about this stitch:
The Knit Stitch is a tad more narrow than other Tunisian stitches, meaning that you may need a few more chains to start your square than we did with the Simple Square in week #1. See the pattern below for specifics.
The Knit Stitch is fairly short compared to the Simple Stitch. This means we will have to crochet more rows than we did on the first square. Because the stitches are both more narrow and shorter, we use quite a bit more yarn for this one compared to the first.
Square #2: Tunisian Knit Stitch
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. 140 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.
Knit Stitch Multiple: There is no stitch multiple for this pattern so you can start with ANY chain length needed.
Pattern Notes:
Pattern written using US terms.
Return Pass: Ch-1, * YO, pull through 2 loops * repeat from * to end.
Tkslst = Tunisian Slip Stitch (to fasten off, insert hook between vertical bars for slip stitching)
If you would like to follow along with a VIDEO tutorial for this square, simply start with a chain of 38 while watching this video:
Tunisian Knit Stitch Square:
Foundation Row: Ch-38, pull up a loop in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each to end. Return Pass. (38)
Rows 2 – 37: TKS across. Edge stitch. Return Pass. (38)
Tkslst across. (Tunisian Knit Slip Stitch Knit-wise, going through the center of the vertical bars as in knit stitch)
Border: 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, July 26th, 2023, when the next square will be released.
More Tunisian crochet for you:
The Ultimate Guide to Tunisian Crochet (Printable Version)
How to Unkink Circular Knitting Needles and Tunisian Crochet Cords
2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along: Materials, Dates & Information
