Week #4: Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along

Today is the day for the 4th square in the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along! This week we are working up a square using the Tunisian Reverse Stitch. This one takes a minute to get used to but once you get the rhythm down the stitches just fly off the hook. Let’s make some!

Tunisian Basics Crochet Along Square #4

This is the fourth week of the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along. I hope you’ve enjoyed the first three squares and that you are feeling a sense of mastery over those crochet techniques. If not, please shoot me a message so I can help!

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 stitch:

The Reverse Stitch is not considered particularly wide, or narrow, or short. It’s right in the middle as far as sizing goes, but it is not as thick as some other stitches. Because of this, this stitch uses less yarn than any of the stitches we’ve used so far.

If you’re afraid of running out of yarn for the CAL, making a few more of this square pattern in proportion to the other, more yarn-eating squares would help to stretch that yardage!

You can start with any number of chains to make this square. There is no multiple.

This stitch has excellent texture and because of this makes for great dish cloths or cleaning cloths, etc. For added practice, make this square using 100% cotton and call it a washcloth. 😉

Square #4: Tunisian Reverse Stitch 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. 105 yards

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

Gauge: approx. 13.5 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 Reverse 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.

TRslst = Tunisian Reverse Slip Stitch (to fasten off, insert hook reverse-wise when 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 Reverse 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 – 30: TRS across. Edge stitch. Return Pass. (38)

TRslst 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, August 9th, 2023, when the next square will be released.