Week #5: Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along

Almost to the halfway mark already, today is the day for the 5th square in the 2023 Tunisian Basics Crochet-Along. This week we are working up a square using the Tunisian Crossed Stitch. I absolutely LOVE this stitch and I know you will too!

Tunisian Basics Crochet Along Square #5

After a doozy last week with the Tunisian Reverse Stitch I felt like we needed a nice and rewarding reprieve. The fifth square in our Crochet-Along is quick, it is easy, and it is FUN. Most of all… it is 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.

Now that we’ve gotten most of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches down, we can branch out and learn ways to combine those stitches to create other, more interesting squares. We are just now getting to the good stuff…

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 Crossed Stitch is a simple variation of the Tunisian Simple Stitch. The only difference is the order in which we pull up the loops in the Forward Pass.

The stitches created are both wide and tall, meaning that they work up super quickly. The more fabric you’ve got to hold onto while you work, the faster it goes.

Unlike all other squares in the Crochet-Along so far, this stitch DOES have a multiple needed. If your square turns out too narrow or too wide, you’ll need to add or remove stitches in multiples of TWO. Always start with an even number of chains.

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. 😉

If you’re feeling adventurous you can make a second square using a variation of this stitch, the Alternating Crossed Stitch. To do this you’ll crochet one row as in the pattern below, then alternate that row with an offset row which starts and ends with a regular simple stitch.

Square #5: Tunisian Crossed 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. 100 yards

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

Gauge: approx. 13 sts x 9 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 Crossed Stitch Multiple: The stitch multiple for this stitch is TWO. Should you need to adjust your chain length make sure you that you are starting with an even number of chains.

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 crossed stitch pattern)

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 Crossed 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 – 26: * skip one st, TSS in next, TSS in skipped stitch * repeat between * * to end. Edge stitch. Return Pass. (38)

Tslst across maintaining crossed pattern. 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 16th, 2023, when the next square will be released.