Learn Tunisian Crochet Braids

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials needed
3. Making the chain
4. Forward pass
   • Drawing up loops
   • First loop of the row
5. Return pass
6. Changing colors
7. Creating the braided V stitch
8. Continuing the pattern
9. Finishing the row
10. Ending the project
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to make the Tunisian crochet braid stitch. This stitch creates a beautiful pattern with braids that can be worked in an upward or downward direction. We will cover all the steps, from making the chain to finishing the project. So grab your crochet hooks and yarn, and let's get started!

Materials needed

Before we begin, gather the following materials:

• Tunisian crochet hook (size 5.5 mm)
• Regular crochet hook (size J)
• Yarn in desired colors

Having the right tools and materials is essential to achieve the desired results. Make sure you have everything ready before proceeding to the next steps.

Making the chain

To start the Tunisian crochet braid stitch, we will need to make a chain. It is important to make the chain a bit looser than usual to avoid the curling effect that can occur in Tunisian crochet. Using a larger crochet hook, such as a size J, make a chain of 24 stitches (or any multiple of 5 + 4).

Forward pass

After creating the chain, we will move on to the forward pass, where we will draw up loops to form the stitches. Beginning with the smaller Tunisian crochet hook (size 5.5 mm), insert it into the front of the next stitch and draw up a loop. Repeat this process for the remaining stitches, ensuring that you have 24 loops on your work once completed.

The first loop of the row will be the last chain stitch made. After completing the loops, make a chain one at the end, which will be considered as the first stitch of the return pass.

Return pass

The return pass is an important step in Tunisian crochet. It involves removing the loops from the hook to form the stitches. Starting with a yarn over, draw the hook through the next two loops on your hook, removing the loop you just made as well as the longer loop on your Tunisian crochet hook. Continue this process across the row until you are left with just one loop on your hook.

Changing colors

One advantage of Tunisian crochet is that it allows for easy color changes. To change colors, create a slip knot with the new color yarn on your hook, then connect the new color yarn's loop with the old color yarn's loop. This will seamlessly join the new color yarn in your work.

Creating the braided V stitch

To achieve the braided V stitch look, we will insert the Tunisian crochet hook before the fifth stitch and draw up a loop. Then, insert the hook after the fifth stitch and draw up another loop. This creates the V shape and is considered as one stitch. After creating the V stitch, continue making Tunisian simple stitches in the next four stitches using the front loops of the previous stitches.

Continuing the pattern

Repeat the pattern of creating the braided V stitch and making four Tunisian simple stitches until you reach the end of the row. Each row will consist of a combination of the V stitches and the simple stitches.

Finishing the row

Once you have completed the desired number of rows, it is time to finish the row. For the return pass, remove the loops from the hook as instructed in the previous steps. Follow the pattern of removing loops in groups of two and continue until you are left with just one loop on your hook.

Ending the project

To end the Tunisian crochet braid stitch project, you have a few options. You can simply finish on a forward pass of your last row, fasten off, and weave in the ends. Alternatively, you can add a slip stitch to give it a different finished edge. For the V stitch, make sure to go under both loops of the V stitch before doing the slip stitch. After completing the row, fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

Conclusion

Congratulations on learning how to make the Tunisian crochet braid stitch! This versatile stitch opens up a world of possibilities for creating beautiful textured patterns. Practice this technique with different color combinations and experiment with variations to add your personal touch to your projects. Enjoy the process of working with Tunisian crochet and let your creativity shine!