If you can crochet, you can Tunisian Crochet! Tunisian Crochet is a fiber art somewhere between knitting and crocheting, and the result is a unique fabric somewhere in between. The actual method feels like crochet, and the result looks more like knitting than typical crochet does. It’s super fun and easy to learn!
I designed a dishcloth using the most basic Tunisian stitch – the Tunisian Simple Stitch or TSS. This is a great beginner tunisian crochet project to make if you want to learn! Or if you already know how, this dishcloth with be a fun, quick mindless project that will add some character to your kitchen.
Scroll down for the free pattern and photo tutorial! I also have a fast-paced video tutorial on Tiktok and in the form of a Reel on Instagram (click on the icons in the banner at the top of the page).
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The Yarn
I used Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton – which I already had on hand. This yarn is so versitile and easy to work with! There is absolutely NO splitting, which makes for a better crocheting experience. I used the colors Camel and Ecru.
Cotton makes a great dishcloth because it can be easily washed and used over and over again! It’s sturdy and environmentally friendly. And with one skein of each color, you can make several dishcloths, or make the pattern bigger and add some potholders and towels to your kitchen!
Or, use up your cotton scrap yarn! Dishcloths are great quick scrap yarn projects.
What Hook should I use?
For this pattern, you can actually use a typcial crochet hook as long as the handle isn’t bulky. In other words, you won’t want to use an erganomic hook with a large handle for this one. Instead, something like a standard aluminum Boye or Susan Bates hook where the loops can slide down the handle will work great!
The downside to using a regular hook is that the loops can slide of the end if you aren’t careful. If you’re ready to jump in to Tunisian Crochet and want to purchase a set of hooks, this Tunisian Hook set on amazon is great for beginners! It comes with two sets of hooks – an aluminim set for smaller projects, and a bamboo set with long cords with stoppers at the ends for larger projects.
Skills Needed
While this pattern is intended to be a very beginner Tunisian pattern, it is written assuming the reader knows basic crochet skills. By this I mean how to slip knot, chain, hold your yarn, etc. If you are brand new to all types of crochet or need a refresher, check out my how to crochet post here.
Materials Needed
- Lionbrand’s 24/7 Cotton in two colors (I used the colors Camel and Ecru)
- 40 yards of the main color
- 8 yards of the accent color
- Size 6mm Tunisian Crochet hook (Note: a standard crochet hook may be used, see section What Hook Should I use? above)
- A yarn or tapestry needle
- Scissors
Gauge & Size
Gauge (unblocked) is listed below, but is not critical for this project.
4″ = 12 HdcSS stitches and 14 rows and 15 TSS
Instead of matching gauge specifically, I recommend using the hook size that feels most natural to you. This project will curl, but if it’s curling significantly try going up a hook size.
Size:
Approximately 6″ square unblocked. I did wet the dishcloth and lay it out flat to dry, and this took away the curling – however if you used a different yarn or hook size you may have more curl. Wet blocking the dishcloth will help eliminate the curling and give you a nice flat piece.
Abbreviations (U.S. Terminology)
Ch = Chain
St = Stitch
Tss = Tunisian simple stitch
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrast Color
Simple Tunisian Dishcloth – Beginner Tunisian Crochet Pattern
Note:
Because this pattern is intended to be friendly to Tunisian beginners and experts alike, each Row is written in pattern form with a series of notes explaining what the row means in bullet form below. Beginners can be given helpful instruction while also seeing what these instructions look like in pattern format.
See abbreviations above.
For visual learners – there is a photo tutorial below the pattern.
With MC, Chain 24
Row 1: With MC, Pull up a loop in the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain across, return pass. — 24 St
- When working Row 1, pull up loops in each chain by inserting hook into the back bump of each chain, then yarn over and pull through. (See Photos 1-4)
- Pulling up a loop in each chain is called the “forward pass”. (See Photo 5)
- Count the loops on your hook once the forward pass is complete – each loop counts as one stitch. So after the forward pass of Row 1, you should have 24 loops on your hook.
- To start the return pass, Yo and pull through the first loop on your hook. This counts as a Chain 1 and is how you start each return pass. (See Photos 6 & 7) Then *Yo and pull through 2 loops, repeat from * until you have one loop left on your hook. Return pass complete. (See Photos 8 & 9)
Row 2: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass — 24 St
- To work the Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss), Insert hook into the front vertical bar of the next stitch and pull up a loop. (See Photos 10 – 14)
- To work last stitch, insert hook into both vertical bars at the very end of the row, then pull up a loop. Tip: turn work to the side to see both bars. (Photos 15 & 16)
- The return pass is worked the same as Row 1 and for all remaining rows unless there is a color change in the following row. (Photos 17 & 18 show the start of the return pass)
Row 3: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
- To change color, work the return pass until you have two loops left on your hook. Drop your working yarn and pull through last two loops with new color. (Photos 19 & 20)
Row 4: With CC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
- (Photos 21 & 22)
Row 5: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass — 24 St
Row 6: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Row 7: With CC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Rows 8 – 12: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass — 24 St
Row 13: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Row 14: With CC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Row 15: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass — 24 St
Row 16: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Row 17: With CC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass changing color on last stitch. — 24 St
Row 18 – 20: With MC, Tss 22, work last stitch, return pass — 24 St
Finishing: Bind off – do not fasten off. Chain 12, Slip Stitch to last stitch of Row 20. Fasten off.
- To Bind Off, insert your hook through the vertical bar of the next stitch as you would for a Tss and slip stitch (pull up a loop, pull loop through the loop on your hook). Slip stitch this way across the row to the end. For the last stitch, insert hook through both loops at the end as if you are working the last stitch of a Tss row, slip stitch. (Photos 23 – 28)
Photo Tutorial
Looking for more free Tunisian Crochet patterns?
- The Simple Stripes Pillow Pattern is begginer-friendly and can be found here!
- The Day Off Tank pattern, a beginner-friendly top, can be found here!
If you make a dishcloth, I’d love to see it! Use the hashtags #simpletunisiandishcloth and #tinycouchcrochet and tag me in social media posts for a chance to be featured! I am @Tinycouchcrochet on both Instagram and Tiktok. Can’t wait to see your makes!
-Ashley