Tunisian Crochet is such a fun and easy skill to add to the toolbox of crocheters! It opens up a whole new world of stitches and techniques. I get a lot of comments asking for easy Tunisian crochet patterns suitable for those still learning – so I thought I’d design a few!
This pillow was designed to be simple and yet still look impressive – there are solid stripe sections and a middle section that looks woven, however the entire thing is made up of Tunisian Simple Stitches. The trick is in the color changes!
Continue reading for more pattern information, or scroll down for the free pattern!
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The Yarn
I always have some Lion Brand Hue + Me yarn in my stash! The color combinations in this yarn line are gorgeous. For this pillow I used the colors Salt and Bellini, but I’m so excited to see the color combinations others come up with!
Hue + Me is a chunky (Weight 5) acrylic & wool blend. The acrylic makes it easy to work with, and the wool gives your pillow that homey look!
If you’re looking for other yarn options, most bulky yarns weight 5 or 6 will do. Be sure to check the pattern gauge if you want your pillow to meet the exact dimensions of the pattern.
What Hook should I use?
For this pattern, you will need a Tunisian crochet hook with a 16″ minimum cord. Tunisian crochet hooks have a pointy end to make inserting your hook into each stitch smooth, and they are either longer than a traditional crochet hook or come with attached or detachable cords. For the sample pillow, I used the 8mm hook from this Clover Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet hook set.
Skills Needed
While this pattern is intended to be a beginner Tunisian pattern, it is written assuming the reader knows basic crochet skills, i.e. 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 this how to crochet post here.
If this is your very first Tunisian Crochet pattern, you might want to check out this Beginner Dishcloth pattern here.
Full Materials List
- Lionbrand Hue + Me Yarn (colors Bellini and Salt) or similar Bulky weight yarn
- 2 skeins of the main color (Salt)
- 1 skein of the accent color (Bellini)
- Size L/ 8mm Tunisian Crochet hook with 16″ cord
- Poly-fil stuffing or 12×18″
- A yarn or tapestry needle
- Scissors
Gauge & Size
Gauge (unblocked)
4″ = 11 stitches & 9.5 rows of Tunisian Simple Stitch
Size:
Approximately 12″ tall x 18″ wide
Abbreviations (U.S. Terminology)
Ch = Chain
Yo = Yarn Over
St = Stitch
SS = Slip Stitch
TSS = Tunisian simple stitch (Insert hook behind the front vertical bar of the next stitch, pull up a loop)
LTS = Last Tunisian Stitch (Insert hook behind the two vertical bars at the end of the row – you may need to turn work sideways to see the two vertical bars at the end, pull up a loop)
RetP = Return Pass (Yo and pull through first loop on hook, *Yo and pull through two loops, repeat from * until one loop remains)
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrast Color
Simple Stripes Pillow Pattern – Easy Tunisian Crochet Pattern
Notes:
See abbreviations with descriptions above.
This pattern is two panels sewn together to make a pillow. Each panel is made up of 28 rows of TSS. Pattern is written below to include information on color changes.
For visual learners – there are photo tutorials for changing colors for solid stripes and for the woven look in the center of the pillow, scroll down below pattern.
With MC, Chain 50
Row 1: With MC, Pull up a loop in the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain across, RetP. — 50 St
Rows 2 – 3: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetPÂ — 50 StÂ
Row 4: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetP until 2 loops remain on hook. Change colors by dropping MC and pulling CC through last two loops — 50 StÂ
Row 5: With CC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetP — 50 StÂRow 6: With CC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetP until 2 loops remain on hook. Change colors by dropping CC and pulling MC through last two loops — 50 StÂ
Rows 7 – 8: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetPÂ — 50 StÂ
Row 9: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, change colors on last stitch by dropping MC, inserting hook into last st and picking up CC, RetP with CCÂ — 50 StÂ
Row 10: With CC, TSS across to last stitch, change colors on last stitch by dropping CC, inserting hook into last st and picking up MC, RetP with MCÂ — 50 StÂ
Rows 11 – 20: Repeat rows 9 & 10
Row 21: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetPÂ — 50 StÂ
Row 22: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetP until 2 loops remain on hook. Change colors by dropping MC and pulling CC through last two loops — 50 StÂ
Row 23: With CC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetPÂ — 50 StÂ
Row 24: With CC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetP until 2 loops remain on hook. Change colors by dropping CC and pulling MC through last two loops — 50 StÂ
Rows 25 – 28: With MC, TSS across to last stitch, LTS, RetPÂ — 50 StÂ
Finishing: Bind off (see below). First panel: Fasten off after binding off. Second panel: do not fasten off, lay first panel down wrong side up and second panel on top right side up, slip stitch panels together along three of the sides, fill pillow with stuffing or pillow insert, then close pillow by slip stitching along the fourth side. Weave in all ends.
- 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.
Photo Tutorial
Congrats on finishing your Simple Stripes Pillow!
Looking for more free Tunisian Crochet patterns? The Day Off Tank pattern, a beginner-friendly top, can be found here!
If you make a pillow, I’d love to see it! Use the hashtag #simplestripestunisianpillow 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