10 Free Tunisian Crochet Blanket Patterns

ByLouise Bollanos
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

Tunisian crochet blankets are a wonderful way to make cozy, textured, handmade blankets with a look that sits somewhere between crochet and knitting.

This type of crochet uses a special hook to hold loops on the hook during the forward pass, then works them off during the return pass.

The finished fabric can be thick, squishy, warm, and full of beautiful stitch definition.

In this roundup, you will find Tunisian crochet blanket patterns for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly Tunisian simple stitch blankets to colorwork, chevrons, honeycomb stitch, and entrelac designs.

You will also find tips for choosing yarn, working the foundation row, avoiding curl, changing to a new color, and getting started with your first Tunisian crochet blanket project.

10 Free Tunisian Crochet Blanket Patterns

10 Free Tunisian Crochet Blanket Patterns

If you’re ready to try Tunisian crochet, explore the free blanket patterns below.

You’ll find simple stitch designs for beginners, along with chevrons, plaid, honeycomb, colorwork, and entrelac blankets.

Happy crocheting!

Can You Tunisian Crochet A Blanket?

Yes, you can Tunisian crochet a blanket, and blankets are one of the best projects for learning this technique.

Tunisian crochet creates a dense, textured fabric that works beautifully for crochet blankets, baby blankets, throws, afghans, temperature blankets, and cozy home decor projects.

The main difference from traditional crochet is that you work each row in two parts:

  • Forward pass – You insert the hook into the stitches or vertical bars and pull up loops, keeping them on the hook.
  • Return pass – You work the loops off the hook, usually by yarning over and pulling through two loops at a time.
  • Repeat row – Repeat the forward and return passes until your blanket reaches the required length.

For most Tunisian blankets, you will need a Tunisian crochet hook, also called an afghan hook. 

For wider crochet blankets, an interchangeable Tunisian hook with a cable is often the best option because it gives your stitches room to sit comfortably.

Related Post: 30 Free Tunisian Crochet Patterns (For All Skill Levels)

What Is The Easiest Tunisian Stitch For A Blanket?

The easiest Tunisian stitch for a blanket is usually the Tunisian simple stitch, often abbreviated as TSS or tss.

Tunisian simple stitch is beginner-friendly because the movement is easy to repeat:

  • Skip the first vertical bar.
  • Insert hook from right to left under the next vertical bar.
  • Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  • Leave the loop on the hook.
  • Repeat across the row.
  • Work the return pass.

The Tunisian simple stitch makes a neat woven-looking fabric and is used in many easy Tunisian crochet blanket patterns. 

It is also a great stitch for stripes, color repeat blankets, temperature blanket projects, and simple stitch body sections.

Other beginner-friendly Tunisian crochet stitches for blankets include:

  • Tunisian knit stitch – Looks more like knitting and creates a thick fabric.
  • Tunisian purl stitch – Often paired with TSS to reduce curl and add texture.
  • Honeycomb stitch – Made by alternating Tunisian simple stitch and Tunisian purl stitch.
  • Tunisian reverse stitch – Useful for borders or blanket designs that need less curl.

Related Post: 35 Free Tunisian Crochet Stitches (Easy Tutorials)

What Is The Best Yarn For A Tunisian Crochet Blanket?

The best yarn for a Tunisian crochet blanket depends on the blanket size, stitch pattern, and how you want the finished product to feel.

Tunisian crochet can create a thicker fabric than traditional crochet, so soft yarn with good drape is a great choice. 

Smooth yarns are also easier for beginners because you can clearly see the vertical bars, loops, and stitch patterns as you work the forward pass and return pass.

For most Tunisian crochet blankets, DK weight yarn, worsted weight yarn, bulky yarn, and super bulky yarn are all good options.

  • Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for Tunisian blankets because it is affordable, washable, and easy to care for. 
  • Cotton and cotton blends can also work well, especially for baby blankets or warmer climates, but they may have less stretch. 
  • Wool and wool blends are warm and beautiful, but always check the care instructions if the blanket will be used often.

It is always a good idea to make a swatch gauge before starting your Tunisian crochet blanket project. 

This helps you check your hook size, number of stitches, number of rows, and overall fabric feel before making the larger blanket.

Related Post: Types Of Yarn Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers

What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid In Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian crochet is beginner-friendly, but there are a few common mistakes to watch for.

  1. Using too small a hook: Tunisian crochet fabric can become tight if your hook size is too small. Go up a hook size if the fabric feels stiff or if your loops are hard to move along the hook.
  2. Forgetting the last stitch: The last stitch can be easy to miss. At the end of each row, insert hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch so the edge stays neat.
  3. Pulling the return pass too tightly: A tight return pass can make the fabric curl more and affect your swatch gauge. Keep your yarn relaxed as you work the loops off the hook.
  4. Not counting your stitches: Count the loops on your hook regularly, especially when working long rows, increases, decreases, or colorwork.
  5. Ignoring curl: Curl is common in Tunisian crochet, especially with Tunisian simple stitch and Tunisian knit stitch. A border, larger hook, blocking, or a stitch pattern with purl/reverse stitches can help.
  6. Changing color in the wrong place: For Tunisian crochet blanket color changes, the new color is often added at the end of the return pass, when two loops remain on the hook. Some colorwork patterns also change color during the forward pass or return pass, so always follow the pattern instructions.
  7. Choosing a pattern that is too advanced: For your first project, choose a simple stitch or striped blanket before moving on to intarsia, entrelac, or complex colorwork.

What Are Some Tips For Beginners In Tunisian Crochet?

Start small, even if your goal is a larger blanket.

A scarf, swatch, dishcloth, or baby blanket is a great first Tunisian crochet project.

  • Use a long hook or Tunisian crochet hook with a cable for blanket projects.
  • Go up a hook size from what the yarn label suggests to help the fabric drape.
  • Practice the foundation row before starting the full blanket.
  • Learn the forward pass and return pass first.
  • Keep the first loop and last stitch neat to create clean, even edges.
  • Use stitch markers if your number of stitches is hard to track.
  • Make a swatch gauge before starting a baby shower gift or larger blanket.
  • Begin with one color or simple stripes before trying more complex colorwork.
  • Watch a video tutorial if you are a visual learner.
  • Read through the full instructions before starting a new pattern.

Tunisian crochet skills build quickly once you understand the rhythm of the forward pass and return pass. 

After that, you can explore different Tunisian stitches, panels, squares, stitch blanket designs, and new patterns.

Related post: How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

FAQs

Do I need a special hook for a Tunisian crochet blanket?

For most Tunisian crochet blankets, yes, you will need a special hook.

 A Tunisian crochet hook, afghan hook, long hook, or interchangeable Tunisian hook with a cable gives you enough room to hold all the loops on the hook.

For smaller sections, entrelac blocks, or narrow panels, some patterns may use a regular crochet hook.

Can I use a regular crochet hook for Tunisian crochet?

You can use a regular crochet hook for small Tunisian crochet swatches, short rows, entrelac blocks, or narrow projects.

For a full-width blanket, a regular crochet hook usually will not be long enough to hold all the loops.

Related Post: Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)

Why does Tunisian crochet curl?

Tunisian crochet can curl because the forward pass and return pass create tension in the fabric.

Tunisian simple stitch and Tunisian knit stitch are especially known for curling.

To reduce curl:

  • Use a larger hook size.
  • Keep your tension loose.
  • Add a border.
  • Block the blanket.
  • Try stitch patterns with Tunisian purl stitch or reverse stitch.

Related Post: How To Block Crochet (Beginner’s Guide)

Is Tunisian crochet harder than regular crochet?

Tunisian crochet is not necessarily harder than traditional crochet, but it is different. 

You hold loops on the hook during the forward pass and work them off during the return pass.

Once you learn the foundation row, Tunisian simple stitch, and return pass, the rhythm becomes easy to follow.

How do you change color in Tunisian crochet?

For many Tunisian crochet blanket color changes, you change to the new color at the end of the return pass. 

When two loops remain on the hook, yarn over with the new color and pull through the final two loops.

This makes the first loop of the next forward pass the correct color.

Some patterns, especially intarsia or colorwork patterns, may ask you to change color during the forward pass, return pass, or at the end of a row.

How many stitches do I need for a Tunisian crochet blanket?

The number of stitches depends on your yarn, hook size, swatch gauge, and desired blanket size.

Make a gauge swatch first, then measure how many stitches you get in 4 inches. Use that number to calculate your starting chain. 

For example, if your gauge is 14 stitches per 4 inches and you want a blanket about 40 inches wide, you will need about 140 stitches, plus or minus any stitch multiple required by the pattern.

Can beginners make a Tunisian crochet baby blanket?

Yes, a Tunisian crochet baby blanket is a great beginner project.

Choose a simple stitch pattern, soft yarn, and easy-care fiber.

A baby blanket is smaller than a large afghan, so it is a good way to practice without committing to a huge project.

Want To Learn More?

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