What is a Tunisian crochet hook?
A Tunisian crochet hook (also called an afghan hook or tricot hook) is a long crochet hook with a stopper or cable on the end that lets you keep every active stitch on the hook as you work. Rather than closing each stitch immediately like regular crochet, Tunisian crochet works in two passes across the row: a forward pass where you pick up loops, and a return pass where you work them off the hook. Because every loop lives on the hook at once, Tunisian hooks must be long enough to hold an entire row. For wide projects like blankets and throws, that means either a very long fixed hook or an interchangeable hook with a flexible cable that adds length as needed.
How Tunisian crochet differs from regular crochet
In traditional crochet, each stitch is completed before you move to the next. In Tunisian crochet, you pick up all the loops in a row first (forward pass), then work them off the hook one at a time (return pass). The work is never turned, so the right side of your fabric always faces you, which makes it easier to track patterns. The finished fabric has a woven, almost knitted appearance, and it is denser and less stretchy than standard crochet. One especially cool trait: Tunisian crochet fabric does not unravel when cut. That is unheard of in knitting or standard crochet.
The three main types of Tunisian crochet hook
- Fixed straight hooks (9" or 13") hold narrow projects like scarves, washcloths, and hat pieces. They look like oversized regular crochet hooks with a stopper on the end.
- Fixed flex hooks with cable (24", 32", 40") are built like a knitting circular needle, with a hook tip, a flexible cable, and a stopper or second hook at the end. They let you work projects much wider than the hook itself.
- Interchangeable hook systems let you swap a single hook tip onto different cable lengths, so one set covers every project width from a washcloth to a king-size blanket. They are the most flexible and economical option if you plan to crochet more than a project or two.
Choose your Tunisian crochet hook
Your project width, yarn weight, and whether you plan to explore the craft long-term all factor into which hook is right for you. Here is how our stocked Tunisian crochet hooks stack up.
ChiaoGoo T-Spin Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook
The ChiaoGoo T-Spin Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook is a single 5.7-inch (14.5 cm) Moso bamboo hook tip that threads onto ChiaoGoo TWIST or SPIN cables. Sizes run from E/4 (3.5 mm) through N/15 (10 mm), including size 7. Sizes E through H use Small [S] cables; size I and larger use Large [L] cables or S cables with an adapter. Great for crocheters who already own ChiaoGoo cables, or who want to try one size before committing to a full set. From $8.99.
ChiaoGoo 24 Inch Tunisian Crochet Hook with Cable
The ChiaoGoo 24 Inch Tunisian Crochet Hook with Cable is a 24-inch (60 cm) fixed flexible hook with a patina bamboo tip, a clear nylon cable, and a swivel join that keeps tension even across wide rows. This is the easiest single-hook entry point for Tunisian blankets, throws, wraps, and shawls. No cable juggling, no adapters, just a ready-to-work tool. From $7.49.
ChiaoGoo T-SPIN Tunisian Interchangeable Set
The ChiaoGoo T-SPIN Tunisian Interchangeable Set is the complete system in one zippered case. Eleven bamboo hook tips in sizes E/4 through N/15 (including size 7), four TWIST [S] red cables in lengths of 8", 14", and 22", four end stoppers, four adapters, two connectors, tightening keys, and a needle gauge. The red cables are memory-free, so they lie flat straight out of the case. $180.99 when in stock. Reach out to us to be notified the moment a new shipment lands.
Tunisian crochet hook sizes
Tunisian hooks are sized identically to regular crochet hooks, but projects typically use a hook 2 to 3 sizes larger than you would use for the same yarn in standard crochet. The extra size counteracts the natural stiffness of Tunisian fabric and produces drape. A quick reference:
- E/4 (3.5 mm) through G/6 (4 mm): fine cotton, sock yarn, DK weight for lace and detailed work
- H/8 (5 mm) through J/10 (6 mm): worsted weight, the sweet spot for most Tunisian garments and accessories
- K/10.5 (6.5 mm) through L/11 (8 mm): aran and heavy worsted, blankets and throws
- M/13 (9 mm) through N/15 (10 mm): bulky and chunky yarns, fast-finish blankets and rugs
Tunisian crochet for beginners
Tunisian crochet is often an easier starting point than regular crochet. Because you work in assembly-line passes, you do only one action at a time, which is far less overwhelming for new crocheters (and kids) to pick up. To start, you only need a Tunisian hook, some worsted weight yarn, and a basic understanding of a foundation chain. Most beginners start with the Tunisian simple stitch (TSS), which creates a gridlike fabric that is perfect for beginner blankets, scarves, and washcloths. Pick up a skein of wool yarn or smooth cotton yarn, use a hook 2 sizes larger than the ball band recommends, and cast on.
Pro tip: Tunisian fabric naturally curls at the edges because of how the stitches stack. You can reduce curling by going up a hook size, adding a border in regular crochet stitches, or blocking the finished piece.
Common Tunisian crochet stitches
Modern Tunisian crochet has expanded far beyond the old afghan stitch into dozens of named variations. A few favorites:
- Tunisian simple stitch (TSS): the foundational afghan stitch, with a gridlike look that takes embroidery beautifully.
- Tunisian knit stitch (TKS): mimics the vertical columns of stockinette knitting without the stretch.
- Tunisian purl stitch (TPS): looks like the purl bumps of knitting, great for texture combinations.
- Tunisian full stitch, crossed stitch, and lace stitches: for more advanced patterning, lace edging, and decorative work.
A short history of Tunisian crochet (and a few fun facts)
Tunisian crochet has a rich and slightly chaotic history worth knowing while you stitch. A few highlights:
- Nobody really knows where Tunisian crochet came from. Despite the name, there is no clear evidence it originated in Tunisia. One theory credits sailors and shepherds who developed the technique as a simple way to make warm clothing; another traces it to hooked knitting traditions from Africa and Central Asia.
- The first mentions of Tunisian-style hooked needles appeared in Germany around 1787 to 1800, then in France in 1817. The word "Tunisian" was first attached to this style in Sweden in 1857, and it first appeared in English in an American publication in 1862.
- It has been called many things. Afghan stitch, afghan crochet, tricot crochet, hook knitting, shepherd's knitting, German work, Russian work, railway stitch, fool's stitch, idiot's stitch, Scotch knitting, and crochet knit. The "idiot stitch" nickname was a compliment: it meant the technique was easy and addictive.
- Queen Victoria was a fan. During her reign, Tunisian crochet became so fashionable that it earned the flattering alternate name "Royal Princess Knitting."
- "Railway stitch" is a working-class nickname for the technique, said to come from 19th-century English girls who crocheted while waiting for trains to the factories and mills.
- Tunisian fabric does not unravel when cut. That trait is completely unique among yarn crafts, and it is why Tunisian fabric was historically used as a base for embroidery and cross-stitch decoration.
- Tunisian crochet saw a U.S. revival in the 1970s with the afghan-stitch afghan craze, then faded again, and is now enjoying a strong resurgence thanks to online tutorials, social media, and modern pattern designers.
Complete your Tunisian crochet supplies
Besides your Tunisian hook, a few essentials make projects go smoother. Grab stitch markers to track pattern repeats, a yarn swift and ball winder to prep hanks, and browse our knitting and crochet accessories for scissors, tape measures, and blocking mats. For the right yarn, start with our crochet yarn, wool yarn, and cotton yarn collections. Looking for regular crochet hooks too? See our Clover, Addi, and ChiaoGoo brand collections.
Tunisian crochet hooks FAQ
What is the difference between a Tunisian crochet hook and a regular crochet hook?
A Tunisian hook is longer and has a stopper or cable on the far end so that every active stitch stays on the hook as you work. Regular crochet hooks are short because each stitch closes as you go. Tunisian hooks are also sometimes called afghan hooks.
What size Tunisian crochet hook should a beginner start with?
A 5.5 mm or 6 mm (I/9 or J/10) hook with worsted weight yarn is the easiest beginner starting point. That gives you enough size to see your stitches clearly and produces drape-friendly fabric without excessive curl.
Do I need an interchangeable Tunisian hook set to make blankets?
No, but it helps. You can make a blanket with a single fixed 24 inch or 32 inch Tunisian hook with cable. An interchangeable set becomes valuable once you want multiple widths or multiple hook sizes on hand for different projects.
Can you use a regular crochet hook for Tunisian crochet?
Only for very narrow projects. A regular crochet hook cannot hold more stitches than will fit along its short shaft, so you would be limited to swatches or small items. For anything wider, you need a dedicated Tunisian hook.
What yarn works best for Tunisian crochet?
Smooth, tightly spun worsted weight wool or cotton is ideal for beginners. The smooth ply is easy to pick up, and the worsted weight shows stitch structure clearly. Avoid highly fuzzy or loosely spun yarns on your first project.
Questions? We are here to help
Our team in Spokane, WA has been helping crocheters find the right tools since 1997. Call us at (509) 536-7746 or email help@paradisefibers.com and we will help you pick the perfect Tunisian hook and yarn pairing for your project. Free U.S. shipping on orders $99 and up, plus 5% back in Paradise Points on every order.
