Welcome to Lesson 8 of the Tunisian Crochet Course. In this lesson, we will learn how to crochet the Tunisian Smock stitch. If this is your first time hearing about this crochet course, then consider checking out the Prep Lesson to learn about the course and materials needed or jump to Lesson 1 to start learning Tunisian Crochet.
In January 2021 we are treating this course like a Crochet along. It is always fun to learn new things alongside others. To participate in the crochet along, just join the Our Crochet Journey Facebook group to be able to share photos of your work.
The Tunisian Smock Stitch
The Tunisian Smock stitch has a beautiful diamond pattern. This stitch pattern is a two-row repeat and a little more difficult than anything else we have learned.
Not only is this a two-row repeat but this is the first stitch pattern we have learned that uses 3 different techniques. We will decrease, increase using the yarn under method, and work Tunisian simple stitches. Because of this, I will also write out the stitch in a pattern format. This stitch also requires a foundation chain with an even number of chains.
Repeat Row 1:
For repeat row 1, we will start with making a decrease or Tunisian Simple Stitch Two Together (Tss2Tog). Then we will make a yarn under increase.
Now we will decrease again and yarn under again, keep repeating this pattern until you reach your last stitch.
Now work your last stitch, working under both vertical bars so we create a nice ‘v’ on the side of our swatch. Work a normal return pass of chain 1, *Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook* repeat from *to* until you have only 1 loop left on your hook. Continue to repeat row 2.
In a Tunisian crochet pattern this row will look like this.
Row 1: *Tss2Tog, YU (Yarn Under)* repeat from *to* until the end of the row. Work Lts (Last Tunisian Stitch).
Repeat Row 2:
In order to create the pretty diamond pattern, we need to shift our pattern over by one stitch. To do this, we will work the second and second to last stitch as a Tunisian Simple Stitch. The first stitch is already on our hook and the last stitch is already being worked as normal.
Start Repeat Row 2 by making a Tunisian Simple Stitch, then work a decrease followed by a Yarn over Increase. We will decrease again and yarn under again, you will keep repeating this pattern until you reach your second to last stitch.
Work a Tunisian Simple Stitch in the second to last stitch and work your last stitch working under both vertical bars so we create a nice ‘v’ on the side of your swatch. Work a normal return pass of chain 1, *Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook* repeat from *to* until you have only 1 loop left on your hook. Continue to repeat row 2.
In a Tunisian crochet pattern this row will look like this.
Row 2: Tss(Tunisian Simple Stitch), *Tss2Tog, YU (Yarn Under)* repeat from *to* until the last 2 Sts, Tss, Work Lts (Last Tunisian Stitch).
To continue working the Tunisian Smock stitch, just keep alternating repeat rows 1 and 2 until your project is as large as you would like it to be.
When you work your bind-off row, you will work it exactly the same way we bind off the Tunisian Simple Stitch. This can be seen in the video below.
Tunisian Smock Stitch Video Tutorial
This video tutorial will show you how to crochet the Tunisian Smock Stitch and how to bind off.
Tunisian Smock Stitch Homework
To practice the Tunisian Smock Stitch, start with a foundation chain of 16, work a normal foundation row. Then work 6-10 rows of the Tunisian Smock Stitch.
The Tunsian Smock stitch is a difficulty stitch. It is a 2 row repeat and use the Simple Stitch, increase and decrease. So take you time.
Keep an eye on the tension on your first and last stitch. Use the tips from Lesson 2 to help adjust their tension. This stitch will have a similar amount of curl compared to the Tunisian Simple Stitch.
After severals rows, bind off with a slip stitch or single crochet bind off.
When you are done with your sample swatch, consider sharing a photo with us on this Facebook Group Post. You can also jump back to the Tunisian Washcloth, Tunisian Hat, or the Tunisian Ear Warmer and make them using the Tunisian Smock stitch.
What is Next?
Come back tomorrow for the next practice pattern in the Tunisian Crochet course.
The Course Schedule
Week 1: The Basics
Lesson 1– Tunisian Crochet Basics + Tunisian Simple Stitch
Lesson 2 -Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Practice Pattern 1 – Tunisian Washcloth + Crocheting a Border around your Project
Week 2:
Lesson 3 – Tunisian Knit Stitch
Lesson 4– January 13th – How to Change Colors in Tunisian Crochet
Practice Pattern 2 – Tunisian Hat
Week 3:
Lesson 5 – Understanding Gauge
Lesson 6 – Tunisian Full Stitch
Practice Pattern 3 – Tunisian Ear Warmers + Weaving in your Ends
Week 4:
Lesson 7– How to Increase and Decrease
Lesson 8 – Tunisian Smock Stitch
Practice Pattern – January 28th – Tunisian Fingerless Mitts
Let’s Be Friends
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