C2C Tunisian Simple Stitch Tutorial

Using the Tunisian Simple stitch, this square is worked starting in one corner, increasing towards the center, and then decreasing towards the opposite corner. This versatile technique is easily customizable for many different projects.

This is the 12th block in the Country Cottage Tunisian Sampler, our 2026 year-long crochet along. We are halfway!! It’s not too late to join the party. You can find all the details you need to get started here.

Every other week throughout the year, a new square pattern featuring a different Tunisian crochet stitch or technique will be released.

Corner-to-corner Tunisian crochet is easily customizable.

Did you know “corner to corner” is not actually a stitch name? You can work so many different crochet stitches on the bias. You can find a few more here on my website, like my Diagonal Baby Blanket using Double crochets, and, if you are up for a challenge, the Sweet Lilac join-as-you-go c2c throw.

There are so many different ways to customize this stitch. You could try a different Tunisian stitch, like the knit stitch or the full stitch. You could also make stripes or color blocks by changing color at the beginning of a row. You could make 2-tone stripes as we did here by changing color on the return pass.

Using a self-striping yarn like Lion Brand Mandala or Caron Cakes would also make for a fun project.

You could make a bunch of different blocks and join them together in a blanket or you could make one big square blanket!

There are so many possibilities.

C2C Tunisian Crochet Increase Instructions

You will make an increase stitch – a Tunisian full stitch – at the beginning and end of each row until your edge measures the size you need. Each row will increase by 2 stitches.

Step 1: Make a Tunisian full stitch between the loop on the hook and the next vertical bar. This is the first increase in the row.

Step 2: Tunisian simple stitch across the row until only the last stitch remains.

Step 3: Make a Tunisian full stitch between the final vertical bar and the last Tunisian stitch. This is the last increase of the row.

Step 4: Then complete the last Tunisian stitch and do a standard return pass.

Repeat steps 1-4 until the edges measure your desired height and width. Continue to decrease instructions.

C2C Tunisian Crochet Decrease Instructions

You will make a decrease – a Tunisian simple stitch 2 together – at the beginning and end of each row until you decrease all the way to the opposite corner. Each row will decrease by 2 stitches.

Step 1: Make a Tunisian simple stitch 2 together under the next 2 vertical bars.

Step 2: Tunisian simple stitch across the row until 3 stitches remain.

Step 3: Make a Tunisian simple stitch 2 together under the next 2 vertical bars. This is the last decrease of the row.

Step 4: Then complete the last Tunisian stitch and do a standard return pass.

Repeat steps 1-4 until 5 stitches left in working row. Complete instructions for last 2 rows in as written in pattern.

Materials and Pattern Information

• 120 yds worsted weight yarn, I Love This Yarn used in sample
• 6.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook
• 6 mm crochet hook (for border)
• Scissors + Yarn Needle

Gauge and Sizing

• Gauge: 6 sts x 6 rows = 2 in
  • Worked in pattern stitch
• Finished Size: 12 in x 12 in after blocking

Abbreviations

• US Terminology
• Ch(s): chain(s)
• Yo: yarnover
• Tss: Tunisian Simple Stitch
• Tfs: Tunisian Full Stitch 
• Tss2tog: Tunisian Simple Stitch Decrease x2
• Lts: last Tunisian stitch
• Sc: single crochet
• Sl st: slip stitch

Special Stitches

Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS):  Insert hook from right to left under the vertical bar of the stitch, yarn over, pull up loop.

Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS): insert hook from front to back in space between sts, yo, pull up loop. This creates an increase. 

Tunisian Simple Stitch 2 Together (TSS2TOG):  Insert hook under next 2 vertical bars, yarnover, pull up loop. This creates a decrease. 

Last Tunisian Stitch (LTS): Insert hook from right to left under 2 vertical bars at edge of work, yarnover, pull up loop.

Standard Return Pass: yo, pull through 1 loop, *yo, pull through 2 loops, repeat from * across until  1 loop remains on hook.

Notes

• Last loop on the hook after return pass counts as 1st loop of next row forward pass
• Moderate curling
• This square is worked starting in one corner, increasing towards center and then decreasing towards opposite corner. 
• Tunisian Crochet Tutorial Playlist

C2C Tunisian Simple Stitch Instructions

Row 1: Ch 3, insert hook into 2nd chain from hook, yo, pull up loop. Insert hook into last ch, yo, pull up loop. (3 loops). Complete standard return pass. 

ROW 2: Tfs 1, tss in next, tfs 1, Lts in final stitch.  (5 loops). Complete standard return pass. 

ROW 3: Tfs 1, tss across row to last st, tfs 1, Lts in final stitch. (7 loops). Complete standard return pass. 

Repeat Row 3 until the short edges measure 11.5″ when slightly stretched. My square had 25 rows and 51 stitches along the working row at this point.

Decrease Rows

ROW 1: Tss2tog, tss across row to last 3 sts, tss2tog, Lts in final stitch. Complete standard return pass. 

Repeat Row 1 until the working row has 5 stitches. Complete standard return pass.

NEXT ROW: Tss2tog, tss2tog over next st and BOTH loops of the last st. (3 loops). Complete standard return pass. 

LAST ROW: Insert hook under next vertical bar and BOTH loops of the last st, yo, pull through all loops on hook. Continue to border.

Border: Do not finish off. Using 6 mm crochet hook, ch 1, sc evenly around, placing (sc, ch 2 sc) in each corner. Join to top of 1st sc with slst. Finish off, weave in ends. Block to 12 inches. (35 Sc on each side)

**Note: the number of single crochets worked on each raw edge should be the same number as the top and bottom edges.  You may have to add or subtract stitches to get 35 on the raw edges. Each square will have around 36 (+/- a couple stitches, depending on the stitch multiple) to make joining easy and flat. 

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