The Tunisian simple stitch creates a grid-like fabric, which makes it ideal for adding cross-stitched designs to your projects.
This is the final block in the Country Cottage Tunisian Sampler, our 2026 year-long crochet-along. We did it! If you’re visiting for the first time and want to make a sampler blanket of your own, you can find everything you need to get started here.
Print + Crochet in Comfort
You can find a low-cost AD-FREE printable version of this crochet pattern in my shop. You can print it out or use it digitally on your devices. This is a pre-order, so you will be sent a new PDF each time a square is released.
You can also find this pattern on Ravelry .
I really enjoy doing cross stitch, and when I saw you could cross stitch on Tunisian crochet, I knew immediately I had to try it. This is a simple way to embelish your crochet projects. It is ideal for baby blankets, christmas stockings, wall hangings, sweaters and more. You could add a little (or big design) or even use it to personalize a project with your loved one’s initials.
To get started we first have to make our base fabric using the Tunisian Simple Stitch. If you are crocheting the Country Cottage Sampler follow the instructions below. If you are here looking for general cross-stitch on Tunisian crochet instructions, scroll past the pattern for the photo tutorial.
Materials and Information
- 105 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
- 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.
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
- To modify size, chain any even number
- Tunisian Crochet Tutorial Playlist
Tunisian Simple Stitch Base Square for Cross Stitch
Row 1: Ch 36, Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up loop. *insert hook into next ch, yo, pull up loop. Repeat from * across, keeping all loops on hook. (36 Loops). Complete standard return pass.
Row 2: TSS in each stitch across until 1 bar remains unworked, LTS in final stitch. (36 loops). Complete standard return pass.
Row 3-End: Repeat row 2 utill block is square, for me this was 31 rows.
Bind off Row: Insert your hook under 2nd vertical bar. Yo, pull through the vertical bar and loop on your hook. *Insert your hook under next vertical bar, yo, pull through the vertical bar and loop on your hook. Repeat from * across. 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. (36 Sc on each side)
Cross Stitch Tulip Instructions and Chart
Use the chart to cross stitch the tulips onto the square, starting with the center tulip.
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn in 2 colors
- Blunt-tipped tapestry needle
Start at the bottom of the chart and work up from left to right across the row. I square equals 1 cross stitch. Place the first stitch of the tulip stem in the center box of row 11.
- For right and left tulips, staying in the same row 11, count over 6 boxes from the first stitch of the center tulip stem and start in the next box.
How to Cross Stitch on Tunisian Crochet
Notice how the Tunisian simple stitch looks like a grid? Grab your yarn and needle and let’s learn how to cross stitch on a background of tunisian crochet.
Thread needle with a long piece of yarn.
Insert needle from back through bottom left corner of grid (A). If this is the first stitch of the color leave a 4 inch tail on the back to weave in later. Insert needle diagonally across from where you started and pull through to back (B), Don’t pull tight, you want it to lay nicely across the fabric.
To complete cross, insert needle from the back through bottom right corner of grid (C) and then back down diagonally across from that (D). Do not cut your yarn, move up to the next row.
If your next stitch is directly on top of the last one, you may have to start in the top right (E) and then diagonally across to the bottom left (F). Complete cross as described above.
If you are completing more than one stitch in a row. You can complete all the right-leaning diagonals starting at left side of chart (A-B, C-D, E-F) and then come back and do the crosses. (G-H, I-J, K-L)
Where there are skipped boxes. Work stitches across the row, skipping over boxes as necessary( last photo)