by M. J. Joachim
Tunisian crochet cross stitches create a range of interesting fabrics. Using traditional Tunisian crochet stitches, and a cross-stitch technique, you can easily make some positively gorgeous projects, using very little time and effort. Please keep in mind, larger stitches tend to widen the fabric respectively.
Today’s post uses Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) for the base. This is where you insert only through the vertical bar.
Cross Stitch Crochet Technique
Step 1: Skip first stitch, insert hook in following stitch
Step 2: Cross back over stitch just made, and insert hook in the stitch you missed
(In other words, your stitch is an “X” >>> Step 1: / and Step 2: \, working over the next 2 stitches in your pattern.)
These fabric cross-stitch diagrams help illustrate the point. They are from Wikipedia Commons, and are public domain graphs.
You will be making a foundation chain, casting on loops and then casting them off your afghan hook. You will be working only on the front side of the fabric, without turning your piece.
Cast on: Insert hook in desired space, yarn over, draw up loop
Cast off: Yarn over, draw through loop or loops indicated
Note: Cast off 1 loop first for edge, then 2 loops at a time until you have 1 loop left on your hook.
Tunisian Simple Stitch>>> Insert hook only through the vertical bar, yarn over and cast on a loop
Traditional Tunisian Simple Stitch Cross Stitch: Notice how this stitch creates a very closely woven overall effect.
Tunisian Simple Stitch Double Crochet Cross Stitch: Notice how this stitch has a lacier appearance. You can see how to make Tunisian Double Crochet stitches in my TunisianDouble Crochet Knit Stitch post. Simply follow the same procedure, using Tunisian Simple Stitch, instead of Tunisian Knit Stitch.
Tunisian Simple Stitch Triple Crochet Cross Stitch: Notice how this stitch develops twists in its rows, similar to a cable stitch. Learn how to make TSSTriple Crochet here.
That’s all for now, good people! Thanks for visiting the Lots of Crochet Stitches blog!
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