When I first learned the fiber arts, my grandmother taught me knitting. A few years ago, I picked up my knitting needles to knit a baby blanket for my nephew and I haven’t touched them since! Last year I learned the art of Tunisian Crochet and I have to say I love it!! I like that it gives the feel of crochet and knitting at the same time, yet creates a totally different product that is simply lovely! Tunisian crochet works up with a forward pass (cast on) and a reverse pass (cast off). If you aren’t familiar with Tunisian Crochet, check out my video on the Tunisian Simple Stitch.
For this pattern, I used the Tunisian Simple Stitch for the main body. This works up easily and is quite meditative with the simple repeats. I added a pretty mesh pattern for the sleeves, but you can choose to put sleeves on with the Simple Stitch if you choose. The sleeves use the Tunisian Extended Simple Stitch with skipped stitches to make a modified mesh. This pattern is beautiful and lacy! I want to to use this pattern over and over again, and probably will!
To help with the pattern, I’ve created a video that will guide you through the pattern for making this top. You can watch it here:
For this tee, I used Lion Brand Truboo Sparkle in Thunder. I think this yarn creates a lovely drape and is perfect for the summer, although the bamboo fibers can split as you are working with them. You can also use the original Truboo if you prefer.
You have the option of using the same Tunisian crochet hook that I use, the Furls brand, or you can use the kind with a cable. I really like the Knitter’s Pride set with interchangeable cables. It’s good value and is easy to use. I think both work equally well and is simply user preference. For Tunisian Crochet, I like to go up 1-2 sizes from the recommended size. For example, for this Dk weight yarn, I used a 6.5 mm Tunisian Crochet Hook.
What you’ll need:
DK weight yarn, about 710 yards for Medium. I used Lion brand Truboo Yarn.
Tape measure
Tapestry needle
Gauge: TSS – 4″ by 4″ = 13 sts x 13 rows
Abbreviations:
Ch: Chain
St: Stitch
Tss: Tunisian Simple Stitch
Yo: Yarn over
ETss: Exteded Tunisian Simple Stitch
Sk: Skip
Rp: Reverse Pass
Special Stitches:
ETss: Perform a Tss, then ch 1
Pattern:
Pattern is available in sizes XS to 5XL. Pattern was tested in Medium only. I highly recommend making a swatch to make sure you make gauge, and I also recommend trying on your top as you go! Pattern is listed as XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL).
Step 1: Chain 49(57, 70, 73, 78, 83, 88, 94, 101). Skip the first st closest to the hook. Working in the back loops, pick up sts on your Tunisian Crochet Hook. Rp.
Step 2: Tss until the end, making sure to pick up both parts of the last loop on the last st. You will have 48 (56, 69, 71, 77, 82, 87, 93, 100) sts on your hook. Rp.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 until you have a total of 65 (68, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 81) rows. Close your panel using the slip st method.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 for another panel. You will now have 2 panels, a front and back one
Step 5: Measure out your sleeves. Sleeves should measure 5 inches (5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9). If you are doing the Special mesh stitch, your total sts should be odd numbered. For example, for the medium, the sleeve openings measured 6″ on each panel. This is 21 sts, but since we are doing the special sleeves, I chose to add 1 st to the back panel for a total of 43 sts (21 +22). Total sts for the sleeves for the special sleeve pattern should be as following: 35(39, 43, 47, 49, 53, 57, 59, 63). Seam your panels, leaving the sleeve openings. Seam the neck line to your taste. I chose to do an exaggerated boatneck and only seamed 9 sts on each side. If you don’t want the exaggerated neck line, seam between 18-22 sts on each side of the neckline.
Step 6: Ch 36 (40, 44, 48, 50, 54, 58, 60, 64). Skip the first st from the hook and pick up each remaining st using the back loop of the chain. You will have 35(39, 43, 47, 49, 53, 57, 59, 63) loops on your hook. Rp.
Step 7: Ch 1 on first loop on your chain. **Yo, sk the next stitch, and ETss**. Repeat **** until you reach the end, remembering to grab both loops of the last st. Rp.
Step 8: Tss in each st, ensuring that you pick up each Yo from the previous Step. You will have 35(39, 43, 47, 49, 53, 57, 59, 63) loops on your hook. Rp.
Step 9: Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for a total of 5 times. You will end with Step 8. Close your panel with slip sts.
Step 10: Repeat for the other sleeve. The top and bottom of the sleeve panel is different. Pick one side to be the bottom of the sleeves for both sleeves to make sure your top is symmetrical.
Step 11: Seam your sleeves on and seam the ends of the sleeve panel together.
Step 12: Wet block your top. Wet blocking will help get rid of the curl that comes along with Tunisian Crochet.
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, consider buying me a coffee. Thanks and Happy Crocheting!
xoxo Serena
p.s. This blog may contain affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
You are welcome to use the results of this pattern in social media, but please give credit to The Crafty Crochetier. You may sell the results of this pattern, but please give credit to The Crafty Crochetier. You may not copy this pattern for your own website or sell the pattern itself.
