Tunisian Simple Stitch Tutorial: Easy Free Pattern

The fabric created by the Tunisian simple stitch feels thick and dense, resembling the structure of a woven piece of cloth while maintaining the movement of yarn. This texture makes it a reliable choice for washcloths, pot holders, or sturdy winter accessories that keep their shape over time. You will find that the rhythm of keeping multiple loops on your hook at once becomes soothing after just a few rows of practice. I designed this tutorial for anyone who finds standard crochet hooks intimidating but wants to explore a new way to build stitches from the ground up.

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Why This Project Is Worth Making

The Classic Crochet Granny Square is the quintessential building block for fiber artists because it balances simplicity with endless versatility. You can complete a single square in about 15 minutes, making this an ideal project for those short windows of time during a busy day. Because it relies on basic chains and double crochet stitches, the rhythm of the pattern becomes meditative, helping you maintain consistent tension without needing to stare at a chart. It is also the ultimate stash-buster, as each round consumes only a small amount of yarn, allowing you to blend colors from your existing collection rather than buying new skeins for every project.

I started learning to crochet last week and these squares were the first thing I successfully finished. The instructions are so clear that I finally feel confident enough to move on to a larger blanket project.

— Sarah, beginner crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 15–20 minutes per square
• Construction: Worked in rounds from the center outward, turning the work is optional but recommended for a balanced square
• Finished Dimensions: Approximately 5 inches square using worsted weight yarn and a 5.0 mm hook

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% acrylic or wool blend, approximately 15–20 yards per square.
• Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, sharp scissors.
• Yarn Substitutions: You can use DK weight yarn for a smaller, more delicate square, though you may need to add an extra round to reach the standard size. Using bulky yarn will create a much larger, thicker square that works best for home decor items.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch = chain
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• sl st = slip stitch
• dc = double crochet
• dc-cluster = 3 double crochet stitches worked into the same space
• sp = space
• MR = magic ring

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. You will join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round.

Granny Square Body

1. Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, *3 dc into ring, ch 2; repeat from * twice more. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
2. Rnd 2: Sl st into the next dc and into the first ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner sp. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp; repeat from * twice more, ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 4 ch-1 sps).
3. Rnd 3: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner sp. *Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in the last ch-1 sp, ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps).
4. Rnd 4: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in the same corner sp. *[Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in the next 2 ch-1 sps, ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (48 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 12 ch-1 sps).

Finishing

Fasten off the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to weave the tail into the back of the stitches, ensuring you secure the yarn under several loops so the square does not unravel during washing.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Hand wash your finished items in cool water with a mild detergent designed for delicates.
• Lay the squares flat on a clean towel to air dry, avoiding direct heat or sunlight which can weaken synthetic fibers.
• If the corners curl, gently block the squares by pinning them to a foam mat while damp to set their final shape.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Consistent tension is the secret to a flat square; if your corners are pulling tightly, you may need to increase the number of chains in the corners or use a slightly larger hook. Always place a removable stitch marker in the top of your beginning chain-3 to make joining your rounds easier. To weave ends invisibly, feed the needle through the back of the double crochet posts rather than pulling through the front surface of the work. If you choose to increase the size of the square, remember that each additional round will require significantly more yarn than the previous one, so monitor your supplies if you are working with limited quantities of a specific color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different weight yarn for this pattern?

Yes, you can use any yarn weight. Keep in mind that a finer yarn will produce a smaller, tighter square, while a thicker yarn will produce a much larger square. Adjust your hook size according to the yarn label to maintain appropriate drape.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely. It focuses on the double crochet stitch and chaining, which are the most fundamental skills in crochet. The repetitive nature of the rounds allows you to build muscle memory quickly.

How do I join these squares together?

You can join them using a whip stitch with a yarn needle for a flat seam, or use a slip stitch join through the back loops only to create a decorative raised ridge between your blocks.

Am I allowed to sell items made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items created with this pattern, provided you credit the original design. Do not sell the pattern text itself or claim the instructions as your own work.

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Your new fabric has a satisfying weight and a clean, vertical line pattern that highlights the twist of your yarn. You can turn this same technique into a much larger throw by simply increasing your starting chain count or switching to a wool-blend yarn for extra warmth during the colder months. Seeing your progress on these projects provides a great sense of accomplishment, so please post a photo of your finished work online. Head over to our main archive to find more free projects for your next afternoon at home.