How to Crochet Tunisian Knit and Purl Stitch Ribbing

Looking for a crochet ribbing technique with the appearance of knitted ribbing? This step-by-step Tunisian crochet tutorial shows how to work alternating Tunisian knit and purl stitches directly onto a traditionally crocheted fabric, creating a polished edging for ponchos, sweaters, cardigans, and other garments.

I am a big lover of Tunisian crochet. In fact, I have used this style of crochet in many of my designs.

Previously, in an article for I Like Crochet, I discussed Tunisian crochet as a way to introduce color into a crochet design.

In this second Tunisian crochet article, I’d like to introduce a different approach: using Tunisian crochet in just one portion of a design.

Sometimes I can immediately see how Tunisian crochet could be beautifully incorporated into a project, particularly as an edging treatment. Better yet, it gives crocheters who are new to the technique an opportunity to practice valuable skills while still creating an attractive and useful project.

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Why Use Tunisian Crochet for Ribbing?

I particularly like Tunisian crochet as an alternative crochet ribbing technique.

Tunisian knit and purl stitches behave differently from traditional knitted ribbing. Although the finished fabric may offer some give depending on the yarn, hook, and gauge, it generally does not have the same natural elasticity as knitted ribbing.

However, the appearance of alternating Tunisian knit and purl stitches closely resembles classic knitted ribbing—especially on the right side of the fabric.

In addition, Tunisian knit and purl stitches provide a wonderful visual counterpoint to lace worked with a traditional crochet hook.

The Summer Mist Poncho highlights that contrast beautifully. Therefore, I’m going to use the poncho as the backdrop for demonstrating how to add Tunisian knit-and-purl ribbing to lace that has already been completed with a traditional crochet hook.

Tunisian Crochet Stitch Chart Symbols

First, for those who prefer working from charts, here are the individual symbols used for the Tunisian crochet edging stitches:

Notice that each stitch symbol is made up of two parts, including a top symbol that is common to all three stitches.

This is because a Tunisian crochet row consists of both a forward pass and a return pass worked from the same side of the fabric. The bottom portion of each symbol represents the forward pass, while the top portion represents the return pass.

How to Add Tunisian Crochet Ribbing to a Finished Edge

Now let’s see how this technique looks when creating the bottom edging of the poncho.

1. 1. Prepare the edge. The initial bottom-edging rows have been completed with a traditional crochet hook. The project is positioned with the right side facing, and the Tunisian crochet hook is already in the first loop. This loop acts as the first stitch.

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   2. Begin the first forward pass. Work the forward pass of the first row. Here, I’m using a contrasting color so the stitches are easier to see.

      In Tunisian crochet, this foundation row is usually worked in Tunisian simple stitch. Notice that all the loops remain on the hook as you work across.

      
      
      

   3. Complete the forward pass. Continue picking up loops until the first forward pass is complete.

      
      
      

   4. Work the return pass. Yarn over and draw through the first loop on the hook. Then, *yarn over and draw through the next two loops; repeat from * across the remainder of the row.

      For this example, I’ve picked up the lighter color so the stitches in the next row—the first row of the Tunisian knit-and-purl pattern—will be easier to see.

      To begin a Tunisian purl stitch, bring the working yarn to the front of the work and position it to the right of the stitch being worked. Next, insert the hook from right to left under the next front vertical bar.

      
      
      

   5. Draw up the purl-stitch loop. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the vertical bar, leaving the new loop on the hook.

      
      
      

   6. Complete the first purl stitch. Here is the first completed Tunisian purl stitch. Notice that the working yarn is once again held at the front of the fabric and to the right of the next stitch.

      
      
      

   7. Prepare for the first knit stitch. The first two purl stitches are now complete, and the first Tunisian knit stitch is ready to be worked.

      This time, move the working yarn to the back of the fabric. Then insert the hook from front to back between the front and back vertical bars of the next stitch.

      
      
      

   8. Complete the knit stitch. Yarn over and draw up a loop through the stitch. Here is the first completed Tunisian knit stitch.

      
      
      

   9. Continue the knit-two, purl-two pattern. Work across the forward pass in the established Tunisian knit 2, purl 2 pattern.

      Even at this early stage, you can see the ribbed pattern beginning to form. In particular, the purl stitches are clearly visible because the lighter-colored working yarn sits toward the front of the fabric.

      
      
      

   10. Prepare to bind off. After completing the required number of Tunisian crochet rows, it is time to bind off. Again, I am using contrasting yarn so the process is easier to follow.

       
       
       

   11. Bind off in pattern. Continue working each stitch in the established purl 2, knit 2 sequence.

       However, instead of drawing the yarn through only the vertical bar and leaving the loop on the hook, draw it through both the stitch and the loop already on the hook. As a result, only one loop remains on the hook throughout the bind-off row.

       Here, I am about to bind off the first purl stitch.

       
       
       

   12. Continue across the bind-off row. Approximately two-thirds of the bind-off row is complete here. Notice that there is still only one loop on the hook.

       
       
       

   13. Finish the edging. Here is the completed Tunisian crochet edging. At this point, you can clearly see the lovely knit-two, purl-two rib pattern.

       
       
       

   14. View the finished edging on the poncho. Finally, here is how the completed Tunisian crochet ribbing looks on the poncho. The right side of the fabric appears on the left, while the reverse side is folded over for comparison.

       
       
       

Why Add Tunisian Crochet to Only Part of a Project?

You do not need to work an entire garment in Tunisian crochet to enjoy the technique.

Instead, adding it to an edging, cuff, hem, collar, or border lets you combine the best qualities of traditional crochet and Tunisian crochet in one design. It also gives newer Tunisian crocheters a manageable space in which to practice knit stitches, purl stitches, forward passes, return passes, and binding off.

Most importantly, the contrast between delicate crochet lace and structured Tunisian ribbing creates a distinctive finish that looks thoughtful and polished.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tunisian Crochet Ribbing

What is Tunisian crochet ribbing?

Tunisian crochet ribbing is created by alternating stitches such as Tunisian knit and Tunisian purl. Together, these stitches produce vertical columns that resemble knitted ribbing.

Is Tunisian crochet ribbing stretchy?

It may have some give depending on the yarn, stitch tension, and hook size. However, it is generally less elastic than traditional knitted ribbing, so it works especially well as a decorative or structured edging.

Can Tunisian crochet be added to regular crochet?

Yes. In fact, you can pick up loops along the edge of traditionally crocheted fabric and work a Tunisian crochet border, hem, cuff, or collar directly onto it.

What is the difference between a forward pass and a return pass?

During the forward pass, loops are picked up and left on the Tunisian crochet hook. During the return pass, those loops are worked off the hook until only one loop remains.

How do you bind off Tunisian crochet ribbing?

Work each stitch in the established knit-and-purl pattern, but draw the yarn through both the stitch and the loop already on the hook. Consequently, only one loop remains on the hook as you bind off across the row.