Tunisian Crochet: 13 Cozy Projects Everyone Is Getting Hooked On

Tunisian crochet is the cozy craft everyone seems to be talking about this fall, and once you see that thick, woven texture you will understand why. It uses one long hook that holds a whole row of loops at once, a little like knitting, and the result looks almost like fabric off a loom. On October 19 a video showing a Tunisian bag, headband and belt went up on YouTube and passed 1 million views in just eight days, and several other channels have hit hundreds of thousands of views in the same two weeks. It is easy to learn, relaxing to work and perfect for handmade Christmas gifts. Grab some yarn and a long hook, and let these 13 projects get you started..

Tunisian Crochet Goes Viral: The Tote, Headband and Belt Set

This is the set that started the latest wave. A video from the channel Knitting Love showing a Tunisian crochet tote bag, a twisted headband and a matching belt passed 1,094,000 views in about a week. Viewers loved how the stitches line up in neat little columns, almost like weaving. Every project in this list uses that same simple stitch, just in a different shape. Look at all the pieces you can make once you know it. Ready to pick your first one..

You will need: A Tunisian crochet hook (a long hook with a stopper, size 6 mm is a good start), worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn, scissors, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Chain the width you want for your project. 2. Work the forward pass by pulling up a loop in each chain and keeping all loops on the hook. 3. Work the return pass by yarning over and pulling through two loops at a time until one loop is left, then repeat.

A Simple Stitch Dishcloth for Beginners

A dishcloth is the perfect first project because it is small, square and useful. Work Tunisian simple stitch back and forth until the piece is as tall as it is wide, then finish with one row of slip stitches. Cotton yarn holds up in the kitchen and gets softer with every wash. Make three in different colors and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet hostess gift this holiday season. Which colors would match your kitchen?

You will need: 100 percent cotton yarn, a 5 or 6 mm Tunisian hook, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Chain 30. 2. Work Tunisian simple stitch rows until the cloth is square. 3. Bind off with a row of slip stitches and weave in the ends.

Tunisian Crochet Twisted Ear Warmer Headband

Twisted front headbands are a winter favorite, and the Tunisian crochet version is warm and thick without being bulky. You make one long, flat strip, fold it, give it a twist in the middle and sew the ends together. A channel showing a Tunisian headband stitch drew around 175,000 views in three weeks this fall. Make one in mustard, rose or forest green to match a favorite coat. Who would you make one for first?

You will need: Soft worsted weight yarn, a 6 mm Tunisian hook, a yarn needle, a tape measure.

How to make it: 1. Chain about 16 and work Tunisian simple stitch until the strip fits snugly around your head. 2. Fold the two short ends over each other with a half twist. 3. Sew the ends together and turn so the seam is inside.

A Chunky Two Color Winter Scarf

Scarves are the easiest way to show off the woven look of Tunisian crochet. Switch colors every 10 or 12 rows for bold stripes, and use a chunky yarn so it grows fast. Add a short fringe on each end for a classic finish. It is the kind of scarf you can start on a Friday night and wear by Sunday. Teal and cream, red and grey, or navy and white all look great. Which two colors would you pick?

You will need: Chunky yarn in two colors, an 8 mm Tunisian hook, scissors, a piece of cardboard for fringe.

How to make it: 1. Chain about 25 and work in Tunisian simple stitch. 2. Change colors every 10 to 12 rows at the end of a return pass. 3. Bind off and add fringe to both ends.

A Striped Belt With Wooden Rings

The belt from the viral set is a fun little project and a great way to use up yarn scraps. Make a long, narrow strip in Tunisian crochet, then loop one end through two wooden rings and stitch it down. Pull the other end through both rings and back over one to fasten it. Red and white stripes look fresh with jeans or a dress, and you can make a matching tote later. Would you wear it or give it away?

You will need: Cotton yarn in two colors, a 5 mm Tunisian hook, two wooden rings about 2 inches wide, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Chain 8 and work Tunisian simple stitch until the strip is your waist size plus 10 inches. 2. Fold one end over both rings and sew it down. 3. Thread the other end through both rings and back through one to buckle.

Tunisian Crochet Basics: The Simple Stitch Up Close

Here is what Tunisian simple stitch looks like on the hook. Each little vertical bar is one stitch, and on the next row you slip your hook behind that bar to pull up a new loop. That is the whole secret. Because the loops stay on the hook, Tunisian crochet uses a longer hook than regular crochet, sometimes with a cable on the end for wide projects. Practice a small square like this first. Do you see the neat little columns?

You will need: Smooth light colored yarn so you can see the stitches, a Tunisian hook, a few stitch markers.

How to make it: 1. Chain 15 and pull up a loop in each chain. 2. Work the return pass back to one loop. 3. For the next row, insert the hook behind each vertical bar, pull up a loop and repeat the return pass.

A Soft Baby Blanket in Pastel Stripes

A baby blanket made in Tunisian crochet is thick and cuddly, and it does not have holes for little fingers to catch in. Use a soft baby yarn and stripe it in mint, butter yellow, pink and lilac. If your blanket is wide, use a hook with a cable so all the loops fit. It is a slow, peaceful project that becomes a family keepsake. Who is the newest baby in your family?

You will need: Soft baby yarn in four pastel colors, a 6 mm Tunisian hook with a cable, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Chain about 100 for a stroller size blanket. 2. Work Tunisian simple stitch, changing colors every 8 rows. 3. Finish with a simple crochet border all around.

Mug Cozies With a Wooden Button

Mug cozies are tiny, quick and so cute. Make a short strip in Tunisian crochet that wraps around your favorite mug, leave a small gap for the handle, and add a loop and a wooden button to close it. Each one takes less than an hour, so you can make a whole set for teachers, neighbors and friends. Tuck in a packet of cocoa and the gift is ready. How many will you make?

You will need: Worsted weight yarn, a 5 or 6 mm Tunisian hook, wooden buttons, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Chain enough to fit the height of the mug and work rows until the strip reaches around it, minus the handle. 2. Add a chain loop at one end. 3. Sew a button on the other end.

Plaid Throw Pillow Covers

Tunisian crochet is perfect for plaid because the stitches sit in a neat grid. Work stripes across the rows in red, cream and charcoal, then weave or chain stitch vertical lines on top to finish the plaid look. Sew two squares together over a pillow form for a cabin style cover that is perfect for winter. Make a solid mustard one to go with it. Which room needs a cozy pillow?

You will need: Worsted weight yarn in three colors, a 6 mm Tunisian hook, a 16 inch pillow form, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Make two 16 inch squares, striping the rows in your plaid colors. 2. Add vertical stripes with surface chain stitch. 3. Sew three sides together, slip in the pillow form and sew the last side.

Tunisian Crochet Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are a quick win for chilly mornings. Make a small rectangle in Tunisian crochet, fold it and sew up the side, leaving a gap for your thumb. Add a few rows of ribbing at the cuff for a snug fit. They work up so quickly that you can make a pair for everyone on your list. Grey, plum and denim blue are easy colors to match. Who always has cold hands in your house?

You will need: Soft worsted weight yarn, a 5 mm Tunisian hook, a regular crochet hook for the cuff, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Make a rectangle about 7 by 8 inches. 2. Fold it in half and sew the side seam, leaving a 2 inch gap for the thumb. 3. Add a few rows of ribbing at the wrist.

Color Block Christmas Stockings

Stockings made in Tunisian crochet are thick and sturdy enough to hold real treats. Make two stocking shapes in red, green and cream blocks, sew them together and add a cream cuff and a hanging loop. Hang them on pegs or a wall rack with a garland of battery LED fairy lights. For more yarn ideas, see our easy crochet projects. Whose name would go on the first stocking?

You will need: Worsted weight yarn in red, green and cream, a 6 mm Tunisian hook, a paper stocking pattern, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Trace a stocking shape on paper and make two matching pieces, changing colors in blocks. 2. Sew the two pieces together, leaving the top open. 3. Add a cuff and a hanging loop.

Thick Double Layer Pot Holders

The dense weave of Tunisian crochet makes great pot holders, especially when you make two squares and sew them together. Bright red, yellow and teal make the kitchen feel cheerful. Add a small loop at one corner so they can hang by the stove. Always use 100 percent cotton yarn, since it handles warm pans better than acrylic. They make a great gift tucked in with a batch of cookies. What will you bake first?

You will need: 100 percent cotton yarn, a 5 mm Tunisian hook, a yarn needle.

How to make it: 1. Make two 8 inch squares in Tunisian simple stitch. 2. Hold them together and crochet around the edges to join them. 3. Add a chain loop at one corner.

Tunisian Crochet Coasters in Holiday Colors

To finish our list, a set of coasters is a quick and happy holiday project. Make small squares or circles in red, green, white and gold stripes, and stack them with a ribbon for a gift. Each one takes only about 20 minutes, so a set of six fits into one cozy evening. Tunisian crochet coasters are thick enough to protect the table and pretty enough to leave out all season. Which colors say Christmas to you?

You will need: Cotton yarn in holiday colors, a 5 mm Tunisian hook, a yarn needle, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Chain 15 and work Tunisian simple stitch until the square is 4 inches tall. 2. Change colors every few rows for stripes. 3. Bind off, weave in the ends and stack six with a ribbon.