Welcome to the Wonderful World of Tunisian Crochet: Creating the Elegant "Tripe" Stitch

Hello fellow yarn enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the beautiful and textured world of Tunisian crochet to learn a stitch that Aysen lovingly calls the "Tripe" pattern. This stitch creates a lovely, slightly raised effect that's perfect for a variety of projects, from cozy blankets to adorable booties and stylish cardigans or bags.

This guide will walk you through each step in detail, so you can follow along and create this stunning pattern even without watching a video. We'll be working with a single color of yarn, but feel free to get creative with multiple colors for a unique look!

What You'll Need:

  • Yarn: Any yarn of your choice. For this tutorial, we'll assume a medium-weight yarn.
  • Tunisian Crochet Hook: A 3.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook (or the size recommended for your yarn). If you're planning a larger project like a blanket, a 4 mm or 4.5 mm hook will give you a lovely, drapey fabric.

Getting Started: Creating the Foundation Chain

The first step in any Tunisian crochet project is to create a foundation chain. The number of chains you make will determine the width of your project. For practicing the stitch, chain a generous amount – Aysen mentions that the amount in the video is sufficient for a sample.

Important Note: For the "Tripe" stitch pattern to work correctly, you'll need an odd number of loops on your hook in the forward pass.

Step 1: The Forward Pass - Picking Up the Loops

  1. Insert your hook into the second chain from your hook.
  2. Yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop. Do not chain one. You now have two loops on your hook.
  3. Insert your hook into the next chain, yarn over, and pull up another loop. You now have three loops on your hook.
  4. Continue this process, inserting your hook into each remaining chain, yarn over, and pulling up a loop. You will end up with one loop on your hook for each chain you worked into. Make sure you have an odd number of loops. In Aysen's example, she has 19 loops.

Step 2: The Return Pass - Closing the Loops

Now, we'll work backward across the loops on your hook to secure them.

  1. Yarn over and pull through one loop. This creates the first chain of the return pass and leaves you with one loop on your hook.
  2. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
  3. Continue yarn over and pull through two loops until only one loop remains on your hook. This completes the first row.

Step 3: The Second Row - Introducing the "Tripe" Stitch (Forward Pass)

This is where the unique texture of the "Tripe" stitch begins to form.

  1. Edge Stitch: Insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the first stitch of the previous row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (You now have two loops on your hook).
  2. The "Tripe" Stitch: Now, instead of going into the next vertical bar, skip the next vertical bar. Insert your hook under the following vertical bar. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  3. Yarn Over and Insert: Yarn over. Now, go back and insert your hook under the vertical bar that you skipped in the previous step. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have now created the "Tripe" element.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 across the row. You will be skipping one vertical bar and then going back to work into the skipped bar.
  5. Last Stitch (Edge Stitch): For the last stitch, insert your hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch of the previous row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. This helps create a neat edge.

You should now have the same odd number of loops on your hook as you did in the first forward pass (in Aysen's example, 19).

Step 4: The Second Row - Return Pass

The return pass for this row (and all subsequent rows) is the same as the first return pass:

  1. Yarn over and pull through one loop.
  2. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
  3. Continue yarn over and pull through two loops until only one loop remains on your hook.

Step 5: The Third Row - Forward Pass

The magic of the "Tripe" stitch continues to unfold in this row.

  1. Edge Stitch: Insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the first stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  2. The "Tripe" Stitch: This time, you'll notice gaps created by the "yarn over and insert" from the previous row. Insert your hook into the first gap. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  3. Yarn Over and Insert: Yarn over. Now, insert your hook into the next vertical bar (the one that appears "behind" the gap you just worked into). Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 across the row, working into a gap and then the following vertical bar.
  5. Last Stitch (Edge Stitch): Insert your hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Again, you should have the same odd number of loops on your hook.

Step 6: The Third Row - Return Pass

Repeat the standard return pass: yarn over and pull through one loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops until one loop remains.

Step 7: The Fourth Row - Forward Pass

This row mirrors the second row in how you pick up the loops.

  1. Edge Stitch: Insert your hook under the front vertical bar of the first stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  2. The "Tripe" Stitch: Skip the next vertical bar. Insert your hook under the following vertical bar. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  3. Yarn Over and Insert: Yarn over. Go back and insert your hook under the vertical bar that you skipped. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 across the row.
  5. Last Stitch (Edge Stitch): Insert your hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Continuing the Pattern:

You will continue to alternate between Row 2 (skipping a vertical bar, then yarn over and insert into the skipped bar) and Row 3 (working into a gap, then the next vertical bar) to create the "Tripe" stitch pattern.

Important Tips for Success:

  • Counting Loops: Always count your loops in the forward pass to ensure you maintain the correct number.
  • Edge Stitches: Working the edge stitches consistently (under one vertical bar at the beginning and both at the end) will give you a neater edge.
  • Tension: Maintain even tension throughout your work for a consistent fabric.
  • Practice: Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Practice makes perfect!

Endless Possibilities:

As Aysen mentions, this beautiful "Tripe" stitch is incredibly versatile. Imagine using it to create:

  • Cozy Blankets: The texture would be wonderfully warm and inviting.
  • Adorable Booties: Add a unique touch to baby gifts.
  • Stylish Cardigans: Create a garment with beautiful visual interest.
  • Eye-Catching Bags: The sturdy texture would be perfect for bags.

Thank You for Joining!

We hope this detailed guide has helped you understand and create the lovely Tunisian "Tripe" stitch. Happy crocheting, and we can't wait to see what beautiful projects you create!

Don't forget to explore other Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques to expand your skills. Happy crafting!