Hobbies & Games

Striped Afghan Stitch Pattern

A Two-Color Pattern for Afghan Stitch, Also Known as Tunisian Crochet

By Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

Here is a striped pattern for using with the afghan stitch in crochet. Afghan stitch is also known as Tunisian simple stitch. It is one of the most basic stitches made using the Tunisian crochet technique.

Project Photo - Picture of the Striped Afghan Stitch Sample

Photo © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

The afghan stitch stripe pattern repeats over 12 rows. This photo shows 27 rows, which is more than 2 repeats.

Ideas for Using The Striped Afghan Stitch Pattern

You can apply this striped pattern to any project using afghan stitch / Tunisian crochet:

Shawls
Wraps
Throws
Blankets
Afghans
Bags - I've posted a free striped bag pattern which incorporates this design.
Totes
Sweaters
Etc.

Materials Needed

Two Colors of Yarn: Color A and Color B

Crochet Hook: You're going to need an afghan crochet hook measuring at least 10 inches long. For a small afghan square or small purse, a 10 inch hook will suffice. If you want to make a large throw or shawl in this pattern, try using a longer flexible hook or a circular hook, either of which can accommodate a large number of stitches.

You could work with the hook size recommended for your chosen yarn, but don't hesitate to try a hook a few sizes larger than the recommended size. Afghan stitch is quite thick, especially when worked with worsted weight or bulky yarn. You can make the fabric a bit less dense by using a larger hook.

Materials Used in the Sample

My sample was crocheted using Lion Brand Homespun yarn, but you can use any yarn you like.

Homespun is a bulky textured yarn. If you want your project to retain a similar handwoven, textured effect, choose nubby or textured yarn. You could also crochet the stripes using smoother yarns; the stripes would be pretty either way.

Color A: In my sample, color A is the purple yarn. The official color name is "Baroque."

Color B: Color B is the multicolored yarn. The dominant color in the yarn is a natural color; it also incorporates shades of blue, purple and green. The official color name is "Tudor."

Hook: I used a size 10 / 6.0 mm hook to make the sample. A hook 1 - 2 sizes larger would be an improvement, as this fabric is quite thick.

Instructions

Work in afghan stitch, otherwise known as Tunisian simple stitch.

Rows 1 - 12 form the basic stripe repeat.

Chain 30 loosely with color A (Purple / Baroque in sample.)

Chains have a front loop and a back loop, and if you turn them over, there is also a ridge on the reverse side. For best results, crochet into this ridge rather than either of the loops on the chain.

Why? Well, afghan stitch has a tendency to curl up. Adding an edging around the project is one effective way of dealing with the curl. If you crochet into the ridge in your foundation chain, it will leave both the front and back loops free for working into when you crochet the edging.