Tunisian Purl Stitch

The Tunisian purl stitch, or TPS, gives a soft texture to the fabric and also counteracts curling. Few patterns use only TPS. I believe it to be a "Utility" stitch in Tunisian crochet more than a design stitch. It's works so well when combining it with other stitches to create unique textures. This stitch looks almost exactly like a purl stitch in knitting. What distinguishes TPS from other Tunisian stitches is the placement of your working yarn when you insert your crochet hook and how you pull up the loops. Just as in knitting, TPS is worked with the yarn held in front of the fabric, rather than it’s usual position behind the fabric.

TPS is a stitch some people struggle with while others have no issues, so don’t get discouraged if it is a bit awkward at first, it may take some getting used to but it is a very good stitch to learn. It's similar to TRS (Tunisian Reverse Stitch), though it produces as thinner, less dense fabric.

The very popular Honeycomb Stitch uses a combination of TSS & TPS.

A video tutorial for TPS is available from CrochetKim

Begin with a Foundation Row:

Chain any quantity, beginning in the 2nd chain from the hook, pull up a loop in each chain. Basic return pass. See the tutorial for TSS for more detailed instruction on the Foundation Row & Return Pass.

Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) is worked similar to TSS with one exception: the working yarn is held to the front of your work.

Forward Pass - Skip the first vertical bar directly beneath the loop on the hook, WYIF (with yarn in front) - insert the hook from right to left under the next vertical bar. Yarn over, pull up a loop. This may be a bit awkward at first, with the working yarn laying to the front of the hook. After a few rows, it will become easier.

Repeat across the row to the last vertical bar before the left edge. Work a TSS in the final stitch of the row.

Basic Return Pass - See the tutorial for TSS for more detailed instruction on the return pass.

Continue making Forward & Return passes to your desired length.

Bind Off - Binding off starts just as you would any other row. Insert your hook as you would for TPS WYIF.

Yarn over and pull up a loop. Continue pulling through the loop on the hook.  Repeat across the row to the last stitch.

Last stitch - insert your hook under both vertical bars of the last stitch and finish the slip stitch. Chain 1, cut the yarn and pull through the loop to fasten off.

Have a Happy Day!

TexasPurl