Double increase, simple and twisted, in Tunisian crochet

There are many different ways to make increases in Tunisian crochet. Following a question from Stasia in the Ravelry group Tunisian crochet explorers, I decided to share here how to make a double increase using 2 different Tunisian stitches picked up in the same stitch from the previous row. It’s just one way to increase the number of stitches in a row made in Tunisian knit stitches. Bear in mind that variations are endless.

Double increase in Tunisian crochet in the middle of a row
Double increase in Tunisian crochet in the middle of a row

I created a photo tutorial to show you step by step how to make the type of increases shown in the photo here above. I also posted a video on my YouTube channel. Mind you: this video is in French. The link is available at the end of this article.

Increases in Tunisian crochet

On my website you’ll find a series of different types of increases in Tunisian crochet. This series is not exhaustive. There are many other ways to crochet increases. How come there are so many different options? Because Tunisian crochet is not limited to the Tunisian simple stitch. You can make a wide variety of different stitches which will all have a different aspect. The same is true for increases. If technically the purpose of an increase remains the same (add one or more stitches to the total number of stitches in a row), the use of different types of increases will considerably change the appearance of your project.

Choose where to place your double increase

The sample I show you in this article is made in Tunisian knit stitches. To make a double increase, it is important to spot where increases will align from one row to the next. I opted for the middle of the row. It shows the symmetry of the Tunisian knit stitches on each side of the central line made of increases. You can move this line of increases to the beginning or the end of the row, depending on what visual aspect you want to achieve in your project. It does not matter how many Tunisian knit stitches you make before and after the line of increases.

Double increase - spot where you want to make increases in your Tunisian crochet row
Double increase – spot where you want to make increases in your Tunisian crochet row

The first increase is made in the blue stitch. The second increase is made in the yellow stitch.

First increase: 2 loops picked up in the same stitch

In the first stitch, in blue, start by making a Tunisian knit stitch. So far, nothing different from what you have done from the beginning of the row.

To make a Tunisian knit stitch, insert your hook in between the front and back vertical bars, through the work, from front to back. Then yarn over and pull up a loop.

Double increase - start with a Tunisian knit stitch in first stitch
Double increase – start with a Tunisian knit stitch in the first stitch in blue

The actual increase is done by making a Tunisian simple stitch into that same stitch in blue where you picked up a loop to make a Tunisian knit stitch. You insert your hook under the front vertical bar only before you yarn over and pull up a loop.

Double increase - make a Tunisian simple stitch into that same stitch in blue
Double increase – make a Tunisian simple stitch into that same stitch in blue

You pick up 2 loops by inserting your hook into 2 different places in the same stitch from the previous row. You start with a Tunisian knit stitch, then you make a Tunisian simple stitch, both into the same stitch in blue.

Second increase: 2 loops picked up in the same stitch

To make the second increase in the next stitch in yellow, you apply the same method as for the first increase: you pick up 2 loops by inserting your hook into different places into the same stitch. The difference is that you pick up other stitches than for the first increase. You use twisted stitches.

In the yellow stitch, you start by making a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch.
Warning: make sure you make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch! This is very important. A Tunisian simple stitch can be twisted in different directions. For more details about that, see the article where I describe the twisted up and down Tunisian simple stitches.

In short, to make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch, you insert your hook under the front vertical bar from the opposite side of the bar, in the opposite direction compared to your progress in the row. For right-handed people, that is from left to right. For left-handed people, that is from right to left. Then make a yarn over and pull up a loop.

Double increase - make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch in second stitch
Double increase – make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch in second stitch (in yellow)

Have a good look at this photo. The loop you have just picked up to make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch comes from the opposite side of the yellow vertical bar compared to the previous loop you picked up to make a Tunisian simple stitch in the blue vertical bar.

A word about twisted Tunisian knit stitch

The orientation of the yellow stitch has slightly changed. It is twisted compared to all other stitches in the row. Pick up a second loop by making a twisted Tunisian knit stitch in that yellow stitch. Simply insert your hook in between the front and back vertical bars of that yellow stitch, through the work, from front to back. I highlighted the back vertical bar in red so that you can easily spot it.

Double increase - make a twisted Tunisian knit stitch in that second (yellow) stitch
Double increase – make a twisted Tunisian knit stitch in that second (yellow) stitch

In short, for the second increase, you pick up 2 loops by inserting your hook into different places in the same stitch. First you make a twisted up Tunisian simple stitch. Then you make a twisted Tunisian knit stitch. Both are picked up from the same stitch.

End of the row after the double increase

Once you have made the increases, simply keep on picking up Tunisian knit stitches until you reach the end of the row. Before you start the return pass, have a good look at these 2 central loops you have added.

Double increase in Tunisian crochet – in the middle of the row

In blue, see the alignment of Tunisian simple stitches in which you pick up 2 different stitches in each new row (first a Tunisian knit stitch, then a Tunisian simple stitch).

In yellow, see the alignment of twisted Tunisian simple stitches in which you pick up 2 different stitches in each new row (first a twisted Tunisian simple stitch, then a twisted Tunisian knit stitch).

Video (in French) to show the double increase

In addition to the photo tutorial above, I have posted a video (in French) where I show in motion how to make one full row in Tunisian knit stitches with a double increase in the middle of the row.

video in French to show the double increase described in the photo tutorial above

4 thoughts on “Double increase, simple and twisted, in Tunisian crochet

  1. Lindsy Penney

    Thank you for your reply on YouTube regarding mirrored increases. I have knit for most of my life, so this was quite simple to understand once seeing your photo tutorial. I believe I can achieve the desired effect by making the “Twisted Double Increase” on the right, and the “Simple Double Increase” on the left, resulting in the edges maintaining a solid structure. I also wanted to let you know, that after watching a few of your tutorials on YouTube, I purchased some “Black Nickel” Kntting needles, Crochet Hooks, Cords, and Stoppers from Dyak Crafts. I have many expensive sets of Hooks and Needles, but the Black Nickel Plated are my absolute favorite now! I wish they had a set of all Hook, Needle, and Cord sizes in one Bundle. Thank you again for taking the time to help me😊

    Reply
    1. Rachel Henri Post author

      Oh, the Dyak Crafts tools are awesome. I love them. This year I purchased several special hooks from CATCH Hooks (in Australia). Custom made hooks with a very special shape of the head. They are fabulous as well. You can see them on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/catch_hooks/ Not cheap but fantastic hooks for passionate collectors who crochet every day!

      Reply
      1. Lindsy Penney

        Thank you for referring me to Catch Hooks! I ordered 6 🤭🤫 . STUNNING Design, and looks to be perfectly shaped for working tricky Tunisian stitches! I especially like that they attach to the Chiaogoo cords, since I own every Chiaogoo Interchangeable Knitting and Crochet product and set. I have to admit though, it’s gonna be hard to love another hook more than my Black Nickel DyakCraft Hook! Now I’m trying to find a fancy Hook holder/organizer for when my new babies arrive! I’m thinking leather😂

        Reply
        1. Rachel Henri Post author

          Oooooh, you ordered 6 Catch Hooks, no less! If you love DyakCraft Hooks, no doubt you’ll love Catch Hooks as well. I smiled when I read your comment “it’s gonna be hard to love another hook more than my Black Nickel DyakCraft Hook!”. I thought so too. Until I tried the Catch Hooks ;o) It’s really the shape of the head that makes the difference: pointy, yet not sharp, tapered, yet not with a raised head… Hard to describe. Thank you for sharing your joy about getting your new hooks! It reminds me of mine (renewed each time I use my hooks!)

          Reply

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