Twisted up and twisted down simple stitches are variations of the Tunisian simple stitch. They are done by inserting the hook under the front vertical bar (just like the simple stitch). What is different is the direction in which the hook is inserted under the vertical bar and the direction in which the hook is moved (up or down).

Tunisian simple stitch (Tss)

The simple stitch is done by inserting the hook under the front vertical bar in the direction of the FwdP (i.e. from right to left for right-handers and from left to right for left-handers). Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Twisted up Tss (TwUpTss)

Also known as the slanted stitch or the twisted stitch (without any specific direction)

The twisted up Tss is done by inserting the hook under the front vertical bar in the opposite direction of the FwdP (i.e. from left to right for right-handers and from right to left for left-handers) and by rotating the hook upwards. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Have a close look at the vertical bars in the samples of simple stitches and twisted up simple stitches here above. The difference in texture may not be obvious at first glance, but the
twisted up simple stitch gives very interesting textures when combined with other stitches.

Twisted down Tss (TwDownTss)

Also know as the twisted stitch (without any specific direction)

The twisted down Tss is done by inserting the hook under the front vertical bar in the opposite direction of the FwdP (i.e. from left to right for right-handers and from right to left for left-handers) and by rotating the hook downwards. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Visually the twisted down Tss is very different from the twisted up Tss. And you get this difference only by rotating your hook upwards or downwards.

Terminology in English

Tunisian crochet terminology is not standardized (except maybe for very basic elements) and you may come across different names for the above twisted stitches (up and down). Some patterns may only use the name “twisted stitch” without indication about the direction of the twist (up or down). Bear in mind that you can twist it up or twist it down. If a stitch pattern does not work as expected when you twist a simple stitch, try twisting it in the opposite direction.