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Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket – FREE CROCHET PATTERN

Tunisian Sampler

Want to learn some new Tunisian crochet skills? Try your hand at the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket, a free 20-block crochet sampler afghan pattern featuring plenty of exciting stitches and techniques!

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Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

GET THE PDF PATTERN

Purchase a printable PDF version of the Holiday Tunisian Sampler pattern here: PATTERN PDF

ABOUT THIS BLANKET

It’s no secret – I’m nuts about Tunisian crochet. I love learning stitches, trying new techniques, and experimenting with different tools. Since I started my Tunisian crochet journey, the number one question I’m always asked is, “I’ve never tried Tunisian crochet. How do I get started?”

The Tunisian Holiday Sampler is my answer to that question! I wanted to design something that engaged both determined novices and experienced makers by combining different techniques and stitch patterns into a single masterpiece.

I’ve always thought that sampler blankets are a hidden gem in the maker community. Most of the patterns are really well done, and you can practice a new technique in an easily digestible way. For the Tunisian Holiday Sampler, each of the 20 unique squares brings you one step closer to mastering this exciting skill.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

BLANKET MATERIALS

I’m excited to partner with my friends at Lion Brand for the yarn used in the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket Pattern. I used Lion Brand’s Pound of Love, which is a massive 1 pound skein of 100% acrylic, CYC level 4 – worsted weight yarn. I used 4 different colors to help the stitches in each square come to life.

Get the Tunisian Holiday Sampler all-in-one kit from Lion Brand HERE.

Here’s a breakdown of how much yarn I used in each color:

  • Color A (shown in Succulent). I needed 1 ball of Pound of Love and used about 350 yards total.
  • Color B (shown in Taupe). I needed 1 ball of Pound of Love and used about 300 yards total.
  • Color C (shown in Elephant Gray). I needed 2 balls of Pound of Love and used about 1155 yards total.
  • Color D (shown in Oxford Gray). I needed 1 ball of Pound of Love and used about 1005 yards total.

Yarn Color Combinations

Choosing the right yarn at the beginning of the project will ensure that you love the end product. I chose one main color, then added in three neutrals. Play around with your personal style to come up with a four-color combination that you love. Here are some other options from the Pound of Love collection:

Frosted Dreams: Succulent (A), Taupe (B), Elephant Gray (C), and Oxford Gray (D)

I Heart Fall: Pumpkin Spice (A), Taupe (B), Elephant Gray (C), and Oxford Gray (D)

Holiday Cheer: Cherry (A), Hunter Green (B), Taupe (C), and Oxford Gray (D)

If Pound of Love isn’t your jam, or you don’t have access to these yarns at your local store, any comparable worsted weight yarn in the yardage mentioned above should do. Here are some options I recommend:

Crochet Hooks

To make the Tunisian Holiday Sampler, you’ll need three different hooks:

  • 6.5mm Tunisian crochet hook with a 16″ cord
  • 6.5mm traditional crochet hook
  • 6.0mm traditional crochet hook

The 6.5mm Tunisian crochet hook is used to make all of the squares. In this case, you can use a straight or a corded hook. Straight and corded hooks are available in inexpensive sets on Amazon or you can find them sold individually. Click herehere, and here for some that I’d recommend. If you’d really like to indulge, grab a Furls Tunisian crochet hook. They’re a little pricier but they’re the best straight TC hooks I’ve found online. Click here for details.

The 6.5mm crochet hook is used to slip stitch seam the squares together, and the 6.0mm hook is used to crochet the border. Find individual hooks and sets on Amazon (get the 6.5mm here and the 6.0mm here), or get these hooks from wherever you source your yarn.

Notions

Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

Here are the last few supplies you need to make the Tunisian Holiday Sampler:

  • Scissors [LINK]
  • Tape measure [LINK]
  • Tapestry needle [LINK]
  • 1 locking stitch marker [LINK]
  • A cable needle -or- a 6.5mm interchangeable knitting needle tip (optional) [LINK]
  • Foam blocking mats [LINK]
  • A steam iron or garment steamer [LINK]
  • T-pins [LINK]
  • Knit blockers (optional) [LINK]

Blanket Size:

65″ x 54″ after blocking

Gauge:

Gauge will vary with each square. Pattern for each square include a starting chain multiple – adjust as needed to meet the finished size. All squares should measure 11.5″ or 29cm square before the border is added.

Abbreviations:

Special Stitches:

  • Bobble (bo): (yarn over, insert hook into next stitch as for Tunisian knit stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through next 2 loops on hook) 5 times, yarn over, pull through next 5 loops on hook.
  • Cable 4 Back (C4B): Tunisian knit stitch the next 2 stitches, transfer two loops onto a cable needle and hold stitches toward back of work, Tunisian knit stitch next 2 stitches, place 2 held stitch back onto Tunisian crochet hook, drop cable needle.
  • Camel stitch (cam): half double crochet in 3rd loop of next stitch.
  • Long Tunisian front post double crochet (LTfpdc): yarn over, insert hook under front and back vertical bars of the stitch 2 rows below, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
  • Last Tunisian stitch (Lts): insert hook under BOTH vertical bars of last stitch and complete as for Tunisian simple stitch.
  • Return Pass (RetP): chain 1, (yarn over, pull through next 2 loops on hook) until only one loop remains.
  • Tunisian simple stitch 2 together (tss2tog): insert hook under the front vertical bars of the next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull up a loop through both stitches (decrease made).
  • Tunisian simple stitch 3 together (tss3tog): insert hook under the front vertical bars of the next 3 stitches, yarn over, pull up a loop through all three stitches (decrease made).
  • Extra long Tunisian front post double crochet (XLTfpdc): yarn over, insert hook under front and back vertical bars of the stitch 3 rows below, yarn over, pull up a loop, chain 1, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook.
  • Yarn under (yarn under): bring yarn to front of hook as for Tunisian purl stitch, hold yarn to hook against the hook with your index finger before completing the next stitch. 

Pattern Notes:

  • Complete the Return Pass (RetP) as written unless otherwise instructed in the pattern.
  • Numbers in parentheses at the end of some rows indicate the total number of stitches in that row.
  • Portions of this pattern are written in crochet shorthand. For example, “sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, while ”2sc” means to place 2 single crochet in the next stitch (increase made).
Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

Want to print your pattern?

Get the printable, ad-free version of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket pattern from my shop.

PART 1: CREATE THE SQUARES

Begin your Tunisian Holiday Sampler by crocheting each of the 20 blocks in the blanket. Find individual blog posts on how to crochet these blocks using the links below. Be sure to add a border to your squares – find details on adding the border in this video.

PART 2: ASSEMBLY + FINISHING

Find the finishing tutorial video HERE.

Layout

Use the grid below to lay out the squares of your blanket. You can change the layout to your desired configuration before seaming.

Assembly

With the right sides of squares facing in the layout of your choice, use the 6.5mm hook and color D to slip stitch seam all squares together, working in the back loops only. Weave in all ends.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

Border

Round 1: With the 6mm hook and color C, join with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 1, hdc in same st as join, hdc across to next ch-2 sp, placing 1 hdc in each sc and hdc2tog over the chain spaces of neighboring squares, *(hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, hdc across to next ch-2 sp, placing 1 hdc in each sc and hdc2tog over the chain spaces of neighboring squares; rep from * around, join with a sl st in the first hdc of round and cc to A.

Round 2: Ch 1, cam in same st as join, cam across to next ch-2 sp, *(hdc, ch 1, hdc) in ch-2 sp, cam across to next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st in first hdc of round and cc to B.

Round 3: Rep Round 2 and cc to C.

Round 4: Rep Round 2. Fasten off.

FINISHING

  • Weave in all remaining ends.
  • Steam block finished blanket, paying close attention to the seams and border.
Tunisian Holiday Sampler | Learn 20+ Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques with this free crochet afghan pattern. Includes tutorial videos. | TLYCBlog.com

Thanks for checking out the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket pattern! If you just can’t get enough Tunisian crochet, CLICK HERE for even more fun, FREE patterns!

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Comments

  1. AvatarShelley T says

    Toni, I’m attempting to get most of the yarn from Joann’s since Lionbrand.com is out of stock already. Will your videos be available after the Holiday CAL2020 is over, in case I’m still waiting for yarn?

  2. AvatarMW says

    Yep, same here. The Lion brand store on Amazon says the Taupe listed will be back in stock on Oct. 8, and I’m hoping to see if there are good substitutes you’d recommend.

    Cannot wait to get started! This is going to be good.

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      If you’re prefer another yarn, most yarn lines have something similar. I know Red Heart has Red Heart With Love and Super Saver. There’s also Caron One Pound. Yarns like that make great substitutions in this pattern.

  3. AvatarDevi says

    Michael’s carries the Pound of Love brand. I purchased all my yarn there and took advantage of their sale – Buy 2 Get 1 Free, sale.

  4. AvatarGina Bowman says

    I love Tunisian crochet. I was going to make a baby blanket one year for the fair and used a nice soft baby yarn. There was no…integrity to the stitches. The yarn was so soft the design was barely there.

    I have a Hobby Lobby and a Walmart that I can buy yarn from. Is there a specific yarn that will hold the designs well but still feel wonderful?

  5. Avatarmiri says

    I ended up buying Herrschners’ brand yard because I was having so much trouble finding yarn in colors my mom and I liked that she could afford. I’m hoping the yardage translates properly and I did the math right. I’m really looking forward to this as I’ve recently discovered and fallen in love with Tunisian crochet.

  6. AvatarSusan says

    I’d be interested in doing this in a cotton option as we are heading into summer here in Australia. Does Lion Brand have anything that might work? I’ve not used their yarns before

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi Susan! I haven’t done a blanket this size in cotton, so it’s tough to say. Their Pima Cotton could be a good choice, as could 24/7 Cotton. Again, I haven’t made a blanket with either of these yarns, so these recommendations are just a guess. There may be something you prefer in your local shops. Swapping out to a yarn you’re more familiar with will likely ensure that you’re happy with the end result.

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I talked a little about this in the blog post, but the short answer is yes it will be challenging, but NO it will not be *too* challenging. This is a chance for you to try something new and stretch outside your comfort zone. There will be written patterns and tutorial videos for each technique as we go along.

    • AvatarLaurie says

      I was reading through the comments and was going to ask the same thing. I’ve never tried the Tunisian crochet but this pattern is so beautiful. Not sure about giving it a try if it’s too advanced for me.

      • Toni L.Toni L. says

        I have faith in you! With the tutorial videos and the helpful communities on Instagram and Facebook, we’ll all support each other 🙂

  7. AvatarShelley T says

    When you say, “Videos will go live on Monday” do you mean the tutorial will be a live event or the videos will be posted on your blog for us to access and begin stitching?

  8. AvatarMarialaina N. says

    Hi! I only have a 14 inch fixed tunisian crochet hook 🙁 I am trying to find/order a 16inch but everything that isn’t in a set is sold out, and I already asked for a set of interchangables for Christmas. Do you think 14 inch fixed is long enough? Super looking forward to learning TC through this!!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      A 14″ fixed hook should be just fine for this. The finished squares are 12 inches, so you should have plenty of space on your hook for your loops 🙂

  9. AvatarLisa says

    Will your tutorial videos remain on YouTube after the CAL is officially over? I’m helping my mom learn and it may take her 3 years to complete this but she’s determined. Your videos help so much.

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! They sure will – the tutorial blog posts and videos will stay up forever. Sending all of the encouragement and good vibes to you and mom. She can do it!!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! There isn’t a video for the standard border, but the instructions are listed with each stitch pattern 🙂

  10. AvatarKC says

    I’d like to know if we can buy just one pattern for one of the squares (the tree pattern)? I’m a beginner and know I can’t do this whole project (even though I broke my foot and have nothing else to do besides crochet), so seeing if I can master just one would be really helpful while. I’m grateful youtube can slow down videos–you stitch FAST! Thanks for teaching the Tunisian!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi KC – thanks for your message. I do not offer the PDF patterns of the individual squares, only the full PDF with each of the squares. But, in the PDF, the patterns are on their own pages.

  11. AvatarEllen Jung says

    First I want to tell you how much I am enjoying this project. I have never tried tunisian crochet and I love it! I got the email with the updated pattern, but can you tell me which pages have updates. I don’t want to print the entire project again. thank you!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the project 🙂 The only pages you should reprint are the Home Square and the Lacy Shells Square. No other changes were made 🙂

  12. AvatarRachelle P. says

    Hi Toni! If we buy the PDF, will the Intarsia option be included? I haven’t tried it before and it looked interesting. Thanks!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! The PDF version only lists the stranded colorwork technique, as that’s what I used in the original sample. But you can use the same concept to work your square with intarsia instead of stranded colorwork.

  13. AvatarGwen Saner says

    I love this pattern SO much! I can’t crochet to save my life (I’ve tried to teach myself numerous times), but I can knit the basic handful of stitches and I have made a Tunisian crochet Star Wars blanket (using the stitches used in the HOME square). I was hesitant to buy the pattern for fear of not being able to do it but your patterns are so detailed and consistent. The videos? OMGOSH. You are the best teacher ever! I’m on my 8th square, the lattice stitch. I’m making this one for my mom for Christmas and I already have more yarn purchased to make a 2nd blanket for a dear friend in CA for Christmas as well. I’m pleased as punch and already thinking about what colors I want to use for my blanket. 😃 THANK YOU SO MUCH! Too much fun.

  14. AvatarMurleen L Ray says

    Toni, Will you be teaching how to do celtic cables in crochet (regular or tunisian)? Your work is exceptional and it would be so helpful to learn from an expert!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I don’t have any plans to teach Celtic cables, but it’s certainly something to keep in mind. Thanks for the idea 🙂

  15. AvatarJana says

    Hi Toni, I am wondering why not every stitch has a tutorial? They are all not linked. Is there a place to find them, ie; the bobble stitch etc?
    Thanks in Advance!

  16. AvatarMichelle D Goring says

    Love your tutorials! I am thinking of doing this crochet along to learn more about Tunisian crochet that I’ve marveled over since subscribing to your channel. My daughter purchased Inspirations Bernat velvet yarn for me to crochet a blanket for her some months back. Will this weight 5 work for this Tunisian project? I’m also going to view your video on choosing the Tunisian crochet hook for me. Thanks!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I’m so excited to hear that you want to try the crochet along. Using the velvet yarn might prove to be quite difficult. It’s a very fiddly yarn to work with and it doesn’t like to glide on the hook. It also has a very prominent texture that might interfere with several of the stitches in the blanket. I’d recommend a smooth, worsted weight yarn for this project, something like what was used for the original sample.

  17. AvatarKate Jones says

    Hey Toni!
    Wondering if you have a tutorial up on how to do the individual crochet borders (as in, around each square – not the main border around the entire blanket). I know most can probably do the regular crochet stitches – but I’m not too sure on them nor how to do them as a simple border around each individual square.
    Thanks so much – loving the CAL – wish I came across one in lockdown!!! 🙂
    Cheers, Kate

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! The tutorial for doing the individual borders will be part of the finishing video, available early next month. If you’d like to try learning the stitches ahead of time, search for how to single crochet and how to single crochet 2 together on Youtube 🙂

  18. AvatarShabnam says

    Hi Toni,
    I am very new in crocheting and only know the common/basic stitches. So I need to practice a lot but most yarns that I buy doesn’t seem to be suitable for the project that I have in mind. Would it be possible for you to suggest some affordable and more common yarns and what they could be used for. In this economy, it hurts to spend money unwisely:-)I am sure there are lots of people out there like me who’d love to crochet but have no clue what type of yarn to use. For example, I would love to try some of your beautiful shawls but either I don’t have access to those you used or it is a bit out of my price range. I understand that this is a huge request with everything that is on your plate and it is completely fine if you don’t have the time for it . Thank you for all the tutorials, instructions and all the other goodies that you share.

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi Shabnam! Thanks so much for your message. I totally understand where you’re coming from. Choosing a good, value priced yarn can be tricky. It a big topic to dive into, but it’s certainly something I’ll make note of for a future blog post or video 🙂

  19. AvatarVicki says

    So just starting and having trouble with circle in square. Any videos on this block. Sorry, I got started very late and I am slow.

  20. AvatarTanya says

    Hi

    When I follow the links to each video tutorial, is the given cast o stitches correct for each square in the crochet along? Or do I need to adapt I’m a little confused

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! The patterns in the posts are the number of foundation stitches I used. If you find that your square is too wide or too narrow, you’ll want to redo the foundation using the stitch multiple provided.

  21. AvatarKatherine says

    Hi, I am so excited to start this project, I love your Tutorials. I realized that I accidently bought DK yarn instead of worsted weight. Do you have any tips on how to adapt this pattern so that it will work with the yarn weight that I have?

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I’d attempt to reach gauge with two strands of DK weight held together. Otherwise, you can adjust the size of your blocks based on the stitch counts given in the pattern. You will likely use more yarn by yardage, so keep that in mind.

  22. AvatarWanda Brayboy says

    Hello everyone. I started the Tunisian Holiday Sampler in April 2021. I have completed 16 squares so far. Yay! I’m having a ball, by the way. May I see pictures of your completed blankets, please? I want to get some inspiration as I tackle doing the final frontier (border)!! Thank you.

    Much love to you, Toni. You are a great teacher!!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! You’ll be able to see lots of works in progress and finished blankets in the TLYC Makers Facebook group 🙂 Happy stitching, and I can’t wait to hear how your finished blanket turns out.

  23. AvatarNaDine says

    Hello my dear. Thank you so much for this sampler. I made a whole blanket for my husband using the block stitch with Bernat Strada gray and Red Heart Ombré true blue. (Obviously a Dallas Cowboys fan). It turned out great! You are the best.

  24. AvatarKaren says

    I am new to Tunisian crochet and would like to make the Tunisian Holiday Sampler to learn it. Are some squares simpler than others? Which ones would you recommend I start with?

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi! I’m so glad that you’re interested in the Tunisian holiday sampler. I would definitely recommend trying the squares that primarily use the Tunisian simple stitch. So the home square is a good place to start.

  25. AvatarLuanne Kleiman says

    Thank you for this pattern. I follow you on facdbook and Insta and I love seeing what you do! I’m using this as a tutorial for learning stitches, but on a much smaller scale. I am making Soap Sacks to donate to the local homeless and some of these stitches would be perfect for that. I love that your videos give the stitch multiples!

  26. AvatarRobin says

    Ok, I am a somewhat experienced crocheter, but completely new to Tunisian. I bought the pattern hoping to have it state the best order (easiest first). The free version has them listed alphabetically, and the pdf version has them listed in the order as they are in the completed project. I also tried by the videos, but got confused as dates aren’t showing in the playlist. Can you please tell me the best order to work the blocks?

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      There’s no best order to make them in – each one uses its own skills. Give it a go with the square you like the most to start.

  27. AvatarKaitlyn says

    Hi Toni, are the lion brand pound of love and caron one pound similar enough in texture and everything to use a mixture of the 2 brands? Or would sticking to one of the two be best? Thanks!

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi Kaitlyn – looking at the specs of these yarns, the LB version looks distinctly lighter. LB offers 1020 yards per 16 ounces, while Caron offers 812 per 16 ounces. I’ve never tried working them together, so I can’t say if the gauge is too noticeable. But I’d recommend sticking with one brand throughout the blanket, for consistency.

  28. AvatarKaren says

    Hi Toni, I found your YouTube Tunisian crochet videos by chance and now you literally have me hooked (sorry for the poor pun …). Your explanations are crystal clear and always come with a big smile – It’s a joy to learn from you 😊.
    For the sampler, you say to block the finished blanket but wouldn’t it be easier to block the individual blocks as you go and then steam the finished blanket? Otherwise you’d need loads of blocking mats and lots of space – not always practical, especially as I’d like to make the blanket bigger.
    Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
    Many thanks, Karen

    • Toni L.Toni L. says

      Hi Karen. I would still recommend finding a way to block your finished blanket, as the joining seams may cause things to pucker. Blocking is always optional, and you work within your parameters (supplies, space, time, etc.). The recommendation is always there, but it’s your choice to follow it 🙂

  29. AvatarCece says

    Thank you. I’m working through a large stash of variegated cotton yarn by color pooling Tunisian honeycomb stitch and my choices seem to be become a professional potholder maker or sew them together into a blanket. So I checked Ravelry to see if such a thing can be done and I have another bookmarked site.

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