How to Do the Tunisian Reverse Stitch (Trs)

The Tunisian Reverse Stitch (Trs) is a textured crochet stitch that looks similar to the Tunisian Purl Stitch, but is worked from the back of the fabric instead of the front. It’s a great stitch for adding texture and dimension to your Tunisian crochet projects.

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to work the Tunisian Reverse Stitch, including where to insert your hook, how to finish the last stitch of each row, and how to complete the return pass.

You can use this stitch on its own or combine it with other Tunisian crochet stitches to create interesting designs. For example, see how the reverse stitches help bring out the leaf design in my Tunisian Crochet Leaf Dishcloth Pattern.

If you’re new to this technique, start with my Introduction to Tunisian Crochet tutorial to learn how to make your foundation chain and first row.

The Tunisian Reverse Stitch is abbreviated as Trs in crochet patterns. You can find this and other common stitch abbreviations in my Tunisian Crochet Abbreviations and Symbols Chart.

How to Work the Tunisian Reverse Stitch

The Tunisian Reverse Stitch is worked by inserting your hook under the back vertical bar of each stitch instead of the front vertical bar, as you would for the Tunisian Simple Stitch.

Like most Tunisian crochet stitches, each row consists of a forward pass and a return pass.

Step 1: Make Your Foundation Row

Using a Tunisian crochet hook, make a starting chain with your desired number of stitches.

Work a foundation row using a basic forward pass and return pass.

Step 2: Work the Tunisian Reverse Stitch Forward Pass

After completing your foundation row, you’ll have one loop remaining on your hook. This counts as the first stitch of your next row, so you’ll begin working into the second stitch.

1. With the working yarn at the back of your fabric, insert your hook from right to left under the back vertical bar of the next stitch, as shown by the arrow in the photograph below.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop, leaving it on your hook.
3. Repeat across the row, stopping before the last edge stitch.

Step 3: Work the Last Stitch

When you reach the last stitch of the row, work it from the front of your fabric, just as you would for the Tunisian Simple Stitch.

Insert your hook under both vertical strands of the edge stitch (the full V), yarn over, and pull up a loop.

Working through both strands helps create a neat, finished edge along the side of your Tunisian crochet fabric.

Step 4: Complete the Basic Return Pass

Now you’ll work the loops off your hook using the Basic Return Pass.

1. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook.
2. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops.
3. Continue yarning over and pulling through two loops at a time until only one loop remains on your hook.

You’ve completed one row of Tunisian Reverse Stitch!

Repeat the forward and return passes to continue adding rows.

What Does Tunisian Reverse Stitch Look Like?

The Tunisian Reverse Stitch creates a textured fabric with horizontal bumps that resemble purl stitches in knitting.

Here’s how five rows of Tunisian Reverse Stitch look. They look a lot like purl stitches, don’t they?!

Continue Learning Tunisian Crochet

How did you do? Now that you’ve learned the Tunisian Reverse Stitch, you’re ready to explore more techniques!

Follow along with my free Learn Tunisian Crochet in a Week series:

• Getting Started: Introduction to Tunisian Crochet
• Part 1: How to Do the Tunisian Simple Stitch
• Part 2: How to Do the Tunisian Knit Stitch
• Part 3: How to Do the Tunisian Reverse Stitch (you’re here!)
• Part 4: Tunisian Bind Off and Finishing Tips

Once you’ve practiced these techniques, try combining them in my Sampler Washcloth Tunisian Crochet Pattern.

Beginner Tunisian Crochet Projects to Try

Ready to put your new skills to work? These free Tunisian crochet patterns are great opportunities to practice your stitches and make something useful.

• Tunisian Crochet Blanket Pattern – Customize to Any Size!
• Heart Tunisian Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
• Leaf Tunisian Crochet Dishcloth Pattern
• Tunisian Crochet Coaster Pattern
• Tunisian Crochet Dish Drying Mat Pattern

For even more inspiration, browse my complete collection of free Tunisian crochet patterns and tutorials.