So, you want to learn overlay mosaic crochet?
Warning: Serious risk of getting addicted and over-inspired. Proceed at your own risk!
[This is on a new section of Unfinished Object I called The Overlay Station. If you don’t want to receive these posts, go to your Settings to opt-out/opt-in at will!]
First, what is mosaic crochet?
Mosaic crochet is a (great) way to do colorwork without doing mid-row color changes.
When I started getting more seriously into the craft, I first came across tapestry crochet as a way to add colour to my projects. Love the effect and the challenge, but it still felt like too much of an effort to really hone in on the technique and, at the same time, be happy with the final result. Too much of a hassle carrying all the yarns, untagling them, and getting the width of the fabric to be even. The perfectionist in me wasn’t getting that pleased with the results, but still kept practicing, because I loved the effect and the challenge too much.
Enter Tinna and overlay mosaic crochet! Perfect, I tell’ya. Just perfect! You mean you can actually crochet in colourwork and do geometric patterns (which I love), without all this hassle? Yes, you can. And the tapestry crochet “phase” wasn’t lost at all: it would still come in handy. But more on that another time.
The basic principles of Overlay Mosaic Crochet
In its simplest form, you:
Only do one colour per row, alternating colours every other row;
Only use 2 colours (to keep it simple, because even with the most basic technique, you can easily do a project with several colours, depending on the pattern);
Create patterns by combining 2 basic stitches:
single crochet (on the back loop of the previous row);
and double crochet (on the front loop of the previous row of the same colour).
Always work on the front of the fabric, without turning.
Usually*, you have to cut the yarn at the end of each row, and start a row anew.
*Discovered a genius way, developed by Susan Lowman, of not cutting the yarn at the end of each row. You can see how I do the Continuous Overlay Mosaic method here. Let me tell you: it’s been hard going back after I started using this, though I haven’t really been trying to get back to it. Oh… the possibilities… And the time saved…?!
Because you cut the yarn at the end, you’ll be left with a lot of ends.
I don’t see this as a problem (specially since discovering Susan Lowman’s method). You can always weave them in, integrate them into the design, as a fringe, or do a double border, also called an envelope border, to hide them.
There are many possibilities and variations on the stitches you can use, but here I’m only introducing you to the basics.
You can check some of those variations here:
There are also other mosaic crochet techniques, but I’m focusing only on overlay, since it’s the one I know and practice, and am dedicated to for the time being (“dedicated to” as in “obsessed about”).
There’s the inset or interlocking technique, for example, which you can see amazing examples of with Astrid @ati_stitches, or, if you are based in Portugal, learn from Mónica @ofiodasmoiras.
You can even do mosaic in tunisian crochet, as you can see with Ana Serra’s @_entre_agulhas_ creations. Find her Folium gloves pattern on Ravelry in Portuguese (Ana also has some gorgeous tunisian crochet projects in English too).
And what can you make with overlay mosaic crochet?
The question is: what can’t you make with mosaic crochet?!
Of course things like yarn choice, hook and gauge, are going to influence the final result, but as a rule of thumb, overlay mosaic crochet results in denser, thicker fabrics than classic crochet.
This makes it great for accessories like bags or cowls, and for home decor, like wall hangings, blankets, pillows, baskets, potholders or even rugs. The sky - or your imagination and patience - is the limit!
Mosaic crochet is particularly good to create geometric patterns (hence the name). But by using simple stitch variations and/or introducing more colours, the possibilities open up. It’s amazing what kinds of pictures we can paint with mosaic crochet. Just take a look at Gaëlle’s (@justeunpetitpoint) patterns, and you’ll see what I mean, or check her instagram.
The wonderful world of crochet, and of overlay mosaic crochet, is a gift that keeps on giving, as long as you keep yourself open to learn, experiment, try and fail and try and fail again, and simply play. We can even do garments. I’ve been endlessly planning a winter coat. It’s glorious! In my head only… for now.
Materials and resources to get started with overlay mosaic crochet
So, I hope at this moment you’re seriously considering giving it a try. Which begs the question: what skills, materials and tools do I need to get started? Not much, I tell ya. And if you’re into crochet already, you probably have everything you need, or can easily find it at the click of a button, as you’ll soon find out.
To begin, you’ll only need these materials and tools:
Yarn: 2 colors of the same weight yarn (or as close as possible). High contrast gets the biggest effect, but tonal can work beautifully too.
A crochet hook (I recommend going for a 0.5 or 1 size smaller, at least, than the recommended on the yarn label).
Scissors.
Optional: tapestry needle to weave in ends (though we don’t have to!).
Even if you’re completely new to crochet, the overlay mosaic crochet is a great way to get started on the craft. The simplest technique is very straightforward.
The only stitches and techniques you’ll need to get familiar with are:
Slip knot and chain;
Single crochet and single crochet in the back loop;
Double crochet in the front loop.
And how can you learn the basics to get started (and hooked)?
There are many generous crocheters out there who share their knowledge online. Here are only a few to get you started in the best way possible.
Susan Lowman, The Crochet Architect
Ready, set, go!
Now that you’re set to begin your mosaic crochet journey, spill all the beans! What are you making? What would you love making using this technique? Tell me everything. I want to know. Asking for a friend… ;)
Happy crafting <3
Ana
I learned about mosaic crochet about a year ago. I saw a pattern by Abi McIntyre called The Christmas Tree Farm and thought it was wonderful.
It's about half way done at this point.
I'm glad to see you're writing about it, it gives such dimension to the project. I need to look up the trick to not have so many ends. I plan to do a double border to make those ends disappear.
Yes! I’d love to learn mosaic crochet. Thanks, Ana, for such an inspiring post. And the links, I’m grateful for the links!
I’ve been a knitter for years and have VERY limited crochet experience: a sweet Toft bunny and an occasional provisional cast on for knitting. However, your encouragement, passion, and enthusiasm for mosaic crochet are contagious and I’d love to learn.