Tapestry crochet is one of those things that looks much more difficult than it is. Today I’ll share a free tapestry crochet pattern, and walk you through the steps. I think you’ll be hooked. (Horrible pun totally intended.)
I also have a video tutorial for you at the bottom of this post. I find the video to be simpler to follow with this technique, so be sure to give it a watch!
What is Tapestry Crochet
Tapestry crochet is a form of color work that allows you to create pictures or designs within your piece. It is typically made using single crochet stitches, and at least two colors. You will carry your unused color by crocheting over it along your row, and changing colors as needed.
If you’re not sure how to change colors, be sure to check out this post for instructions. We’ll be using this technique a lot.
Tapestry crochet patterns are usually presented as written instructions, or as charts. Sometimes both! Today we’ll be using a chart, and I personally find it to be the easiest method. This is especially true when working complex patterns.
I wanted this tutorial to focus on the main skills for tapestry crochet; reading the chart, carrying your yarn and color changes. For that reason, we’ll be cutting our yarn at the end of each row, and joining it again at the beginning. When working back and forth in rows there is an additional technique of which way to carry your yarn, but I wanted to keep this super simple.
Don’t worry about all those cut ends though. We’ll use them to make fringe, so there’s no weaving in ends. Not a single one. (Cue confetti!)
Reading a Tapestry Crochet Chart
Let’s take a look at our chart below.
Each square indicates a single crochet stitch. They are color coded so you can easily tell which color to use. You will begin reading the chart in the bottom right hand corner, and work your way to the left. The following rows will all begin at the right again.
The chart is made using the actual colors of my coaster, but you can substitute for any colors you want. You’ll just need to decide which is your main color, and which in your contrasting color.
Let’s look at Row 2. You will work 3 single crochets in the main color, 3 single crochets in the contrasting color, and then repeat that pattern across.
How to Carry Unused Yarn
Each row will be worked using two strands of yarn. This is true even when working a row that is one solid color.
You will single crochet over the unused color until it’s needed. This unused yarn will be hidden in your single crochet stitches. For this reason, I always recommend sizing down about 2 hook sizes from what is recommended on your yarn label. This will make your stitches tighter, helping to hide that unused yarn.
Controlling Tension in Tapestry Crochet
Controlling the tension of your carried yarn is likely the most difficult part of this technique. It tends to get a little loose if you don’t pay attention, which can leave funky loops on the back of your piece.
I find I get the best results by holding the carried yarn behind my work, and pulled taut.
You can adjust any loose strands by pulling on the carried yarn until they disappear. However, you must be sure to do it before you complete a color change! After that, it’s locked in and you won’t be able to adjust it.
Don’t worry too much about it for your first row. Since it’s crocheted in one color, you’ll be able to adjust the carried yarn at the end of the row.
I’ll walk you through the first two rows below.
Materials
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- Two colors of cotton worsted weight yarn. I’m using I Love This Cotton in Ivory and Antique Gold.
- G-4.0mm hook
- Scissors
Pattern Notes
You will work the first and last stitch of every row with a standard single crochet. The stitches in between will be worked in the back loop only. This keeps your stitches stacked more vertically, and prevents the slanting you sometimes get when working into both loops.
Each time you begin and end a row, be sure to leave a 4″-6″ tail to create the fringe later.
Tapestry Crochet Coaster Pattern
To begin, chain 22 using your main color. Be sure the tail from your slip knot is about 4″ to 6″ in length, and always leave 4″-6″ tails when starting and ending a row.
Row 1: Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook. Take your contrasting yarn, and lay it on top of your hook, with the cut end off to the right, again leaving a 4″-6″ tail.
Complete your single crochet.
Continue to single crochet in each chain, ensuring you are always working over top of your carried yarn. This means the carried yarn should lay on top of your hook as you crochet down the row.
At the end of your first row, chain 1, and cut both yarns.
Row 2: Using your main color, place a slip knot on your hook. Insert your hook in the first stitch, lay your contrasting yarn over the hook, and complete your single crochet. Single crochet two more stitches into the back loop only, making sure to always work over top of your carried yarn.
Continuing in the back loop, change to your contrasting color, and single crochet three stitches. Switch back to the main color, and single crochet three more stitches. Continue following the chart to the end.
You last single crochet should be worked into both loops. Chain 1, and cut your tails.
Continue reading the chart until your coaster is complete.
Finishing
The fringe will be created by tying three strands of yarn in a simple overhand knot. Make sure the knot is right next to the edge of your coaster before tightening.
Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut your fringe to the desired length.
Now sit back and admire your beautiful tapestry crochet coaster!