Tapestry crochet is one of my favorite crochet techniques! It consists of changing back and forth between colors and holding the colors that are not currently in use against the work. It is a great technique for crocheting pictures or to use for any project that alternates between two or more colors.
There are two videos on my YouTube channel for tapestry crochet. One explains how to use tapestry crochet, and the other one includes some tips for using this technique. I have also written the process out below with some step-by-step pictures.
Mushroom Pillow
The swatch that I am beginning to crochet in the video is for this mushroom pillow. The pattern is available on these sites:
How to Change Color
Begin by crocheting with the background color.
During the stitch before the pattern reads, “cc (change color)”, use the new color to complete the final yarn over, pull through.
While crocheting with the new color, hold the previous color against the work.
When it is time to change color again, follow the same process!
Carrying the Yarn
- For ODD numbered rows, hold the yarn against the BACK of the work (picture 1).
- For EVEN numbered rows, hold the yarn against the FRONT of the work (picture 2).
- This means that when you are crocheting an even numbered row, the inside of the pillow is facing you, so it is ok if the color changes can be seen.
The Ends of the Rows
Before the last 2 stitches of a row, drop the yarn that is being carried where it is.
- Picture 1 is the end of an odd numbered row.
- Picture 2 is the end of an even numbered row.
After the first two stitches of the next row, lift the yarn up and begin carrying it again. This picture shows the beginning of an even numbered row.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this post was helpful! 🙂