Ready to add some vibrant patterns to your crochet projects? Tapestry crochet is a simple yet awesome technique to bring designs to life in your work. From cozy blankets to eye-catching wall art, this tutorial breaks down the basics of tapestry crochet, making it easy for beginners to start. So, grab your yarn, choose your colors, and let’s join us in the world of tapestry crochet!
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What is a Tapestry Crochet?
Tapestry crochet is a fun and creative method that allows you to make designs resembling woven tapestries—except you’re using crochet stitches! It’s almost like painting with yarn!
How It Works
- Multiple Yarns at Once: You work with several yarn colors, carrying the unused ones as you crochet.
- Easy Color Changes: Switch colors mid-row without cutting the yarn, keeping everything neat and seamless.
- Hidden Yarn: The carried yarn is tucked into your stitches, creating smooth, clean transitions.
Why Use Tapestry Crochet?
This technique is perfect for vibrant, colorful projects like:
- Wall hangings
- Bags
- Rugs
- Other Decorative pieces
To achieve crisp color changes and well-defined designs, tighter stitches like single crochet are often used. This creates a dense fabric that prevents gaps where colors shift.
Supplies You’ll Need
Just like any crochet project, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Tapestry Pattern: A chart or written instructions that guide your design. Start with simple patterns if you’re a beginner, and gradually explore more intricate designs as you build confidence.
- Yarn: Choose at least two colors according to the pattern. If you are using different yarn types, keep the yarn weight consistent for a smooth finish.
[I use Bernat’s Marker Home for this tutorial, just in case you want to know.] - Crochet Hook: Pick the correct hook size according to your pattern or yarn. Typically, a medium-sized hook, such as a 5mm, works well with tapestry crochet.
[I use a Clover Armour 5 mm hook to match my crocheting yarn.] - Tapestry Needle: Useful for weaving in the ends with a blunt tip.
- Scissors: A sharp pair helps cut the yarn cleanly without fraying.
Choosing the right materials is essential for a smooth tapestry crochet experience. High-quality yarns and a comfortable crochet hook can make the process more enjoyable and help you achieve a polished final product.
Basic Crochet Stitch Needed
It’s great to get familiar with some basic crochet techniques to kick off your tapestry crochet project. First, you’ll want to be comfortable with the single crochet stitch (sc). In the U.K., this is known as double crochet (dc). This stitch is your best friend in tapestry crochet! Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be on your way to creating a sturdy fabric that beautifully showcases your colorful designs.
Also, while single crochet in the two top loops is a staple, don’t forget that tapestry crochet works great with other stitches, too! You can use the back loop only (BLO), or Waistcoat Stitch (Ws) (Split Single Crochet, SSC). Even half double crochet (HDC) and double crochet (DC) can work, though they’re a bit less common.
Changing Colors
Next, it’s essential to learn how to change colors smoothly. There are two main approaches for changing colors in tapestry crochet:
- Traditional method
- Invisible method
Each has its advantages, depending on the type of project you’re working on.
Traditional Color Change Method
The traditional color-changing method is super easy and widely used in crochet. It’s great for projects where the back isn’t too visible or when using finer yarn, though it can leave a little trail of unfinished stitches on the reverse side (as shown in the picture above).
- Work the last stitch in the old color until the last two loops remain on the hook.
- Drop the old color and pick up the new color.
- Pull the new color through both loops to complete the stitch.
- Continue crocheting with the new color.
Invisible Color Change Method
The invisible color change method enhances traditional techniques by providing a clean, polished appearance on both sides of your crochet work. It is ideal for projects such as wall hangings and coasters, where it’s important for both sides to look identical. This method is particularly beneficial for bulkier yarns, where each stitch is more prominent.
With this technique, the back shows a tidy “V” shape, just like the front. It might take a bit more effort, but the smooth, professional finish is well worth it!
- Work the last stitch in the old color until you have two loops on the hook, as with the traditional method.
- Instead of dropping the old color, bring it to the front and over the new color.
- Once it’s crossed over, drop the old color and pick up the new color from the back to create a twist.
- Pull the new color through both loops to finish the stitch.
- Keep on crocheting with the new color until the next color change!
How To Work With Multiple Yarns
Working with multiple yarns in tapestry crochet can feel challenging at first, but with a few simple tips, you can keep your yarns organized and manageable. Whether you’re managing just two colors or a whole palette, these tips will help you stay in control and keep your project looking neat and tidy.
Hold Multiple Yarns
When working with multiple yarns in tapestry crochet, maintaining tension on the unused yarn is key to keeping it smooth and manageable. To do this, drape the unused yarn over the top of your stitches and gently hold it behind your work. Use your ring and pinky fingers to control the tension, just as you would when holding your working yarn.
While crocheting, gently pull the yarn to maintain consistent tension after every few stitches. This will help you avoid loose or bunched-up strands at the back of your work, as illustrated in the picture below. However, if the back is not visible, it won’t significantly affect the overall appearance.
Positioning Carried Yarn
Consistently position the unused yarn towards the back of your work throughout each row or round so the carried yarn won’t show through from the front. This keeps your stitches neat and your project looking polished.
For row projects, after completing a row, always turn your work in the same direction to start the new row. Make sure to carry the yarn to the back at the beginning of the row. This practice helps maintain a clean and tidy appearance, as shown in the picture below.
Prevent Tangling Yarns
Yarn tangling is inevitable in tapestry crochet, especially when working with multiple colors. It’s best to untangle the yarns early before the tangles become too serious and harder to manage. Tackling this challenge can be done in various ways, but my favorite method is using a salad spinner. Here are some popular approaches:
- Yarn Bowls: Keeps each yarn ball stationary, preventing rolling and tangling.
- Yarn Bobbins: Wind smaller amounts of yarn onto bobbins for better control with multiple colors.
- Yarn Management Stands: Holds multiple skeins or balls separately, allowing smooth unwinding.
- Yarn Organizers: Compartmentalized containers with holes to guide each yarn strand individually.
- DIY Solution: Salad Spinner: To prevent yarns from twisting, simply turn the spinner to release any twists in the yarn strands. This household item is an effective and low-cost solution for smooth, tangle-free crocheting.
How To Read Tapestry Pattern
Tapestry patterns usually include a main crochet pattern (written or as a diagram) and a color chart in the grid format. Each square on the grid represents a stitch in a specific color.
I’ve created a simple tree pattern that walks you through crocheting with round and row methods, helping you learn to read and work with a tapestry pattern.
Click here to learn how to read crochet patterns for beginners.
Crochet Tapestry in the Round
Let’s make a cozy bottle cover with the tree design to show you how to do tapestry crochet in the round. Just follow the written instructions below, and you’ll have it finished in no time!
When working in rounds, read the pattern from the bottom of the grid and move upwards. Because you are crocheting in a circular motion without turning your crochet work, always read the pattern from right to left. As you crochet, refer to the grid pattern to see which color to use for the next stitch.
Crochet Pattern:
Begin with a slip knot (sl knot) on your hook
Foundation chain: ch 40. Join the round with sl st.
Round 1-19: ch, sc 40 with tapestry pattern 2 times. Join the round with sl st.
Fasten off and hide the yarn ends.
Explanations:
- Foundation: Start by creating a foundation ring with 40 chain stitches.
- Round 1: chain 1 for the turning chain. Work single crochets all around, ensuring the unused yarn is carried along and hidden within the stitches.
- Color Changes: Continue crocheting until the pattern indicates a color change. When switching colors, work the final stitch of the current color until two loops remain on the hook. Drop the old color, pick the new one, and pull it through both loops to finish the stitch. You may change color using the traditional or invisible method mentioned above.
- Continue: Proceed with the new color and follow the pattern.
Crochet Tapestry in the Rows
Working in rows is much like working in the round, but it takes a bit more attention when switching directions. To get the hang of it, let’s create a flat square coaster featuring the tree design. Just follow the written crochet pattern below!
When working in rows, start reading the pattern from the bottom of the grid and work your way up. Since you’ll be turning your work with each row, read the colorwork pattern from right to left on odd-numbered rows and from left to right on even-numbered rows.
Crochet Pattern:
Begin with a slip knot (sl knot) on your hook.
Foundation chain: ch 20, turn.
Row 1 – 19: ch, sc 20 with tapestry pattern, turn.
Fasten off and hide the yarn ends.
Explanations:
- Foundation: Start by chaining 20 to create your foundation chain.
- Row 1: Begin with a turning chain of 1. Work single crochet stitches across the row, carrying the unused yarn along and hiding it within the stitches for a clean look.
- Turning: When you finish the row, always turn your work in the same direction. For each new row, start with a turning chain and position the carried yarn at the back of your work before crocheting.
- Color Changes: Continue following the pattern until it’s time to change colors. To switch colors, do not complete the final stitch of the current color—leave two loops on the hook. Drop the old color, pick up the new one, and pull it through both loops to complete the stitch. For a seamless and polished appearance, it’s best to use the invisible color change method.
Proceed with the new color, following the tapestry pattern as instructed.
Tips for Successful Tapestry Crochet
- Practice! Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect—practice helps.
- Even Tension: Keep your stitches even to prevent puckering or loose strands from showing through.
- Even Crochet Gauge: Always carry all the colors along and hide them in the stitches from the very beginning. This will help maintain an even stitch size throughout the project. Learn more about crochet gauge if this is new to you.
- Avoid Tangling: Use yarn holders or bowls to prevent your yarns from tangling. I used a salad spinner to release the twisting yarns before they got tangled.
- Plan Colors: Sketch out your design or choose colors carefully to help avoid mistakes.
- Check The Back: Make sure to crochet over the unused carried yarn with every stitch. Missing this step can result in visible floats of yarn on the wrong side of your work.
What’s Next?
- Start practicing your tapestry projects and share them on Facebook and Instagram to show your friends! Don’t forget to tag us @@madefromyarn so we can see what you’ve created.
- Not ready to dive into this new technique just yet? No problem! Save this tutorial by pinning it to Pinterest for later.
- If you’re a beginner looking to learn more about crochet, check out our Crochet Basics Library, where we’re constantly adding new tips and resources to help you on your crochet journey.