Is it Tapestry?

My next technique is tapestry crochet. This technique is similar to fair isle.  There are a few subtle differences which allow it to be used for different applications.

I am, again, fond of this technique as it lets me indulge in my fondness for vintage designs, in particular filet designs.

Tapestry crochet is worked from a chart and filet patterns, once again, work really well for this.

But how do you do it, I hear you ask. Well, let me tell you.

However, before we get into that, the basics of tapestry crochet, like fair isle, are simple one block on your chart equals one extended single crochet.

To do the extended single crochet:

• Start to row with one turning chain;

• Insert your hook into the first stitch;

• Yarn over and pull up a loop. Now you will have two loops on your hook;

• Yarn over and pull through only the first loop only on the hook. Now you will still have two loops on your hook;

• Yarn over and pull through both loops remaining on the hook;

• Repeat, by inserting your hook into the next stitch.

For a full tutorial you can go to this link. https://www.mybluprint.com/article/extended-single-crochet

I start by choosing two contrasting colours, usually one light and one dark and go from there. I then decide which colour is represented by the white block and which colour is represented by the black block.

Since you are working with more than one colour you will need to carry the colour that is not being worked across the piece as you work.  This is done by crocheting over the yarn that is currently not in use.  When a colour change is needed this is done in the usual manner, that is in the last yarn through of the extended single crochet stitch.

Now that the basics of tapestry crochet have been covered your tapestry crochet project can begin.

To make a piece with this method your starting chain needs to be one longer than the number of blocks on the chart. The pattern is then worked. When the pattern row is complete you will need to turn your work and read the chart from the end that you have just finished at.  That is you read your chart from left to right, then right to left etc.  Repeat this until the pattern is complete.

I will often use this technique to make coasters or wall hangings.

You can use more than two colours if you like to make, what I call a painting with yarn. If you do this I find it is easier to not crochet over the unused yarn, rather to crochet over the yarn every four or five stitches. This leaves a flatter finish.

There is another method of tapestry crochet that I use and I will do a separate post for that.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to chatting with you again soon. Charlie