How To Tapestry Crochet Tutorial | Spooky Saturday Series
Have you ever seen a gorgeous crochet piece with intricate color-work and wondered, How did they do that? There are several techniques for adding color to your crochet projects, and in this post, I'll be showing you how to master the tapestry crochet technique.
Tapestry crochet uses at least two colors of yarn, with one color carried through the row while you work over it. For this tutorial, I’ve created a fun jack-o'-lantern pattern—perfect for the Halloween season, which is in full swing! 🎃🕸️
This pattern is extra special because it’s part of my upcoming Spooky Cardigan project. In the Cactus Lady Creation community, everyone voted on what I should make, and the winning idea was a Halloween-inspired cardigan. This jack-o'-lantern square will be one of many featured in next week’s Spooky Saturday Series video, so stay tuned!
Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel and click the bell to follow along with the series—you won’t want to miss it!
How do you read a tapestry crochet chart like the one pictured above? Follow the five steps below in order to guide you.
1. Understanding the Chart Layout: The rows are represented by numbers on the sides of the grid or rectangle image. Stitch counts are indicated by the numbers on the top and bottom of the chart.
2. Starting Row 1: Locate row 1 at the bottom right of the chart. Begin reading this row from right to left, following the symbols or colors in each square.
3. Moving to Row 2: Identify row 2 at the bottom left of the chart.
Read this second row from left to right, following the symbols or colors.
For example, for row 6 - you will read this row from left to right and stitches 1 through 4 will be worked with orange yarn, 5 through 16 with black yarn, and 17 through 20 with orange yarn.
Terms and Conditions of Pattern:
This pattern was made to be used by individual crocheters and small businesses. Feel free to make and sell them at craft fairs, and give credit to Cactus Lady Creation. I do not allow mass production of my designs.
Materials:
- 4 mm Hook
- Scissors
- Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver - Pumpkin & Black
- Embroidery Needle
Techniques:
- ch(s): chain(s)
- sl st (s): stitch (es)
- slip knot
- single crochet
Skill Level:
Advanced Beginner
Yardage Estimate:
.5 oz / 14 g ≈ 26 yards / 24m
Notes:
- Color A yarn is pumpkin and Color B yarn is Black
- Chain 1 turning chain does not count as a stitch
- Each row will have 20 stitches.
- Carry Color B from row 3 to 18.
Pattern:
To Begin: slip knot, ch 21.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in each st across with color A.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st across with color A.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st across with color A.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 6 sts
Row 5: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 5 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 5 sts with color A.
Row 6: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 12 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 4 sts with color A.
Row 7: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 3 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 6 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 3 sts with color A.
Row 8: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 2 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 10 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 2 sts with color A.
Row 9: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 2 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 12 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 2 sts with color A.
Row 10: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 2 sts with color A, 1 sc in next st with color B, 1 sc in next 6 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 6 sts with. color A, 1 sc in next st with color B, 1 sc in last 2 sts with color A.
Row 11: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 9 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 2 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 9 sts with color A.
Row 12: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st across with color A.
Row 13: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 4 sts with color A.
Row 14: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 4 sts with color A.
Row 15: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 5 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in next 4 sts with color A, 1 sc in next 3 sts with color B, 1 sc in last 5 sts with color A.
Row 16: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in first 6 sts with color A, 1 sc in the next st with color B, 1 sc in next 6 sts with color A, 1 sc in next st with color B, 1 sc in last 6 sts with color A.
Row 17:
Row 18-20: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each st across with color A.
Tie off, weave in the ends.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to dive into tapestry crochet and start adding some fun color-work to your projects! Whether you're creating a festive jack-o'-lantern or experimenting with other designs, tapestry crochet is a great way to add a graphic component to your pieces and there are so many images you can bring to life with this technique in your crochet pieces.
Don’t forget to check out next week’s video in the Spooky Saturday Series, where I’ll reveal how this jack-o'-lantern square fits into the Halloween Cardigan project!
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss any of the spooky fun. 🎃👻
Happy crocheting! 🧶