My First Mosaic Crochet Project: Lessons, Mistakes & Tips
Is mosaic crochet not one of the coolest things to look at?! I’ve wanted to try this technique for so long because of its design flexibility. You can do modern shapes, bold patterns, graphic design style elements, all with constant color changes and so much more.
Why I Tried Mosaic Crochet
Mosaic crochet is different to other crochet techniques because the designs are worked one color row at a time. Color changes are easy because you don't have to keep cutting and/or carrying the yarn through your work.
My initial expectation was that this technique was going to be very difficult. It looks complicated because of the color changes and the finished detail at the end of the project. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to figure out how to use multiple colors at a time without cutting the yarn as I went. I was also concerned because I didn’t want to see the colors being carried through the work (like what initially happened with my first crochet logo project).
What Is Mosaic Crochet (For Those Who Know the Basics)?
Mosaic Crochet uses only one color per row to create patterns without complex color changes but there are different types of mosaic crochet techniques.
Overlay mosaic crochet
This is one of the most common mosaic techniques. It’s worked only from the right side (RS), rows are fastened off at the end, double crochets are often used over the row below resulting in a nice and thick finished project.
Inset mosaic crochet
Similar to overlay, inset mosaic uses similar techniques but is worked on both sides (you end up turning the work) and the yarn is carried up the sides. There is less fastening off and weaving in ends.
Reversible mosaic crochet
The design is a mirror image of each other on both sides of the work which ends up making the finished project much thicker than using typical techniques.
What Surprised Me
The Good Surprises
- Mosaic crochet is much easier than it looks
- No yarn carrying across rows so you won’t see any yarn peeking through unless it’s intentional for the design
- You don't switch colors in the middle of rows
- Overlay mosaic crochet as a very distinguishable “wrong” side to it compared to inset or reversible.
- Once you get into a rhythm you feel confident and keep pushing forward
The Challenges
- Counting!! Don’t get me started on this one. We all think we know how to count until we start crocheting!
- Remembering BLO work vs drop-down placements (it's easy to mess this up!)
- Reading charts vs written instructions. It’s a mental switch for me!
- Managing tension on drop-down stitches
- Actually READING the written instructions properly
I cannot tell you how many times I thought I was convinced the pattern was wrong but then realized I wasn’t reading the instructions correctly. FACE PALM.
My First Project: What I Chose & Why
I wanted my first mosaic experience to be one that has been tested multiple times so that I KNOW I’m not dealing with any pattern issues. I also wanted to use yarn that I already had in my stash!
Hook size wasn’t a big deal for me since I already have multiple hooks on hand, but I love learning new patterns with a 5mm hook because the stitches are easier to manipulate and I can easily see what I am doing vs what the stitch patten should actually look like.
Gauge wasn’t incredibly important to me, but if the project called for one, I would do it.
So, keeping this all in mind, I decided that my first mosaic crochet experience was going to be with the mosaic granny square patterns that are being used in Juniper and Oak’s Granny Mosaic Square CAL. I’ve been following them for a while and love their designs, especially since they are very friendly for beginner mosaic crocheters. This CAL is perfect for those of us that want to hone our mosaic crochet skills without committing to a massive project using the same pattern. The different granny square patterns keep the experience enjoyable without it being overwhelming.
Technical Observations (For Intermediate Crocheters Who Love Details)
Here are some things I noticed while working on my mosaic crochet:
Tension Control
- How drop-down stitches affect fabric tension: I noticed I tend to crochet on the tight side when doing drop downs so I had to make sure I was consistent with the amount of yarn pulled.
- Blocking can make a huge difference! Before blocking I had uneven edging because of all of my pulling and manipulating tension changes while working through the project. Once it was blocked, it was consistent in size and tension, the stitches looked better and it had an overall professional feel to it.
Fabric Density
- Thicker than expected: I love the thicker feel lol the fabric when using overlays!
- Good for blankets though Im not sure if this would be a good option for a wearable such as a garment. Scarves yes, shirt, probably not.
- Drape is less than just using single crochet. Because of the nature of the overlays or working both sides (depending on the technique you use), you will have to choose your yarn carefully depending on the drape results you are looking for.
Chart Reading Strategy
- Track your rows! Number them if you have to, or use check marks so you know which ones you have done. I can be easy to lose your place without marking the chart.
- Marking repeats can be helpful when you are first learning. As you do more, and depending on the writing style of the pattern designer, you many not need to mark the repeats as much. If marking repeats works for you, then keep doing it!
- I like to check off or cross out completed rows. Some people like to highlight the rows they finish. It’s really up to you. Just make sure you come up with a system that works for you.
Border? Yes or No?
You may not always need a border but this is one of the things that I love about intermediate crochet. This is the skill level where we start thinking of other things that are possible with the work we are doing.
Maybe you are working on a pattern that doesn’t have a border but you know one would look nicer on it. Then do it! Get creative and try it out. You can always frog the border if you don't like it! Trying new things just improves your skills as a crocheter!
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
My painfully truthful mistakes I made during the learning process (you will too if you haven't already!)
- Miscounting repeats
- Forgetting a drop-down stitch
- Mixing up a drop-down vs regular stitch
- Choosing terrible color combinations (not enough contrast, etc)
- Not reading the instructions carefully and mentally assuming what comes next
Who I Think Mosaic Crochet Is Perfect For
I truly believe that this technique is perfect for intermediate skilled crocheters!
- It’s great for those of us comfortable with working from charts but there are plenty with written instructions too!
- Anyone bored with basic stripes and looking to try something new
- Crocheters who love geometric shapes and designs
- Anyone intimidated by fair isle crochet but wants more colorwork practice
Would I Do It Again? (Spoiler: Absolutely Yes!)
I’ve already started another mosaic crochet project as I am writing this, so yes! The pattern uses granny square designs, which Im not always fond of, but I love this with mosaic crochet because I get to switch up the pattern design for each square.
I definitely recommend starting with something that feels doable. I like the squares because they are theoretically a shorter project than doing one big continuous blanket. Scarves are great too because they are smaller. But choose whatever you feel comfortable doing!
If You Want to Try Mosaic Crochet, Start Here
- Look for patterns from reputable mosaic crochet sources! Many of their patterns are tested first to work out any pattern errors. Don’t get more frustrated than you need to be! Here are some that I have personally tried and some that I have seen designs from that I want to try:
- Juniper and Oaks (I’ve tried from here!)
- Rosina Crochets
- Bella Coco (I’ve tried from here!)
- Tinna Thorudottir Thorvaldsdottir
- Sixel Design
- Bebablanket
- Lila Bjorn Crochet
- Pretty Peaceful
- Ashlee Brotzell Designs
- There are a lot of patterns that use DK acrylic yarn especially for blankets which is nice because a lot of us already have that in our stashes!
- Hook sizing: Try to find patterns that use around 5mm hooks to make sure you practice the technique. This hook size allows you to see the stitches easier. You can always go for a smaller hook and more intricate pattern later.
- If you can, print your pattern. Doesn’t matter if it’s a chart or written pattern, but it's easier to follow on paper. You can make notes in the margins, cross off what you have done, etc. You could even customize it the way you like and make note of it (its still someone else’s design if you are just making simple changes like adding a border or changing the color, so please do I not claim it as your own).
- Block when finished. You spent all of that time and learned a new skill. Take the time to treat your final project with care and boost your confidence with a great looking project!
Summary
I hope this read has inspired you to give mosaic crochet a try! It really is such a beautiful form of crochet. Just be sure to give yourself time and space to learn it so you can enjoy it!
