Sometimes called “jacquard crochet”, tapestry crochet is a versatile craft which can be used to make everything from small household items, such as purses and bowls, through clothing and accessories, to large sized works of art.
The main advocate of this technique is Carol Ventura, who has written books on the subject (Tapestry Crochet, More Tapestry Crochet and Bead and Felted Tapestry Crochet) as well as lecturing in the craft. She also runs the tapestry crochet website, which includes instruction videos and free patterns.
Origins
Tapestry crochet is not a new technique. It is known in Africa, Northern Europe and South America, where it is traditional used by men. It is not that well known, however, in central Europe and the US, but it is growing in popularity, thanks to Carol’s hard work. Her site has links to a web-based tapestry crochet group where ideas can be shared.
Instructions for Tapestry Crochet
To work the double crochet (dc) stitch.
- Insert the hook into the loops on the row below (or the chain, if you are working your first row), and wind the yarn around the hook.
- Pull the hook back through, bringing the yarn with it. You now have two loops on the hook. Wind your yarn around the hook.
- Pull the hook back so that the two right hand loops are slipped over the left had yarn, and off the end of the hook
To carry colour in tapestry crochet:
- When you introduce an additional colour, work the stitch as normal, and carry the yarns not in use across the top of the row below.
- Complete the stitch as normal.
To change colour in tapestry crochet
- Change colour at the stitch before your new colour.
- When you have two loops on the hook, wind your new colour yarn around the hook and pull through as normal.
- Then work stitches in your new colour, carrying the first yarn across the top of the row below, as described above.
The above instructions are available with illustrations here:
Working in the round
Working in the round gives the finest level of definition. However, it should be noted that due to the way that the stitches interlink, the pattern tends to slant (eg, right handed crocheters’ work slants to the right, and left-handers’ work slants to the left). This can be effectively incorporated into the design and works particularly well if letters are a feature of the pattern, as it gives them an italicised appearance.
Stitch detail – working flat pieces.
Because of the structure of the double crochet stitch, the rows slightly interlink with each other. This means that it is not possible to get quite the same clarity of line between colours as can be achieved through other colour yarn crafts, such as knitting. However, for patterns using large blocks of colour, this is a useful and quick technique.
Suggested designs.
This type of crochet lends itself well to straight-edged geometric patterns. For example triangles and squares work well. Patterns inspired by South America, often incorporating diamonds and zig-zags also work well.
Fabric produced
As yarns are carried through the crochet, a dense, firm fabric is produced. The more colours used in the design, the firmer the fabric.
The choice of hook size and yarn can have an overall impact on the finished item. A larger hook will not only give a fabric with a softer drape, but is also more likely to allow the carried colours to show through. A smaller hook will produce firmer work with greater pattern definition.
This is a fascinating craft which requires a minimal knowledge of crochet, but quickly yields impressive results
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