How to Mosaic Crochet: I have already talked about How to Read Mosaic Knitting Charts. So today, let’s do the same for crochet.
IMPORTANT ADDENDUM (1 Oct 2020)
Please note that while this MC (Mosaic Crochet) tutorial is still valid, I would actually strongly recommend other methods of MC.I have written tutorials on these other MC methods which are very much easier to do and understand. In order of preference:
• CMC (Clean Mosaic Crochet) tutorial
• Overlay Mosaic Crochet tutorial
In Mosaic Knitting vs Mosaic Crochet, I showed you the differences between the two outputs. And I already talked about the confusion over the question of what is mosaic crochet. And because there is some confusion, let me be clear here as to what I mean when I say Mosaic Crochet.
My Definition of Mosaic Crochet
Basically that means, one should be able to crochet off a Mosaic Knitting chart. Barbara Walker, the clever lady who first coined the term “Mosaic Knitting” has a whole collection of charted patterns. You can also create your own of course. And without doubt, knowing how to work off a visual chart is much, much easier than working off rows and rows of text.
Another significant feature and attraction of Mosaic Knitting and Mosaic Crochet, is that you can work in colours without having to change colours mid-row.
I really dislike reading text-only instructions. And I really like working off visual charts. So that is what we are going to do here.
How to Read Mosaic Crochet Charts
Note: I am going to use a Barbara Walker Mosaic Knitting chart (the same chart used in How to Read Mosaic Knitting Charts), but now we will be crocheting.
Even tho it is usually not shown on the chart, we always start off with one foundation row of sc (single crochet).
• R1 & all odd rows (RS) – read from right to left
• R2 & all even rows (WS) – read from left to right (But really, you won’t need to read on even rows. As I will shortly explain)
A sq-row is a Row of Squares. And each sq-row represents 2 rows (worked in one colour). (R1&2; R3&4; R5&6; etc.)
The right-most square of each row of squares on the graph, identifies the colour you will be working with.
Tip:I don’t have to say you can substitute the B/W shown with any colours of your choice, right? And that you can change that duo colour combination at any row. I am sure you realise that already, right?
Let’s start reading the chart. Starting at the bottom-right of the chart.
• R1: Whenever you see a black square, you sc (single crochet). When you see a white square, you ch (chain).
When chaining (to prevent puckering) –
1 sq = 2 ch
2 sq = 3 ch
3 sq = 4 ch, etc.
The next part will seem a bit complicated. But stay strong! I promise you that the written text only looks more complicated. But when you do it, it will be much easier. So I strongly suggest you actually crochet along and it will become much clearer. And easier!
• R3: On the chart, whenever you see a white square over black [White/Black], you sc.
And on the chart, where you see black over black [Black/Black] (remember, we are doing a White sq-row), you will chain.
1 black/black sq = 2ch
2 black/black sqs = 3ch
3 black/black sqs = 4ch, etc.
Hereafter, for every sq-row, you just need to follow the same procedure as you did in R3&4.
And that’s all there is to Reading Mosaic Crochet/Knitting charts!
Tips & Observations on Mosaic Crochet
• Every even row is pretty much a repeat/duplicate of the previous row. So that might be a good time to count your stitches to make sure your number of stitches are still correct. It can be quite easy to lose/add a stitch on the previous row accidentally.
• Though I hate to say it, as I prefer crochet over knitting at most times, reading the charts for crochet is much harder than it is for knitting.
Harder to read Chart for Crochet
That is because you have to concentrate on where to do the drop-dc stitches (I have marked them with pink vertical lines below).
And on the even rows, it is also easy to see how many slip-stitches you have (made on the previous Knit row). But it is harder to see how many chains you Crocheted in the previous row.
Nonetheless, once you get used to reading these charts for Crochet, you will find, as I have, that it does get easier. I promise!
Feedback
I received this feedback from a lovely reader, Darlene, who was not able to use the comments box from her tablet. Darlene has given me permission to post her comments here and I do so coz it mades me so happy whenever I hear that what I blog is of use to someone. Thanks Darlene!
