Tapestry crochet refers to using multiple colours in a single crochet row in order to produce a piece that blends multiple colours together. This way of working can be used to create geometric designs and patterns, or simply to work more colours into your piece.
Crochet kits, such as those found at https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/crochet-kits, utilise tapestry crochet to create colourful and personalised animals, toys, and blankets.
Types of tapestry crochet
1. Tapestry – A catch-all term for any crochet style that carries multiple colours of yarn within the same row.
2. Fair Isle – A technique borrowed from knitting which uses two or more colours in each row to create repeated, small geometric shapes.
3. Jacquard – A technique involving complex patterns and images which are made by controlling each yarn thread individually.
4. Intarsia – A style consisting of large blocks of colour, created by using separate balls of yarn for each colour used.
How to change colour in tapestry crochet
How to practise tapestry crochet will depend on the stitch you are using. Certain stitches such as the single crochet stitch are best to begin with. This straightforward stitch will allow you to focus on adding in one new technique at a time. However, you can tapestry stitch with most foundational crochet stitches.
To begin your tapestry, start your crochet piece normally until you reach the stitch before where you would like to change colours. Then, insert your crochet hook into the next stitch, pull your new coloured yarn over, and pull through to complete the stitch in the new colour.
After integrating the new coloured yarn, carry the old colour through your piece and continue crocheting with the new colour. If you’d like to change colours again, repeat the process as many times as needed.
