How to Crochet Overlay Mosaic: Free Chart & Tutorial

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Learn how to crochet overlay mosaic with my free chart and video tutorial in both right and left-handed versions. Mosaic crochet is easier than it looks and creates an incredible surface pattern! This blog post will help you understand the basics of inset mosaic. If you’ve always wanted to try this technique but felt too intimidated by the patterns, you’re in the right place!

What is Mosaic Crochet

Mosaic crochet is a colourwork technique that uses simple stitches to create beautiful, intricate-looking patterns. Despite its detailed appearance, it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly because you only work with one colour of yarn per row, reducing the need for frequent yarn changes. The magic lies in strategically placed stitches, often UK double or treble stitches, which build up bold geometric designs, stripes, and motifs that look far more complex than they are to make. Mosaic crochet can be worked in different styles, such as overlay or inset, each offering its own unique finish, making it a versatile and rewarding technique for crocheters of all levels.

The Difference Between Overlay & Inset

Overlay

• Stitches worked into the blo only of the current row or the flo only of the stitch 2 rows down 
• Pattern work in one row of each colour without turning.
• Yarn tied off at the end of each row which created lots of ends.

Inset

• Stitches worked into full stitch.
• Pattern worked in 2 rows of each colour turning at the end of row.
• The yarn is not tied off, meaning there are fewer ends than overlay the mosaic because you ‘float up the yarn’.
• CLICK HERE for the free chart and tutorial.

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Overlay Front

To understand Overlay Mosaic Crochet, you need a basic understanding of what Overlay Crochet is. Simply put: Overlay Crochet uses the FLO (front loops only) or BLO (back loops only) methods to create textured or layered work.

So, Overlay Mosaic Crochet is: A technique that requires you to work in the BLO and then drop down to pick up the front loop of stitches from lower rows.

This creates textured stitches that lay over the stitches from previous rows and can be used to create wonderfully intricate patterns.

The image below shows you what this technique looks like from the back of your work.

Overlay Back

Terms & Abbreviations

Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.

Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your crochet stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.

Video Tutorials

Right-handed

Or you can watch on YouTube

Left-handed

Or you can watch on YouTube

3 Ways to Deal with Your Ends

Don’t let all those ends put you off exploring this stunning technique, because I have three ways of how you can deal with all those ends!

Mosaic Crochet Blanket Patterns

I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet

sarah-jayne