Technique · Surface and colourwork

Overlay Crochet

Stitches are worked into the front loops or posts of rows below, layering raised motifs on top of a flat crocheted base.

Difficulty: Advanced
Category: Techniques
Common fibres: Mercerized Cotton, Cotton, Acrylic

Definition

Overlay crochet builds a background fabric first, then adds stitches worked into earlier rows so that motifs physically sit above the surface.

Overview

Because the overlay stitches skip past the current row, they create strong shadow and relief. Colour changes are usually made with complete rounds, so multiple colours can appear in a motif without carrying yarn across the back.

The technique is strongly associated with contemporary mandala design, where concentric rounds of relief petals radiate from a centre.

Characteristics

Stitches anchored into loops or posts several rows below
Pronounced three-dimensional relief
One-sided: the reverse is plain

Typical uses

Mandalas and wall art
Cushion fronts
Bag panels
Statement coasters

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Related entries

Follow the thread

Technique

Mosaic CrochetGeometric two-colour patterns made by working one colour at a time and dropping stitches down into the row below, with no yarn carried across.

Technique variant

Overlay Mosaic CrochetA mosaic variant worked in back loops only with front-post or surface stitches added over the top, giving relief as well as pattern.

Style

Mandala CrochetCircular designs worked outward in rounds, each round introducing a new stitch pattern or colour.

In the atelier

Pieces that use this

Cushion Covers Wall Hangings Coasters

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