Finishing technique · Surface and colourwork
Surface Crochet
Slip stitches worked on top of finished fabric to draw lines, outlines and lettering, much like embroidery with a hook.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Category
- Techniques
- Common fibres
- Cotton, Wool, Metallic Thread
Definition
Surface crochet adds decoration after the fact: the hook passes through existing fabric and pulls loops of a new yarn through to form a raised chain line on the surface.
Overview
It is the simplest way to add curves and script to crocheted fabric, since neither mosaic nor tapestry methods handle smooth diagonals well. Lines can follow any direction and can be removed later if the yarn is not secured.
Also used to tidy colour transitions, define a motif outline, or add a contrasting grid over a plain ground.
Characteristics
- Worked on top of finished fabric
- Free-drawing curves and script possible
- Adds no structural bulk
Typical uses
- Outlines and lettering
- Decorative grids
- Motif definition
- Personalisation
Related entries
Follow the thread
In the atelier
Pieces that use this
More in Surface and colourwork