8 Different Crochet Techniques: Fun New Methods To Try

Crochet is a versatile and creative art form that offers a wide range of techniques for both beginners and experienced crafters. With so many different approaches, there is always something new to try, even for experienced crocheters. Each technique offers an exciting way to create unique and stunning projects.

1. Tapestry Crochet

Tapestry crochet is a versatile colorwork technique that allows you to create beautiful and intricate patterns by carrying multiple colors of yarn throughout your work. This method can be performed with any of the basic crochet stitches, such as single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, so it is very accessible to beginners.

One of the main advantages of tapestry crochet is its ability to create stunning patterns with clean color changes. These designs can be geometric, floral, or even intricate images that look like artwork rather than crochet. The technique is popular for making items such as bags, pillows, blankets, and even garments.

To get started with tapestry crochet, you’ll need to select your desired colors of yarn and an appropriate crochet hook for the chosen material. You may find that you want to go down a hook size in order to get good coverage of the carried yarn.

In tapestry crochet, you will crochet over the unused colors, carrying them along with you as you work. This creates a reversible fabric that is slightly thicker and sturdier than traditional crochet.

When you are ready to change color from A to B, complete all of the steps of the last stitch in yarn A except the final pull through. When you are ready to perform that last pull through, drop yarn A and pick up yarn B. Then pull a loop of yarn B through the final loops on your hook, ready to make the next stitch with yarn B.

For example, when crocheting with double crochet (dc) stitches, you would change color from yarn A to yarn B by making the last dc with yarn A as follows:

1. With yarn A, yarn over hook (yoh), insert hook into work, yoh and pull through work (3 loops of yarn A on hook).
2. Still with yarn A, yoh and pull through two loops on hook (2 loops of yarn A on hook).
3. Drop yarn A, pick up yarn B.  Yoh and pull through two loops on hook (1 loop of yarn B on hook). 

You are now ready to make the next stitch with yarn B.

Consistent practice and some patience will help you become proficient at tapestry crochet. It is also essential to keep track of your pattern, either by following a chart or written instructions, to ensure that your design turns out correctly.

For more detailed information about performing tapestry crochet, read this post or watch this tutorial.

2. Motif Work

Motif work is an extremely well-known and popular crochet technique. It involves creating small, individual pieces called motifs, and then joining them together to create a larger project such as a blanket, bag, cushion or even a garment. These motifs may be square, hexagonal or even octagonal (combined with small squares). The motif work technique can showcase a wide range of crochet stitches and patterns, making it visually appealing, versatile and accessible to a range of crochet abilities and preferences.

Probably the most popular type of motif work is of course the granny square. This is a classic crochet pattern that can be readily found in numerous variations. It is one of the first patterns many crocheters learn. To create a granny square, crocheters typically start with a small central circle or square, then build up rounds of crochet stitches around it. It’s an excellent way to experiment with different yarns, as the self-contained nature of the motifs allows for easy mix-and-match possibilities.

The process of joining the crochet motifs is essential in creating a cohesive piece. There are various methods to connect the motifs, such as:

• Sewing the edges together using a yarn needle and the whip stitch
• Using crochet stitches like slip stitch or single crochet to join the pieces
• Joining-as-you-go, where motifs are connected during the process of crochet, saving time and minimizing the need for sewing afterward

3. Color Blocking

Color blocking in crochet is an exciting way to create patterns and designs using contrasting or bold colors. This technique adds visual interest to your crochet projects, making them captivating and unique.

One way to achieve color blocking is to use basic stitches such as single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet with different colored yarns. Alternatively, follow a pattern for your chosen project but simply change color at your desired points.

A simple approach is to crochet stripes, alternating colors as you work your rows or rounds. By working with multiple colors, you can create bold patterns that highlight each shade.

Incorporating color blocking into your crochet patterns is a fun and creative way to experiment with new styles and techniques, giving your projects a vibrant and dynamic appearance.

4. Mosaic Crochet

Mosaic crochet is a colorwork technique that is known for producing hugely attractive geometric designs. It can be used in various types of projects including blankets, cushions and accessories.

In mosaic crochet, a single yarn is used for any given round or row. You make different stitches depending on whether or not you want that yarn to ultimately stay visible in that location. In the next row or round, when another colour yarn is used, you crochet in front of some of the stitches from the previous row or round to cover them with the new colour.

For stitches that are just for a current row, single crochet stitches are used (UK double crochet). For stitches that are also covering up stitches from a previous row, double crochet stitches are used (UK treble crochet) into the relevant stitch from two rows before, thereby covering up the stitch from the row below.

In some versions of mosaic crochet, the front and back loops of the previous row are used depending on whether or not you want a particular stitch to stay visible. If you want a stitch to stay visible, you make it in the front loop. If you want a stitch to be “filled in” or covered with a different yarn colour later, then you make it in the back loop so that another stitch can then be made in front of it, in the unused front loop.

In other versions, if you want a stitch to stay visible then you make it through both loops of the previous stitch. However, if you want to skip a stitch with a certain colour yarn, chains are made to skip that stitch, and then they are crocheted in front of with a different yarn colour in a later row.

5. Corner-to-Corner Crochet

Corner-to-corner crochet (often abbreviated as “C2C” crochet) is a somewhat unusual way of creating a crochet item. You start in one corner and crochet small squares or “tiles” of double crochet stitches in a step-wise fashion along the diagonal. It can be used for blankets, cushions and other homeware items.

To start with, you increase the number of tiles in each row until you reach your desired width or length. You then decrease each row until you get to the final corner. This can be a really satisfying way to crochet as the start and end of a project have a real sense of speed about them!

 Follow these steps to make your first tile:

1. Chain 6.
2. Double crochet (dc) into the 4th chain from the hook.
3. Dc into the next 2 chains.

Next, continue your project by adding more tiles to build the diagonal rows.

For the second diagonal row:

1. Chain 6 and dc into the 4th chain from the hook and into the next two chains.
2. Slip stitch into the chain 3 space created by the first three chains of the first tile.
3. To make the next tile in this row, chain 3 and make 3 dc into the same chain 3 space.

Turn your work and then make the third diagonal row as follows:

1. Chain 6 and dc into the 4th chain from the hook and into the next two chains.
2. Slip stitch into the chain 3 space created by the first three chains of the last tile of the previous row.
3. Chain 3 and make 3 dc into the same chain 3 space.
4. Slip stitch into the next chain 3 space of the previous row.
5. Chain 3 and make 3 dc into the same chain 3 space.

Continue with this pattern adding an extra tile to each diagonal row until you reach your desired width.

When you are ready to start decreasing, instead of starting a row with chain 6, simply slip stitch across the last tile of the previous row, chain 3 and create the next tile as usual.

6. Filet Crochet

Filet crochet is a really beautiful technique that involves creating patterns in your project by the use of spaces (or skipped stitches) in particular locations in your work. It can be used for blankets, garments and accessories.

Filet crochet can be worked in rows or in the round.

To make a simple filet crochet project worked in rows, follow these steps:

1. Make a foundation chain with the desired number of stitches for one row.
2. Double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook
3. Continue along the row with a combination of open (chain) and closed (double crochet) stitches, following your chosen pattern. When you make an “open” stitch with a chain, skip one stitch (from the foundation chain) before forming the next double crochet.
4. When you get to the end of the row, turn, chain 2, and work the next row in the same way. The double crochet stitches are worked into the tops of the corresponding double crochet stitches from the previous row or the chain spaces, as needed. When you crochet a chain to make an “open” stitch, skip the corresponding double crochet or chain from the row before.
5. Continue repeating step 4 until you have completed your project.

Filet crochet patterns can be provided as written patterns but often they are also or alternatively presented in the form of a chart. In such cases, a grid is provided with each block shaded or unshaded depending on whether it represents a double crochet stitch or a chain space. 

For more details about using filet crochet in your projects, read this post.

7. Bobbles and Puff Stitches

Bobbles and puff stitches are a great way to add fun pops of texture into your projects. They can be made in the same color as the rest of the work or in a different color to make them stand out even more.

There are various types of bobble and puff stiches depending on the stitch used in the rest of a row and the exact texture you would like to achieve.

Typically, a bobble stitch is a cluster of double crochet stitches, all worked into the same stitch. 

Follow these steps to make a simple bobble stitch:

1. Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop.
2. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 several (e.g. four or five) times in the same stitch.
4. Finally, yarn over and draw through all the loops on the hook. You will then have one loop left on your hook and be ready to start the next stitch.

For more information about a range of different bobble and puff stitches, read this post.

8. Brioche Crochet

Brioche crochet is a beautiful and somewhat surprising technique that can add texture and depth to your projects. By changing your yarn color at different times, various types of stripes (e.g. horizontal or vertical) can be created in your work.

Brioche crochet is usually worked in the round so that you are always working on the right side of your work. To create a simple brioche crochet item, follow these steps:

1. Crochet your first round with an even number of single crochet (sc) stitches.
2. Crochet the next round with alternating sc and scBLO (back loop only) stitches.
3. Crochet the next round with alternating scBLO and dcFLO stitches, working the dcFLO into the unworked front loop of the corresponding scBLO from two rounds before.
4. Crochet the next round with alternating dcFLO and scBLO stitches, again working the dcFLO into the unworked front loop of the corresponding scBLO from two rounds before.
5. Crochet the next round with alternating scBLO and FPdc stitches, working the FPdc around the corresponding dcFLO from two rounds before.
6. Crochet the next round with alternating FPdc and scBLO stitches, working the FPdc around the corresponding dcFLO from two rounds before.
7. Crochet the next round with alternating scBLO and FPdc stitches, working the FPdc around the corresponding FPdc from two rounds before.
8. Crochet the next round with alternating FPdc and scBLO stitches, working the FPdc around the corresponding FPdc from two rounds before.
9. Keep repeating rounds 7 and 8 until you have your desired number of rounds.

As an alternative to the scBLO stitches used in the above method, you could just make a chain stitch and crochet in front of it in the next round. This creates a slightly less dense fabric and uses less yarn.

Read this post for more information about brioche crochet or watch this tutorial.

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