How to Crochet a Tapestry Crochet Square
A tapestry crochet square is, quite simply, a square made using the tapestry crochet technique. However, when lots of them are joined together they can produce some striking and beautiful results.
This post provides all you need to know to make a tapestry crochet square and at the bottom there are links to some patterns for you to try.
Typically, a tapestry crochet square is just a standard solid granny square where different stitches are made with different coloured yarns.
However, in some cases, different or non-standard stitches might be used as well as “regular” stitches. For example, front post stitches might be used to add texture. In other cases, parts of the square might involve crocheting two stitches together or making two stitches in the same stitch to give a smoother or less pixilated colourwork design.
How to Crochet a Tapestry Crochet Square
The Pattern Instructions
Generally, there are two ways in which the pattern might be provided.
In one way, the pattern provides written instructions detailing both:
- which stitches to make where; and
- which colour yarn to use for each stitch.
In this case, a chart might also be provided as a visual illustration of the pattern although the written instructions should be complete without it.
Most of my patterns are written this way.
In another way, the written instructions simply explain which stitches to make where but they do not specify which colour yarn to use for each stitch. A chart is then also provided (where each rectangle represents a stitch) showing which colour yarn to use for each stitch.
Following a Chart
As mentioned above, a chart is formed of rectangles where each rectangle represents one stitch. The rectangle is shaded with a colour representing the colour yarn to be used for that stitch.
For a square, the chart would typically only show one side of the square (assuming the colourwork pattern is the same for all four quarters). It would then be repeated four times to create a whole square.
For an example chart for a square, and a more detailed explanation of how to follow it, see this post.
Basic Crochet Techniques
In order to make a tapestry crochet square, you only need to know a few basic stitches:
In addition, it can be helpful to know how to make a magic ring to give your square a neat centre.
Tapestry Crochet Techniques
In order to do tapestry crochet, you will need to know:
- How to change colour; and
- How to crochet over the unused yarn.
Check out this tutorial to find out how to do both of these things.
In order to make a square using tapestry crochet, you will also need to know how to carry the yarns up to the next round. Check out this tutorial to find out how to do this.
What to do with Your Squares
Crochet squares can be used to make all kinds of items, from blankets and cushions, to bags and even garments. Let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with!
To learn a neat (invisible) way to join your squares, check out this tutorial.
For instructions to make a tote bag from your squares, see this article.
For lots more tips and ideas of what to make with your squares, have a read of this article.
Tapestry Crochet Square Patterns
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to have a go, check out these patterns. Just click on an image to get the pattern:
More Tapestry Crochet Help
Of course, it’s not just squares that can be made with tapestry crochet. Hexagons also work really well and can produce some stunning results. Check out my other patterns on my pattern page to find hexagon patterns and more.
If you’re new to tapestry crochet and would like a full written and video introduction to the technique before diving in, my step-by-step guide to tapestry crochet covers everything you need to get started. And if you’re not sure which pattern to try first, my guide to the best tapestry crochet blanket pattern for a beginner walks through what to look for and suggests some good starting points.
For a full collection of tapestry crochet tutorials, visit the Tapestry Crochet Hub.
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About Catherine
Catherine is the crochet designer and teacher behind Catherine Crochets, an independent crochet design business based in Surrey in the UK.
She specialises in crochet blanket patterns, colourwork designs, and clear, confidence-building crochet tutorials. Her work focuses especially on blankets because they offer such a satisfying and relaxing project to return to again and again.
Catherine has collaborated with yarn companies such as Sirdar and WeCrochet. Her work has been published in Crochet Now and Simply Crochet magazines, as well as the book “100 Crochet Tiles”.
