Mosaic Crochet
Mosaic Crochet is currently my favourite technique.
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Patterns are created by working 2 rows in colour A, followed 2 rows in colour B, and so on. There is no need to switch colours within rows, so the pattern builds really quickly.
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At first glance mosaic crochet charts may look complicated, but if you take one row at a time you should find they are much easier to follow than written instructions.
For this example we will be following the chart below, to create a simple coaster.
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Before we begin, some important points to help you read the chart:
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only right side (RS) rows are shown on the chart;
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on wrong side (WS) rows 'work stitches as set', that is to say dc in all dcs and trs, 2 ch over all 2ch-sps;
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read chart from right to left; bottom to top;
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the first and last sts of each row indicate the colour to be used for the whole row, and the following WS row;
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if there is no symbol in a square work 1 dc;
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work a 1 ch turning chain between rows; turning chains do not count as sts;
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the chart and written instructions are written in UK terms. For a US conversion chart see Hints & Tips page.
I used Drops Paris, 100% cotton yarn in colour 17 (colour A) and colour 41 (colour B); and a 4.5 mm hook, but any double knitting or aran weight yarn from your stash should do fine.
Finished coaster measures approx 15 x 15 cm
special abbreviation
tr3d - working in front of ch-sp work 1 tr in missed st 3 rows down.
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​Row 1 (RS) Using Colour A, 22 ch, 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch to end. Turn. 21 sts
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Row 2 (WS) 1 ch (does not count as st, here and throughout), dc across. Turn.
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Row 3 Using Colour B, 1 ch, 2 dc, [2 ch, miss 1 st, 3 dc] to last 3 sts, 2 ch, miss 1 st, 2 dc. Turn.
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Row 4 and all foll WS rows 1 ch, work sts as set. Turn.
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Row 5 Using Colour A, 1 ch, 1 dc, [2 ch, miss 1 st, 1 tr3d, 2 ch, miss 1 st, 1 dc] to end. Turn.
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Row 7 Using Colour B, 1 ch, [1 tr3d, 2 ch, miss 1 st, 1 tr3d, 1 dc] to end. Turn
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Row 9 Using Colour A, 1 ch, 2 dc, [1 tr3d, 3 dc] to last 3 sts, 1 tr3d, 2 dc. Turn.
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Row 10 1 ch, work sts as set. Turn.
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Repeat rows 3 - 10 twice more.
Fasten off and secure all ends. Block if necessary.
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This pattern is very easy to scale up to make a cushion, or even a blanket - just make sure your row 1 is a multiple of 4 + 1 sts.
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