Why Choose Mosaic Crochet?
One of my favourite crafts is crochet, but in recent years I have mostly been doing the Overlay Mosaic crochet technique, and I have to say, it’s very addictive!
One of the reasons I love it so much is because it’s actually quite relaxing to do, even though it looks like it might be complicated, it’s actually quite easy.
I have a huge library of Mosaic crochet patterns that I have bought from other designers… because i just can’t resist them, and I love to support other crafters.
12 Signs Of The Zodiac Crochet Patterns
I have spent the last few months creating 12 individual patterns of the signs of the zodiac panels using Overlay Mosaic crochet, plus a blanket pattern which incorporates all 12 zodiacs.
And I have to say, I’m over the moon with how they turned out! (pun intended š)
I have created both written patterns and chart patterns, so you have the option to use either. Personally, I prefer to use the written pattern, but it’s always nice to have the chart on hand just to check the progress. I know that a lot of people prefer to work from a chart, which is why I created both options.
Overlay Mosaic Crochet Instructions For Beginners
Overlay Mosaic Crochet is worked from the bottom up, and from right to left, at the end of each row the yarn is cut and you join the next color on the right hand side without turning the work, so youāre always working on the front side.
Each row is worked in alternating colors, for these patterns I have used just 2 colors which I think makes them quite striking
There are just 3 simple stitch types in these patterns using US crochet terms…
SC = Single Crochet, but in the back loops only.
DC = Double Crochet, but in the front loops only.
BS = Border Stitch, which is a normal single crochet through both the loops
The BS is only used for the first and last stitch of each row, and the SC and DC are worked across the rest of the pattern.
So as you can see, there are no complicated stitches at all.
Double Crochets NEVER go in a different color, they are always worked into the previous row of the same color.
Single Crochets will be worked into the back loop of the row below, which will be a different color… SC can be worked into either a SC or DC
I always leave a longer tail of yarn at the end of the row, because mistakes can happen very easily, and you may not notice until you are working the next row.
This way, if you have to frog part of the previous row, you have extra yarn to crochet it again.
Top Tip – Count your stitches carefully as you crochet.
It can be very helpful to use stitch markers as you work across each row.
For example, I work from the written pattern, and when I get to the end of each line on the written pattern, I place a stitch marker in my work. This way, if I forget which part Iām on, I only need to count the stitch markers and not the whole row of crochet.
Where You Can Buy These Mosaic Crochet Patterns
These patterns are now available to buy on Etsy HERE
And on Ravelry HERE … I have a special promotion at the moment where you can get 55% OFF when you purchase all 12 zodiacs together, you can get that discount HERE
All The Zodiacs Blanket Pattern
I have now created a blanket pattern incorporating all the zodiacs, and I think it looks amazing! You can find the pattern for ‘All The Zodiacs Blanket’ using the links above for Ravelry and Etsy.
The yarn I used to make the blanket and individual squares is Stylecraft Special DK from LoveCrafts
How To Read The Mosaic Crochet Chart
The color of each row is indicated by the color of the Border Stitch at the start and end of each row.
On the charts, the blank squares are all single crochet, worked in the back loop only… It makes no difference what color the square is
The squares with an x in are all double crochet, worked in the front loop only in the previous row of the same color.
The first and last stitch of each row is a Border Stich, which in this case means a single crochet through both loops of the stitchā¦ You are free to leave these out if you prefer, but I think they give more structure.
The Key For The Overlay Mosaic Chart Pattern
Some Ideas On What To Use Crochet Squares For
- You can use this pattern as part of a bigger design, and if you choose to do this, then you might want to leave the border stitches off the end of each row.
- These panels are also ideal to turn into cushion covers by adding a simple back sideā¦ Or adding one of my other zodiac panels onto the back. Or a pair of zodiac cushions for a special couple.
- You could make 2 and turn them into a tote style bag.
- They could easily be made into a wall hanging by attaching a length of wooden dowel to the top (and perhaps one to the bottom if you prefer)
- These would make gorgeous place matsā¦ I would make them with cotton yarn.
- Using some of the ideas above, or coming up with new ideas, you could make some fab gifts with these zodiac patterns.
If you have never done Mosaic crochet before, the charts might seem confusing to start with, but something to remember is that each row is done in one color only, you will not be changing color at all, even though when looking at the chart there will be other colors that cover that row.
Actually, the picture on the chart is just for reference, and as long as you use the correct color for the row, you won’t go wrong.