Crochet technique

Overlay Crochet

Overlay crochet is a raised colourwork technique where stitches are worked over the top of previous rows, usually with long double crochets reaching two rows below. The raised stitches build bold, three-dimensional patterns such as mandalas and geometric blocks. Overlay is closely related to mosaic crochet and works best in solid colours.

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Overlay Crochet project in progress

How to get started with overlay crochet

  1. Work a base round or row in sc in the background colour.
  2. Change colour according to the chart.
  3. Work sc into stitches shown as background on the chart.
  4. Work dc into the stitch 2 rows below where the chart shows an overlay symbol, laying the dc over the current row.
  5. Change colours every row or round as indicated.
  6. Block the finished piece flat to settle the raised stitches.

What is overlay crochet?

Overlay crochet is a technique where stitches are layered on top of earlier rows to form raised colour patterns, commonly used for mandalas and bags.

Many overlay patterns are charted and worked from the right side only.

Is overlay crochet the same as mosaic crochet?

Overlay crochet and mosaic crochet both use long stitches into rows below, and the terms are often used interchangeably.

Overlay mandala patterns tend to stack multiple rows of long stitches for deeper relief.

What yarn works best for overlay crochet?

Smooth cotton yarns in solid, high-contrast colours work best for overlay crochet because they show the raised stitches clearly.

Variegated or fuzzy yarns hide the structure.

Frequently asked questions

Is overlay crochet reversible?

No, the pattern shows on one side only.

What is overlay crochet used for?

Mandalas, bags, coasters, pillows and blankets.

Is overlay crochet hard?

It is an intermediate technique mainly because of chart reading.