So, let’s say you know the basics of tapestry crochet. You can change colors, carry non-working colors, etc. But there may be a couple things you still don’t know.

Is sure didn’t know these things when I first did tapestry crochet. In fact, I even started designing a project unaware of these important details! The result was that I had to rip out a ton of work and start over.

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• To view the first tutorial in this series, Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Crochet, click HERE

If you’ve done any amount of tapestry crochet, you’ve probably noticed something: whether working in rows or rounds, the stitches don’t sit right on top of each other. Because of the nature of a single crochet stitch, the color changes slant to one side. (P.S. If you’re NEW to tapestry crochet, check out the first post I did in this series—Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Crochet!)

Now, when you’re making a pretty “picture” in the tapestry crochet, it is inconvenient that the colors don’t line up in each row.

BUT…did you know there is a method that gets rid of this annoying slant?! THAT is what I want to share with you today!!

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Getting rid of the Slant

There are 3 things you have to do to get rid of the slanting colors in tapestry crochet.

#1. Work in the Round

Yes, this method only works with projects in the round. That is why it is perfect for baskets, purses, etc. If your project must be worked in rows, then unfortunately this method won’t work.

FREE CROCHET PATTERNS I LOVE (AND YOU SHOULD TOO!)

1. NIAGARA CARDIGAN / 2. NEW YORK SIGN / 3. WAVE SHAWL

2. Work in the Back Loop

The second part to this method is working in the back loop of stitches. In other words, normally you would go through the 2 top loops of the stitch. However, now you will skip the front loop and insert your hook only in the back loop.

3. Change Your Yarn Over

Hang on…I know this sounds weird. But trust me, it’s not too hard. Basically, you’re just going to Yarn Over from the opposite direction.

Normally you would put the yarn over your hook from the left. Instead, put the yarn over your hook from the right. See picture below.

Modified Single Crochet

SO…by working in the BL and changing your Yarn Over, we get a slightly different version of the regular sc. In tapestry crochet, this stitch is called the modified single crochet. 

Basically, this stitch just allows for all your color changes to sit right on top of each other. No more slant! I don’t know about you, but I was so happy to learn this method!

So…do you think you’re ready to try an ACTUAL pattern using this method? I hope you are! Because I am just about to publish a new FREE tapestry crochet pattern using these exact methods. See the picture below!

As you can see, the Little Pumpkin Basket is made in the round, and clearly uses the modified single crochet stitch. It is a perfect Fall pattern—and you can view the free pattern here!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help!

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE. 

Happy Crocheting!

— Rachel 

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The Shell Trellis stitch is truly a beautiful lace stitch. Lace is one of my favorite things to crochet—and believe it or not, it’s not hard to make! This tutorial will include detailed photos to make sure you know what you’re doing. And if you have any questions, always feel free to contact me! 

I first heard about this stitch in a wonderful pattern by Interweave Crochet. I am going to do a review of this pattern next week, so look out for that! If you want to hear about it right away, you can sign up for my email list below.

Love this stitch? I made a top using this stitch, and it turned out beautiful! Read about it HERE. 

Before we get into the pattern, lets just quickly talk about yarn. The yarn I am using here is called Knit Picks Galileo. This is a gorgeous sport-weight yarn that has lovely bounce and drape. You can get some for yourself HERE!  

Shell Trellis Stitch

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• To buy the yarn I used in this tutorial, click HERE

Note:

Stitch Pattern is a multiple of 10. I started with a foundation chain of 30.

Materials:

• Any yarn—I used Knit Picks Galileo, which is a sport weight yarn
• A hook that is suitable for your chosen yarn; I used a G hook

Special Stitch:

Shell (sh): 5 dc in indicated stitch.

Instructions:

Ch a multiple of 10 (I recommend starting with at least 30 ch like I did)

Row 1: sk first ch, sc in ea ch across. Turn

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc, here and throughout), dc in next sc. *Sk 2 sts, sh in next st. Sk 2 sts, sc in next st. Ch 5, sk 3 sts, sc in next st. Rep from *till 7 sts left. Sk 2 sts, sh in next st. Sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts. Turn.

FREE CROCHET PATTERNS I LOVE (AND YOU SHOULD TOO!)

1. NIAGARA CARDIGAN / 2. NEW YORK SIGN / 3. WAVE SHAWL

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 3, sc in middle dc of next sh. (see fig 1) *Ch 5, sc in ch-5 sp (see fig 2). Ch 5, sc in middle dc of next sh. Rep from * across. Ch 3, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 1, sc in next ch-3 sp. *Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Sh in next sc. Sc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * until only ch-3 sp is left. Ch 5, sc in last ch-3 sp. Ch 1, dc in last 2 dc. Turn

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Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Ch 3, sc in next ch-5 sp. *Ch 5, sc in middle dc of next sh. Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * across. Ch 3, dc in last 2 dc. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc. Sk ch-3 sp, sh in next sc. *Sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 sp. Sh in next sc. Rep from * across. Dc in last 2 dc. Turn

Rep rows 3-6 for stitch pattern.

Finishing:

I recommend blocking this stitch, as it opens up very nicely and looks even more beautiful! To learn the 3 blocking methods, click here. 

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help! And remember, I made a beautiful crochet top using this stitch pattern. If you want to read about it, click here. 

To view all of my tutorials, click HERE. If you want to be the FIRST to see new tutorials like this, sign up for my email list below!

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