Mosaic Crochet for Beginners: Bold Geometric Patterns, One Colour per Row

The two stitches

• sc BLO — single crochet in the back loop only. Leaves the front loop free.
• dc FLO 2 rows below — a double crochet into the free front loop of the stitch two rows below (the same colour as the yarn you're using). It lies over the row in between, bringing that colour forward.

How overlay mosaic works

• Every row is worked from the right side. At the end of each row, cut the yarn leaving a 4–6 in tail; join the next colour at the start (right edge) again.
• Colours alternate every row: A, B, A, B…
• The first and last stitch of every row are worked through both loops (edge stitches). The tails become a fringe — or are hidden by a border later.

Practice swatch: staggered diamonds

Use two contrasting colours, A and B. The swatch is 18 stitches wide.

1. Row 1 (A): Ch 19. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Fasten off. (18)
2. Row 2 (B): Join B in the first st. Ch 1, sc in the first st, sc BLO in the next 16 sts, sc in the last st. Fasten off. (18)
3. Row 3 (A): Join A. Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Dc FLO in the st 2 rows below, sc BLO in the next 3 sts*; repeat 4 times. Sc in the last st. Fasten off. (18)
4. Row 4 (B): Join B. Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Sc BLO in the next 2 sts, dc FLO in the st 2 rows below, sc BLO in the next st*; repeat 4 times. Sc in the last st. Fasten off. (18)
5. Rows 5–16: Repeat Rows 3 and 4. Diamonds of colour appear, offset row by row.

When you work a dc down, skip the back loop of the stitch behind it in the current row — the dc takes its place, so the stitch count stays the same.

Reading mosaic charts

Mosaic patterns are usually charts: each square is a stitch, and a square marked with an "X" means "dc FLO two rows below". Read right-side rows from right to left. Each chart row is one row in its own colour.

Projects to try next

• A mosaic pillow cover — see our pillow pattern for sizing.
• A mosaic tote — dense, sturdy fabric is ideal for bags like our tote.
• A blanket border around a plain centre.

Common questions

Is mosaic crochet hard?

No — it only uses single and double crochet. The challenge is concentration: counting where each dropped dc goes. Start with a small swatch.

What's the difference between overlay and inset mosaic?

Overlay is worked only from the right side, with dropped dc stitches that sit on top of the fabric. Inset is worked back and forth, with chains and stitches worked into the row two below, producing a flatter, reversible fabric.

Do I have to cut the yarn every row?

In overlay mosaic, yes (or carry it up the side if you start every row on the same edge). The tails are hidden in a border or used as fringe.

Black and white, or two bright colours — what's your first mosaic? 🔲