How to Read Tapestry Crochet Patterns

The Basics

Tapestry crochet is a colorwork technique where you carry unused yarn colors under your stitches. The patterns generated here are designed to be worked flat (back and forth) in single crochet.

Reading the Chart

• Bottom-Up: You start crocheting from the bottom row of the chart and work your way up. Row 1 is at the very bottom.
• Right Side (Odd Rows): When working an odd-numbered row (1, 3, 5...), you are looking at the front (Right Side) of your work. You read the chart from Right to Left.
• Wrong Side (Even Rows): When working an even-numbered row (2, 4, 6...), you are looking at the back (Wrong Side) of your work. You read the chart from Left to Right.

Reading the Written Pattern

The written instructions follow standard tapestry crochet conventions. We've done the reversing for you!

• Row 1 (RS): 3 Black, 2 White, 5 Black means: on the right side, work 3 single crochets in Black, switch to White and work 2 sc, switch back to Black and work 5 sc.
• The total number of stitches in each row will always equal the width of your grid.

Tips for the Generator

• Gauge Ratio: By default, it assumes your stitches are square (1:1). If your single crochets are taller than they are wide (e.g., 4 wide for every 5 tall), enter 4:5. The preview will adjust so your final piece won't look stretched!
• Clean up specks: Turn this on to remove isolated stitches (one single stitch of a color surrounded by another). It makes the crochet process much less annoying!