how to tapestry crochet crochet heart coaster

How To Do Flat Tapestry Crochet (2)

/ Crochet Coasters, Free Crochet Patterns, Tapestry Crochet Tutorial / By

Flat tapestry crochet is when we work in rows instead of rounds. There are two ways to do flat tapestry crochet: 1) Going in one direction only (One-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet) and 2) Going back and forth in rows (Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet). Let’s learn how to do Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet by making this cute Valentine’s Coaster.

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how to do two-directional flat tapestry crochet

WHAT IS TWO-DIRECTIONAL FLAT TAPESTRY CROCHET

In Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet, we work back and forth in rows. This method requires that we turn our work at the end of each row. Therefore, we need to be aware that there is a right side (RS) and a wrong side (WS). The designer should let us know which side is which. But as a rule of thumb, the side on which we work the odd number rows (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) is the RS, while the side on which we work the even number rows (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) is the WS.

Another easy way to remember which side is the right side and which side is the wrong side is by looking at the beginning tail. If the beginning tail is on your left, then you are working on the RS. If the beginning tail is on your right, then you are working on the WS.

Beginning tail on the left = RS
Beginning tail on the right = WS

Flat tapestry crochet projects usually need blocking as part of the finishing instructions. This is to help even out the fabric and loosen up the stitches. Investing in a good set of blocking mats with grids will help tremendously in the process.

If this is your first time doing tapestry crochet, please consider reading HOW TO DO TAPESTRY CROCHET before continuing with this post.

WHAT STITCHES TO USE

Most Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet patterns use the regular single crochet stitch. Although other stitches are also possible depending on the design. Some popular ones are the half-double crochet and the double crochet.

HOW TO DO TWO-DIRECTIONAL FLAT TAPESTRY CROCHET

We will be learning how to do Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet by making the Valentine’s Coaster using the single crochet stitch. Please find the free pattern below, gather your yarn and hook and let’s get started!

VALENTINE’S COASTERS – FREE CROCHET PATTERN

MATERIALS:

  • Lily Sugar’n Cream (this is a thicker #4 worsted weight cotton yarn; 113g/4oz, 184m/200yds per ball). To make one coaster you will need:
    • Main Color (Ecru) – approx. 16 yards
    • Contrast Color (Rose Pink) – approx. 8 yards
  • 4mm crochet hook
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Scissors

GAUGE:

2” x 2” = 9 sc and 8 rows (with inactive color running on top of the work)

MEASUREMENTS:

Approx. 4.25” x 4.25”

ABBREVIATIONS:

  • CC – contrast color
  • ch – chain
  • MC – main color
  • RS – right side
  • sc – single crochet
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • st/sts – stitch/stitches
  • WS – wrong side

TECHNIQUE REQUIRED:

  • Tapestry Crochet

TERMINOLOGY:

  • Standard US Crochet Terms

SKILL LEVEL:

  • Advanced Beginner

NOTES:

  • This coaster is worked flat, back and forth in rows. This means that we will be ch 1 and turning at the end of each row.
  • Ch 1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
  • When turning, make sure to carry/keep the inactive color on the WS of the work.
  • Gauge is important if you’d like your final product to be an exact square. Gauge is measured with the inactive color running on top of the work, i.e., carrying the inactive color flat along the top of each row.
  • If you wish to adjust the width of the pattern, add or subtract stitches on each side of the graph. If you wish to adjust the height of the pattern, add or subtract rows to the bottom and top of the graph.
  • The odd-numbered side of the graph represents the RS of the work. Read these rows from right to left (<–).
  • The even-numbered side of the graph represents the WS of the work. Read these rows from left to right (–>).
  • For more information about HOW TO READ A TAPESTRY CROCHET GRAPH, CLICK HERE.
  • Each square on the graph = 1 sc
  • Change colors by pulling the new color through the last two loops on the hook to close the stitch using the yarn under technique instead of the yarn over. (Form more information about HOW TO CHANGE COLORS, CLICK HERE.)
yarn over
Yarn over: Wrap the working yarn around the hook and pull through the loops on the hook.
yarn under
Yarn under: Leave the working yarn in front of the hook and pull through the loops on the hook.
To change colors: Yarn under, pull CC through both loops on the hook to close the stitch.
To change colors: Yarn under, pull MC through both loops on the hook to close the stitch.

GRAPH:

Feel free to download and print the graph for your convenience. You will need to follow this graph to complete the pattern. I will only give written instructions for the first three rounds to help you get started.

how to do two-directional flat tapestry crochet - valentine's coaster free crochet pattern
Valentine’s Coasters – Free Crochet Pattern by Haven Crochet Designs

INSTRUCTIONS:

With MC, ch 18. Start following the graph.

ROW 1 (RS): Start carrying and crocheting over CC by laying CC between MC and the hook. Sc in the first st and in each st across (17), ch 1, turn (when turning, carry CC on the WS of the work).

Row 1: Start carrying and crocheting over CC by laying CC between MC and the hook.
Row 1: Sc in the first st and in each st across (17).
Ch 1, turn.
When turning, keep the CC on the WS of the work (in front).

ROW 2 (WS): Sc in the first st and in each of the next 7 sts. Change color to CC using the yarn under technique. Sc in the next st with CC. Change color to MC using the yarn under technique. Sc in each of the next 8 sts with MC (17). Ch 1, turn.

Row 2 (WS): Sc in the first st and in each st across.
Changing colors when needed.
Ch 1, turn
When turning, keep the CC on the WS of the work (behind).

ROW 3 (RS): Sc in the first st and in each of the next 6 sts. Change color to CC. Sc in each of the next 3 st with CC. Change color to MC. Sc in each of the next 7 sts with MC (17). Ch 1, turn.

ROWS 4-14: Sc in each st across, changing colors when needed. Ch 1 and turn at the end of each row, keeping CC on the WS of the work. When you reach the last st of row 14, pull up a big loop (we will come back to it later), cut off CC, weave in ends on WS.

When turning, CC is kept on the WS of the work.
Pull up a big loop (so that the last stitch doesn't come undone when weaving the ends)

BORDER

Go back to the big loop you pulled previously, adjust the loop on the hook. Ch 1, turn. SC evenly all around the square, making sure to sc 3 in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

BLOCKING

  • Block your coaster 
  • If you are using 100% cotton yarn, I recommend steam blocking
  • Wait until the panels are completely dry before taking them off of the blocking mat (I usually leave them overnight)
Valentine’s Coaster – Free Crochet Pattern by Haven Crochet Designs

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This pattern and associated images are copyright protected and the sole property of Haven Crochet Designs. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be redistributed, transferred, or sold. Please do not alter the pattern in order to claim it as your own. Items produced from my patterns may be sold at your discretion. However, I kindly ask that you credit me as the designer and provide a link back to my site www.havencrohetdesigns.com, or provide my social media handle @havencrochetdesigns. For more details, see Terms and Conditions.