Overlay Crochet is one of the beautiful colorwork techniques of the craft. A very new technique and not commonly used, it was developed by an artist cum fantastic jewelry maker Melody MacDuffee in the United States in 2003. The delicate form of crochet can be easily crafted with any of your regular crochet hooks (single-ended or even Tunisian hook without attaching the interchangeable cord). Since the invention of the crochet technique, the well-known designer has conducted lots of workshops for crochet lovers and introduced them to the craft.
Also known as Overlay Mosaic crochet, the technique has roots in Aran crochet. Though it looks a bit complicated, it uses ordinary crochet stitches such as single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) stitches worked into the FLO (front loops only) or BLO (back loops only) to create textured or layered designs and patterns.
The basics of Overlay Crochet
Once you’ve learned basic crochet stitches and have made some projects you can go ahead with the overlay crochet. You must clearly understand the anatomy of crochet stitches to understand how the overlay crochet techniques and steps work. Every stitch has two loops – front and back. Also, each stitch is closed first before working on another stitch. Overlay crochet works only with its front or back posts (loops) creating a three-dimensional appearance. To create the effect that the stitches are raised, the yarn is wrapped around stitches using front loops or posts.
Since you are crocheting into rows below the one you are working on, it helps you make gorgeous textured layers. The back of the fabric is a solid flat like normal crochet while the texture is on the front. An interesting feature of this crochet technique is that color changes achieve an effect that the colors are changed after every few stitches whereas they are actually changed on every round.
Let’s have a go.
Choose a smooth crochet hook
The overlay mosaic crochet pattern will provide information about the crochet hook size. The technique utilizes the front and back posts (loops) of crochet stitches separately but at the same time, To work on the loops separately, always choose a smooth crochet hook that does not snag stitches. The size must match the yarn weight. Lantern Moon crochet hooks made from ebony wood have a liquid silk finish that is a good fit in your hands while the smooth hook works with all types of yarns.
Choosing a Yarn
The yarn is the most important factor in crochet. For overlay mosaic crochet always use two contrasting shades of yarn. Make sure to choose two yarns of the same weight. Almost all crochet patterns mention yarns so follow their recommendation for the best results.
Gauge
Like all crochet projects, you can start with a gauge. Make a swatch of single crochet or double crochet stitches to see how the yarn behaves and the quantity you would need to finish the project.
Start with a Slip Knot and Chain
Like regular crochet, the Overlay Mosaic technique also starts with a slip knot and chain. The slip knot anchors the yarn on the single ended crochet hook. The chain stitches form the foundation which you will make further stitches into. Over time you can replace the slip knot with a magic circle for a neat start to a round crochet project. You can even replace the chain stitches with the technique of foundation crochet stitches.
The overlay crochet is worked from the front side only. You will always work from right to left. Each row alternates between two contrasting colors, either A or B.
Crochet into the Back Loop (BLO) and Front Loop (FLO)
In overlay crochet, you first need to create a base or a background with single crochet stitches and then add long, complex stitches above. The background and overlay are crocheted at the same time.
Hold your project or the chain in a way to clearly see it from the side. Locate the v-shaped stitches and simply insert your crochet hook into the back loop only. Work all single crochet (SC) stitches on the back loops while making double crochet (DC) stitches into the front loops. The term “overlay” comes from this technique of working into front and back loops at the same. The double crochet stitches worked into the front covers up the SC stitches in the back, allowing you to overlay different colors and create very complex-looking patterns.
Crocheting over the top of your stitches may feel difficult initially but with two of three stitches, you will get confident.Follow the pattern instructions and very soon you will create a textured pattern. For your own design make sure to work the base into a stitch that is dense while the font should be taller and more open stitches.
Finishing the Edges
As you are working with two or more yarns, there will be multiple tail-ends. Finish the edges with a finishing needle or use a repair hook. There are many different ways for handling these. Choose to hide them into the fabric, wrap them along the edge or make fringe to camouflage them, or weave them into the back.
With this, you are ready to create overlay mosaic crochet patterns in your blankets, dishcloths, scarves and pretty much any project you wish.
Source by- https://medium.com/@lanternmoonhandcrafted/how-to-work-overlay-crochet-d737238880ee