Surface crochet is a great technique. It works in freeform crochet, tapestry crochet, and all sorts of patterns, from simple to complex. It's basically a way of working a line (or curve, or circle, etc) across the surface of a piece. It doesn't have to follow any predetermined line or pattern - you can go wherever you want with it. It's confusing to read about though - the first time I encountered it in a set of written instructions, all I could say was, "huh?" I figured it out eventually, but a video sure would have been easier. So without further ado...
How to Surface Crochet
When you're all done with your line, just break the yarn, pull the end up to the front or right side through the last loop, and use a tapestry or yarn needle to go back into the same hole and weave the end in on the wrong side.
Surface crochet can be a major part of a crochet project, or it can be just a tiny embellishment. It's perfect for adding color and interest when you don't want to add bulk or weight, and for outlining color changes to give them a smoother line. Once you try it and see how simple it is to do, I'm sure you'll find lots of ways to use this fun technique.
Have you made any projects using surface crochet before? What did you think? Are there any other techniques or stitches that you'd like to see a video tutorial for here at moogly? Let me know in the comments - I love to take requests!
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Doug says
Thank you, a video makes is sooo much easier to understand.
I'm curious what/how you tie off to end the surface crochet without having a knot on the front surface...
moogly says
On my phone, forgive the brevity...
Cut the yarn, and pull it tio the front. Thread it on a yarn needle and sew it back down into the hole it came from, being sure to go over the loop of the last stitch. Then weave the end in on the wrong side as usual. Hope that helps.
Jay says
Liked the video---how do you tuck in the tail when you are surface crocheting?
moogly says
When you are all done, cut the yarn and pull the it on up through the last stitch. Thread this yarn on a tapestry needle and poke it back through the same stitch, being sure to sew over that last loop and secure it down. Weave in the end on the back of the project. (Sorry I forgot to include that in the video - bit of a brain fart there!)
Robyn says
I've just thought my self over the last few months, crochet and knitting ,with videos. I've got the books but you really can't see everything, like a video.
terri says
can you do crochet eyes with this l mean make them ding this stitch Thank you or can you tell me how to crochet eyes please
Tamara Kelly says
Eyes usually require a little more finesse and finer lines. This might help: http://www.mazkwok.com/2013/07/how-to-make-lively-eyes-for-amigurumi.html 🙂
Dolores Domingues says
Gostaria do passo a passo ou vídeo de como fazer essa bolsa colorida.
Desde já agradeço muito, Dolores Domingues.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Dolores! This is the video for Surface Crochet, for my other tutorials please go to https://stg-moogly-etsy.kinsta.cloud/category/video-tutorials/
Joa says
I did try that method once when the pattern of a ladybug beanie said to embroid a line through the middle of the hat and knowing that my embroidery or sewing skills for this matter are deplorable, I thought this would be easier and neater. Well, the end results were ok but doing this for the first time on a toddler size hat was awkward and it took me ages to get a hang on it mainly because the yarn was inside the beanie so I couldn't find it or see what I was doing.
I like the effect of this method and it's a nice skill to have, but it's probably best to try it on a (small) flat piece of fabric 😉
Debby Kennedy says
The video is gone on the page
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much for letting me know, Debby! It should be all fixed now! 🙂
Kay says
Do you have a printed pattern ? Thanks
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Kay! This is more of a technique tutorial than a pattern - is there something specific you are looking for?