20+ Free Tapestry Crochet Patterns

Tapestry crochet patterns look difficult … but they’re not as hard as they look!

I’m sharing my favourite tapestry crochet patterns, starting with those suitable for beginners and then increasing to intermediate difficulty level.

I’m sure you’ll find something that’s just right for you.

Are you a confident beginner at crocheting and ready to move on to learning a new technique?  Have you been crocheting for a while but thought tapestry crochet looked too hard? These free crochet tapestry patterns are for you!

This technique is exciting – it opens up endless possibilities for colour variations that can be used on many different crochet patterns.

Blending with other crochet stitches works well too.

What is tapestry crochet?

Tapestry crochet is a technique where at least two contrasting colour yarns are used together for colourwork in the same row or round.

The yarn that is being used to work the stitches is called the active colour, the yarn that is being carried along the back of the stitches is called the inactive colour.

My crochet checkered bag uses the tapestry technique:

There are different types of tapestry crochet:

• tapestry in the round – worked in a spiral on the right side of the work
• one-directional flat tapestry crochet – worked in rows in one direction only on the right side of the work
• two-directional flat tapestry crochet – worked in rows, turning the work where the odd numbered rows are the right side and even numbered rows the wrong side; the crochet pattern graph will be read from right to left for odd numbered rows and left to right for even numbered rows.

I’ve used the two-directional tapestry crochet on my hot water bottle cover and numbered the rows on the graph.

Colour changes take place on the last pull through of the stitch immediately before the colour change.

ready to work with the new colour

Tapestry crochet looks similar to mosaic crochet, however, it is a different technique. I’ve written about the differences in this table.

You can use any yarn you want for tapestry crochet but because the yarn is carried along the row or round, it is better to use thinner yarn such as fingering, sport or DK yarn.

The best stitch to use for tapestry crochet is double crochet (US single crochet) although some of the patterns in the collection also use half treble (US half double) and treble (US double) crochet.

Tapestry Crochet Patterns

In this collection of tapestry crochet patterns free you will find the following projects:

• Mug Rugs
• Washcloths
• Hot Water Bottle Cover
• Coin Purse
• Clutch Bag
• Cross Body Bag
• Tote Bags
• Toiletry Bag
• Basket
• Cushion/Pillow Covers
• Wall Hangings
• Rug
• Blankets
• Beanie
• Cardigan

Tapestry crochet patterns for beginners

These easy tapestry crochet patterns are the perfect place to begin if you’re just starting out learning this technique.

1. Polka Dot Mug Rugs

This is the perfect free crochet pattern for you to learn this technique.

If you’ve worked with this technique before, these mug rugs would be a fabulous way to use up your yarn stash! 

This crochet project uses the one-directional flat tapestry crochet technique.

If you’re a visual learner, follow the tapestry chart.  Written instructions are also available.

You will need:

• 3.0 mm (C USA, 11 UK) Crochet Hook
• DK (3, Light) Weight Yarn
• Tapestry Needle

These would make a fabulous crochet gift as well crocheting a set for yourself.

The Polka Dot Mug Rug crochet pattern is also available to buy on Etsy.

Tip: If you haven’t changed colour before, use the photos on my checkered crochet bag pattern to help you.

2. Heart Washcloth

This beginner project will have you learning in no time.

You will need:

• 3.75mm/  F crochet hook
• 2 contrasting colors of Aran/Worsted
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (to weave in ends)

The crochet tapestry pattern free includes clear photos and instructions on how to carry the yarn for colour changes.

3. Multi Chevron Washcloth

This free basic pattern uses We Crochet’s Dishie Multi Yarn. 

You will need:

• 380 yards of Aran/Worsted Cotton
• Crochet hook I/9 (5.5mm)

If you have Aran/Worsted cotton yarn in your stash, you can substitute and you’ll get the same effect.

4. Crochet Winter Blanket