How to make a tapestry crochet pattern from a photo
- Measure your gauge: crochet a swatch in single crochet and count stitches and rows in 10 cm. Enter them so the chart keeps the right shape.
- Choose a photo with a bold subject and set the width in stitches.
- Keep the colours low: 2–4 colours are easiest because every colour is carried through every stitch.
- Download the PDF with the chart and the written rows, or the text file to tick off rows on your phone.
Reading the written rows
Row 1 is the bottom row of the chart. For flat work, odd rows are worked right to left and even rows left to right, so every line lists the colours in the order you work them, for example Row 7 (60, R-L): 12 A, 4 B, 30 A, 4 B, 10 A.
- Colour changes: change on the last yarn-over of the stitch before the new colour, so the new colour starts cleanly.
- Carrying: lay the unused colours along the top of the row and work over them; they are hidden inside the stitches.
- In the round (bags, baskets): every round is worked in the same direction, so read every row right to left on the chart.
Finished size
At a typical single crochet gauge of 18 stitches and 20 rows per 10 cm, a 60-stitch-wide chart is about 33 cm (13 in) wide. The stats show the size for your own gauge.
Tips
- Use a smooth, firm yarn (cotton or acrylic) and a hook one size smaller than usual for a dense fabric that hides the carried strands.
- Tick “Remove single stray stitches” to avoid lots of one-stitch colour changes.
- For C2C blankets use the C2C graph generator; for knitting, the knitting chart.
Frequently asked questions
What is tapestry crochet?
Colourwork in single crochet where the colours you are not using are carried inside the stitches, so the fabric is solid and double-sided. It is used for bags, wall hangings, pillows and blankets.
How are the written rows read?
Row 1 is the bottom row of the chart. For flat work, odd rows are worked right to left and even rows left to right, and each row lists the colour runs in that order, for example “5 A, 3 B, 12 A”.
Why do I need my gauge?
Single crochet stitches are usually slightly wider than they are tall. Entering your stitches and rows per 10 cm keeps the picture in proportion and gives the right finished size.
How many colours can I use?
Two or three colours are easiest because you carry them all; four to six are possible but make a thicker fabric. Use the colours slider to keep it manageable.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything is made in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.