What is Surface Crochet?

Surface crochet is a wonderful technique to have in your toolkit. It allows you to add color, textural details, embellishments and designs to your projects. The great thing about it is that it allows you to work on already finished projects.

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3/13/20262 min read

Handmade black crochet pouch with blue and purple embroidered abstract swirl patterns.
Handmade black crochet pouch with blue and purple embroidered abstract swirl patterns.

So what is surface crochet?

Well it's an easy and simple way to add decoration/patterns to an already finished piece of work. This can be anything from amigurumi, blankets, shirts, loveys, or whatever you crocheted. In fact, why stop at crochet? This technique works on knitted items as well.

There are two main crochet stitches used; the slip stitch and the single crochet. The slip stitch is closer to the surface and lays flatter on the piece compared to the single crochet. It adds a line of color without adding to the height. However, if you want a little more texture to the design, then the single crochet might be what you're looking for. It adds height and emphasis

Why use it?

There's no need to worry about working your pattern into the design. You can add it when you're done or you can add it 2 years later when you feel like you need a little change. It's flexible. Not to mention that as easily as it can be done, it can be un-done. Cut the yarn at any point in your design and pull out the yarn/thread. Since it was worked with already existing holes in the project it shouldn't leave much of a trace if any.

Hand holding pink thread and golden crochet hook to embroider details on a black crochet fabric.
Hand holding pink thread and golden crochet hook to embroider details on a black crochet fabric.

The slip is worked by hooking the yarn from "underneath" the piece.

On the surface side you can see the stitches forming.

A yellow crochet hook making surface slip stitches with colorful yarn on black fabric.
A yellow crochet hook making surface slip stitches with colorful yarn on black fabric.
Close-up of a yellow crochet hook weaving colorful pink and purple yarn through black fabric.
Close-up of a yellow crochet hook weaving colorful pink and purple yarn through black fabric.

You pull through like a regular slip stitch.

Details of single crochet version coming tomorrow March 20th :)