Tapestry crochet

by Carol Ann Ventura

Tapestry crochet forms a sturdy texture in two or three colors. It is worked at a tight tension that hides strands of unused colors which are carried within the row of stitches. The materials are simple - crochet cotton or heavy rug wool and a sturdy crochet hook. Norton starts with the basics of crocheting with either the right or left hand. Her explanations are very clear and they are accompanied by explicit drawings. Because the finished stitches appear to be slightly angled, Norton developed graph paper to facilitate designing; the elements of the grid look like rounded shingles or overlapping bird feathers. The graph comes in different proportions, corresponding to the number of colors used, because carrying more colors makes taller rows. Though the work traditionally is done in the round, Norton uses two methods to work flat - working in the opposite direction across the row or working with the other hand. Several projects lead you through different aspects of increasing complexity toward designing your own projects. The idea of tapestry crochet is very simple, and this book gives you the explicit details that ensure immediate success in accomplishing it. -- Spin-Off Magazine, Fall 1992