If you’ve ever wanted to add detailed shapes, pictures, or lettering into your crochet, tapestry crochet is the technique you’re looking for! This method lets you work with multiple yarn colors at once, carrying unused strands along the row to create colorwork patterns without having to cut and weave in ends for every section. It’s perfect for projects like bags, pillows, or even our giant axolotl blanket (yep, it’s real—and ridiculously cute).

Whether you’re a colorwork beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, let’s dive into what tapestry crochet is, how it works, and how you can start stitching up designs of your own.

What Is Tapestry Crochet?

Tapestry crochet is a technique where two or more yarn colors are used in the same row, with the unused colors carried along the back (or inside) of the stitches. Unlike other colorwork techniques like intarsia or fair isle, tapestry crochet creates a dense, double-thick fabric and is most often done using single crochet stitches.

You’ll follow a chart (like pixel art!) where each square represents a stitch in a specific color. It’s ideal for bold designs and geometric patterns—and when done with soft, plush yarn like our chenille, it becomes extra cozy.

Our Favorite Example: The Giant Axolotl Blanket

One of our favorite Okey Dokeys projects to show off tapestry crochet in action is the giant axolotl blanket. This blanket is big, bold, and filled with axolotl love—and yes, it’s made using tapestry crochet! You’ll use two or more colors to shape out the adorable axolotl face and tail, and the repeating stitches make it a relaxing project once you get going.

Using jumbo chenille yarn, the blanket not only works up faster than you’d expect, but it also becomes a super squishy piece you’ll want to snuggle up with immediately. It’s the perfect mix of beginner-friendly and wow-worthy.

Tapestry Crochet Tips for Beginners

1. Use a color chart.
This is your roadmap! Follow it square-by-square, with each block representing one stitch.

2. Keep your yarns untangled.
Use bobbins or mini skeins to keep colors separate and easy to manage as you work.

3. Maintain even tension.
The carried yarns can make stitches bulky if they’re too loose or pucker if too tight—practice helps!

4. Stick to single crochet.
Most tapestry projects use sc stitches worked in the back loop only (BLO) or under both loops, depending on the look you want.

5. Use a yarn that doesn’t fray.
Our chenille yarn is perfect because it’s durable, soft, and won’t split or fuzz as you carry it through.

What Can You Make with Tapestry Crochet?

Besides our axolotl blanket (which we highly recommend), tapestry crochet is amazing for:

• Throw pillows with custom names or animal faces
  

• Tote bags with bold, graphic patterns
  

• Wall hangings with scenery or lettering
  

• Pot holders with fun fruit or veggie designs
  

• Bookmarks with simple shapes or initials
  

• Seasonal decorations like hearts, snowflakes, or pumpkins
  

If you love color, customization, and want your crochet to make a statement—yes! Tapestry crochet opens up so many creative possibilities, and once you get the hang of changing colors and following a chart, it’s surprisingly meditative.

And if you want to start strong, grab the Giant Axolotl Blanket Pattern from our shop and dive into your first (or next!) colorwork adventure. We promise, it’s axolotl fun.