Dropped dc over stripes — intricate looks, easy rows. AdvancedUS: mosUK: mos
Mosaic Overlay has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated mos), so you can follow either without converting.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by Tinna Thorudottir Thorvaldar on YouTube.
How to crochet the Mosaic Overlay — step by step
Work in two colours, alternating every 2 rows. Each pair of rows is worked entirely in one colour.
Base rows are single crochet worked into the back loop only, leaving the front loop free.
Where the chart shows a 'drop', skip the stitch and instead work a double crochet into the free front loop two rows below — this tall stitch lays over the other colour.
Follow the chart row by row; the overlay dc's draw the geometric pattern with no colour changes mid-row.
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Common mistakes with the Mosaic Overlay
Carrying the unused yarn too tight — floats pucker the fabric.
Changing colour on the last pull-through of the *old* colour instead of the new one; always finish the last stitch of the old colour with the new colour.
Not weaving in ends as you go — save yourself a whole evening at the end.
Planning a project with the Mosaic Overlay? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
The Mosaic Overlay has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated mos.
Is the Mosaic Overlay good for beginners?
It is an advanced stitch — worth it, but practise on a swatch first. Dropped dc over stripes — intricate looks, easy rows.
Can I crochet the Mosaic Overlay left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Mosaic Overlay, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Mosaic Overlay used for?
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Learn the Mosaic Overlay in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.