Surface crochet

Surface crocheting is a fun way to add details or colour to a project & it’s easy to do!

In this example, I’m using a size J/6mm crochet hook & worsted weight yarn for both the small swatch of grey yarn & the surface crocheted piece. If you’d like to practice surface crocheting, feel free to make this swatch:
1. Chain 13. Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc 12, chain 1 & turn (12)
2-6. sc 12, chain 1 & turn (12)
7. sc 12 (12)
Fasten off. Swatch complete!

Now for the “fun” part!
Using any colour of yarn that you’d like (I’m using yellow so you can see what I’m doing), leave a bit of a tail to weave in (when you’re finished) & make a slip knot.

Next, remove the slip knot from your hook. Insert your hook through the crocheted swatch (anywhere - it doesn’t really matter).

Now, place the slip knot back on your hook & pull it through the swatch. The working yarn needs to be in behind the swatch.

Next, you need to insert your crochet hook into the space between the next two stitches.

Tilt the piece so you can see the front & back of it. From in behind the piece, wrap the working yarn over your hook. Next, pull it through the space between the stitches so it is on the same side as the slip knot.

At this point, when the front of the piece is facing you, you should have two loops on your crochet hook.

Pull the second loop on the hook through the first loop.

Insert your hook into the next space between the stitches & repeat the process.
Make sure that your tension stays the same to get a nice, even look when you’re finished. It’s better to surface crochet loosely than it is to make your stitches tight.
Once you’ve completed making the surface crochet stitches, fasten off & weave in the ends.