Mosaic Crochet 101: Overlay, Inset, and Mirrored Explained
If you’ve been looking at my Free Mosaic Pattern Graphs page and wondering, "How on earth do I actually crochet this?" you are in the right place.
Mosaic crochet is fantastic because it creates stunning colorwork that looks complicated, but it’s actually much easier than it looks. The golden rule is simple: You only ever work with one color at a time. No juggling multiple balls of yarn!
- 1. Overlay Mosaic (The "One-Row" method)
- 2. Inset Mosaic (The "Two-Row" method)
- 3. Mirrored / Anchored Mosaic (The "Reversible" method)
Here is the plain English guide to the differences.
1. Overlay Mosaic (The "Cut-Your-Yarn" Method)
This is currently the most popular method you’ll see in modern patterns (like those by Rosina Plane or Tinna). It creates very crisp, pixel-perfect images.
How it works:
- One Direction Only: You always work on the Right Side (front) of the fabric. You never turn your work.
- Cut the Cord: Because you don't turn, you have to cut your yarn at the end of every single row. This creates a fringe on both sides.
- The Main Stitch: Most stitches are Single Crochet worked in the Back Loop Only (BLO).
- The Magic Stitch: When the pattern calls for a color drop, you work a Double Crochet into the Front Loop of the stitch two rows below. This covers up the row in between.
2. Inset Mosaic (The "Two-Row" Method)
This is the classic method. If you hate weaving in ends or dealing with fringe, this is the one for you.
How it works:
- Back and Forth: You work two rows in Color A, then switch and work two rows in Color B. You turn your work at the end of every row, just like normal crochet.
- No Cutting: You carry the unused color up the side of your work.
- Chains create gaps: Instead of working into the back loop, you work through both loops. When you need to skip a space for the pattern, you make Chain stitches.
- Filling the Gaps: On the next color change, you work a long stitch into the space created by those chains to "fill in" the pattern.
3. Mirrored / Anchored Mosaic (The "Reversible" Method)
This is a variation of the Overlay method. It solves the main complaint people have about Overlay: "The back looks messy."
How it works:
It follows the same rules as Overlay (cutting yarn every row), but with one extra trick.
- In standard Overlay, the "drop down" stitches leave a loose loop behind them on the back of the work.
- In Mirrored Mosaic, you "anchor" your drop stitch by catching that loose loop from the previous row as you work.
- It takes a little longer, but the finish is beautiful.
disclaimer, the above image is ai generated!The Result: By anchoring the stitches, you remove the ridges on the back. The back looks like a "negative" of the front image (truly reversible).
Quick Comparison: Which one should I choose?
| Feature | Overlay Mosaic | Inset Mosaic | Mirrored (Anchored) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ends/Tails | Lots! (Fringe on sides) | Very few (Carried up side) | Lots! (Fringe on sides) |
| Turn Work? | No. Always Right Side. | Yes. Turn every row. | No. Always Right Side. |
| Main Tech | Back Loop Only + Drops | Chains + Filling gaps | Anchoring the Drops |
| The Back | Striped with ridges. | Striped and smooth. | Mirrored Image (Negative). |
A Note on Reading My Charts
Most of the graphs I post here on Cats Rockin Crochet can technically be used for all three methods, but you have to read them differently!
- If doing Overlay/Mirrored: An 'X' on the chart usually means you do a Drop Down Double Crochet. An empty square is a Back Loop Single Crochet.
- If doing Inset: An empty square usually means you Chain (skip the stitch).
Top Tip: Always check the key on the pattern! If it says "cut yarn at end of row," you are doing Overlay. If it says "turn work," you are doing Inset.
Recommended Watching
If you want to see these stitches in action, here are the best tutorials for each method:
1. Overlay Mosaic (The "Cut Yarn" Method)
Watch Tinna Thorvaldsdóttir explain the basics of Overlay Mosaic. Notice how she cuts the yarn at the end of every row!
2. Inset Mosaic (The "No-Ends" Method)
Watch Bella Coco demonstrate Inset Mosaic. Pay attention to how she carries the yarn up the side (no cutting!).
3. Mirrored / Anchored Mosaic (The "Reversible" Method)
Watch Ashlee Brotzell show the "Anchored" stitch. This is the secret trick to making the back of your work look neat.
