Tapestry Crochet Space Invader
Recently I discovered a type of crochet I used to refer to as, "That thing where you can crochet images or designs, like pixel art." I didn't actually know there was a term for that but, while I was searching for a way to make a design with different colored yarns, I came across this great tutorial at Little Woollie for the kind of color changes I wanted to make.
This crochet technique is called tapestry crochet and it’s what I used to crochet a Space Invader pot holder.
Whenever I hear the word “tapestry” all I can think of is the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where he asks to see the tapestries in the castle, "This is a castle isn't it, where are tapestries?" And that was the extent of my tapestry knowledge. Now I know tapestries are woven works of art made using looms.
Tapestry crochet is a way of using different colored yarns and interchanging them to create a design. So, I tried it out.
The bottom swatch was my first attempt, it was supposed to be a circle. Maybe a bit too ambitious for my first tapestry crochet project. And the top swatch, I think my intention had been to make a wavy line...
Eventually I started to get the hang of it and ended up making this Space Invader!
This tapestry crochet space invader would also work great as nerdy wall decor, coaster or mug rug, or as part of a larger project like a blanket.
This is what the edges look like after carrying the blue yarn all the way through:
How to Crochet a Space Invader Pot Holder
Start with foundation ch of 29 ch (28 sts + 1 turning ch)
Switch yarn colors before completing the previous stitch (pull color through in last 2 loops of sc st).
For even thickness, carry the second color from the first sc row.
When starting a new row, turn, ch 1, and carry secondary yarn from the back, then pull forward as you work across row - this will create a clean edge.
I still need quite a bit of practice but I'm just happy it actually looks like a Space Invader. Now I have all these ideas for more tapestry crochet projects. Do any of you tapestry crochet and have helpful tips? Looking at my Space Invader, how do you keep the carried yarn from showing through the stitches? And you can see where a couple of stitches look disconnected in the top and bottom - why did that happen? I would love to know!
If you'd like to make your own Tapestry Crochet Space Invader I created a graph based on a Google image I found. Each square represents one single crochet stitch.
Now, this potholder wouldn’t be useful if you didn’t have something hot to place over it. How about making a delicious lunchbox cake? Check out this lunchbox cake recipe on The Melrose Family.
If you make this tapestry crochet space invader I'd love to see your creation, just tag me on Instagram @popsdemilk_crochet and use the hashtag #popsdemilk
Check out my other video game-inspired creations!
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This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern and its photos may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted in any way over the internet or offline.
You may sell finished items made from this pattern as long as it is handmade by you, not mass produced, giving the credit to Pops de Milk / Patricia Castillo as the designer. If you have any questions, you can email me at patricia@popsdemilk.com