Woohoo! Week one of our crochet-along and I hope you have your yarn and hooks ready. Don’t worry this is actually a really easy part of the overall pattern. We are making the crocheted background this week.
To complete the crocheted background all you will need to know is how to chain, single crochet, and change colors. It is really that easy. Even if you will be crocheting from a graph for the cactus painting, it still only requires those few skills.
Crochet Background: Tips and Tricks
Below you will find a pattern for both backgrounds. The patterns are actually exactly the same, except the cactus pattern includes color changes. A gauge is listed below for these patterns, but it is much more important that your final piece measures 10.75 inches wide by 13.75 inches tall. Use whatever hook you need to reach this measurement.
I recommend working the first two rows then measuring your piece to make sure the width is correct. This is only important if you are using an 11″x14″ picture frame.
In the last week, I will give you advice on adjusting your crochet painting to fit the frame, but it will be easier if we simply take the time to make sure the crocheted background fits the frame.
If you are not framing your finished project, then any size hook can be used. Now, let’s get to the patterns.
Crochet Background from a Graph
Below you will find the printable graph for the cactus painting. I have included a video tutorial to help you learn to crochet from a graph. There is really two ways to do this. You can use the graph and follow the colors row by row. You will have to read the odd rows from right to left and the even rows from left to right. I highly recommend you use a marker to mark off the rows you have completed.
The other way to crochet a picture into your work is to follow the written pattern below. This works better for those that have a hard time reading the graph. I still recommend having the graph handy so that you can check your picture to see if it is coming out correctly.
The graph I have created is very simple and you will not need to carry any of your yarn colors more than a few stitches. Check out the video below to learn how to carry your colors and change colors. Plus there is a tip for keeping your colors from getting tangled.
I used a website called Stitch Fiddle to create my graph. If you want to make a custom graph there just set your graph to be 40 stitches wide by 62 tall. I recommend keeping your background simple so that the appliques we put in the foreground can really stand out.
Crochet Background Materials
Worsted Weight Yarn
Size H 5 mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
You can find more information on colors used in this post, or feel free to ask for specific color information below.
Stitches and Abbreviations
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
CC – Change Color
ST(S) – Stitch(es)
Gauge and Final Size
15 Sc = 4 inches
18 rows = 4 inches
The final size is approximately 10.75 inches wide and 13.75 inches tall. I would aim for being a little smaller than 11″x14″ instead of larger.
Sunflower Painting Crochet Background
Notes:
-The pattern is written in US terms.
– I used Red Heart Super Save Ombre and changed to the next color in the skein on rows 16, 31, and 45.
Ch41
R1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in next 39 CH. (40 SC)
R2 – 62: Ch1, turn, SC into next 40 STS. (40 SC)
Fasten off after row 62 or when your piece is 13.75 inches tall. Weave in your ends.
Cactus Painting Crochet Background
Cactus Crochet Painting Graph Notes:
-The pattern is written in US terms.
– The pattern for every row is simple SC in the next 40 STS but this pattern will indicate when to change colors.
– Feel free to use different colors from what I used but for the purpose of the written pattern we will be using grey for the floor color, teal for the rug, tan for the right wall, cream for the left wall, brown for the window frame and window color to indicated the striped yarn on the window.
With Grey, CH 41
R1: CH1 turn, SC in 2nd CH from hook and next 39 CH. (40 SC)
R2-3: CH1, turn, SC into next 40 STS. CC to Teal.
R4: CH1, turn, SC in next 5 STS with Teal, CC to grey, SC in next 35 STS.
R5: CH1, turn, SC in next 28 STS with Grey, CC to Teal, SC in next 12 STS.
R6: CH1, turn, SC in next 21 STS with Teal, CC to Grey, SC into next 19 STS.
R7: CH1, turn, SC in next 12 STS with Grey, CC to Teal, Sc in next 28 STS.
R8-16: CH1 turn, SC into next 40 STS with Teal.
Change to Tan in the last stitch on row 16.
R17: CH1, turn, SC in next 2 STS with Tan, CC to Teal, SC in next 38 STS.
R18: CH1, turn, SC in next 37 STS with Teal, CC to Tan, SC into next 3 STS.
R19: CH 1, turn, SC in next 4 STS with Tan, CC to Teal, SC in next 36 STS.
R20: CH1, turn, SC in next 34 STS with Teal, CC to Tan, SC in next 6 STS.
R21: CH1, turn, SC in next 7 STS with Tan, CC to Teal, Sc in next 28 STS, CC to Cream, SC in next 5 STS.
R22: CH1, turn, SC in next 12 with Cream, CC to Teal, SC in next 20 STS, CC to Tan, SC in next 8 STS.
R23: CH1, turn, SC in next 10 STS with Tan, CC to Teal, SC in next 9 STS, CC to Cream, SC in next 21 STS.
R24: CH1, turn, SC in next 28 STS in Cream, CC to Teal, SC in next ST, CC to Tan, SC in next 11 STS.
R25: CH1, turn, SC in next 11 STS with Tan, CC to Cream, SC in next 29 STS.
Change color to brown in the last stitch of row 25.
R26: CH1, turn, SC in next 5 STS with Brown, CC to Cream, Sc in next 24 STS, CC to Tan, SC in next 11 STS.
R27: CH1, turn, SC in next 11 STS with Tan, CC to Cream, SC in next 17 STS, CC to Brown, SC in next 12 STS.
R28: CH1, turn, SC in next 21 STS with Brown, CC to Cream, SC in next 8 STS, CC to Tan, SC in next 11 STS.
R29: CH1, turn, SC in next 11 STS with Tan, CC to Cream, SC in next 3 STS, CC to Brown, SC in next 26 STS.
R30: CH1, turn, SC in next 26 STS with Brown, CC to Cream, SC in next 3 STS, CC to Tan, SC in next 11 STS.
R31: CH1, turn, SC in next 11 STS with Tan, CC to Cream, Sc in next 3 STS, CC to Brown, SC in next 21 STS, CC to Window Color, SC in next 5 STS.
R32: CH1, turn, SC in next 12 STS with Window Color, CC to Brown, SC in next 14 STS, CC to Cream, SC in next 3 STS, CC to Tan, SC in next 11 STS.
R33: CH1, turn, SC in next 11 STS with Tan, CC to Cream, SC in next 3 STS, CC to Brown, SC in next 5 STS, CC to Window Color, SC into next 21 STS.
R34: CH1, turn, SC into next 21 STS with Window Color, CC to Brown, SC into next 5 STS, CC to Cream, SC into next 3 STS, CC to Tan, SC into next 11 STS.
Continue to repeat rows 33 and 34 until you have a total of 62 rows or your work measures 13.75 inches tall.
There you have it, your crochet background is complete. You can fasten off and weave in your ends or just move them to the back our your work if you plan to frame this painting.
Don’t forget to share a photo of your work in progress with us on Facebook!
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