As Cag As a Snag in a Bag – Mini Tapestry

A small beginner-friendly crochet tapestry / wall hanging worked in single-crochet tapestry colorwork. The playful phrase “as cag as a snag in a bag” is charted in simple block letters. Perfect for practicing color changes while creating a quick decorative piece.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (CYC 4), approx 80 yd (73 m) main color (MC – background) and 40 yd (37 m) contrast color (CC – letters)
• Crochet hook US H/8 (5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Optional: 12–14" dowel or branch and 2 small jump rings / string for hanging

Gauge

16 sc and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet tapestry stitch (worked tightly enough that carried yarn does not show through). Check gauge before starting; adjust hook size if necessary. Finished body measures approximately 12" wide × 9" tall (30.5 × 23 cm); with border approximately 13" × 10" (33 × 25.5 cm).

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch
• MC – main color
• CC – contrast color
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side

Pattern Notes

• Worked flat in rows, turning at the end of every row.
• Turning ch-1 does NOT count as a stitch.
• All stitches are worked through both loops unless otherwise stated.
• Tapestry method: carry the unused color snugly along the top of the stitches of the previous row and crochet over it. Change color in the last yarn-over of the stitch before the new color begins.
• Stitch count remains 48 sc on every row.
• Read the attached chart carefully (see Attached Stitch Chart section below).
• Weave in ends as you go when possible; leave 6" tails at color changes for security.

Attached Stitch Chart

Use the separate attached chart panel supplied with this pattern for the complete visual color grid. The chart appears immediately after the written pattern (or in the accompanying chart file/panel).

How to read the chart:

• Each square = 1 sc.
• Chart is 48 stitches wide and 36 rows tall.
• Row 1 (bottom row of chart) is a RS row and is read right to left.
• Row 2 (WS) is read left to right.
• Continue alternating direction: odd-numbered rows RS (right to left), even-numbered rows WS (left to right).
• Empty/open squares = MC; filled/solid squares = CC (lettering).
• Color changes occur exactly where the chart squares change; always change color in the last pull-through of the previous stitch.
• Carry the non-working yarn throughout each row and crochet over it so floats are enclosed. At the end of a row, drop the unused color to the WS, turn, and pick it up again on the next row as needed.
• The written instructions tell you when to begin and end the chart section; the chart itself supplies every individual stitch color.

Stitch-count integration: Foundation produces exactly 48 sc so the chart fits with no extra stitches on either side. Border is worked after the charted section is complete and does not alter the chart math.

Instructions

Body

With MC, ch 49.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, working over the CC tail for the first few stitches if desired to secure it. (48 sc) Turn.

Rows 2–36: Ch 1, sc in each st across, following the attached chart for color placement and carrying the unused yarn. (48 sc) At the end of Row 36, fasten off CC. Continue with MC only if any plain rows remain; otherwise proceed to border.

(Inline check: 36 chart rows × 48 sts = full phrase block centered on the 12" width ✓)

Border

Round 1: With RS facing and MC, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire piece, working 1 sc in each row end along the sides, 1 sc in each st along top and bottom, and 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

(Approximate border count: ~48 bottom + 48 top + 36 left + 36 right + 8 extra corner sts ≈ 176 sc; exact number may vary by 1–2 sts per side—simply keep edges flat and corners neat.)

Finishing

• Weave in all remaining ends securely on the WS, especially around letter edges so the text stays sharp.
• Block gently if desired: mist with water, pin to finished measurements (13" × 10"), and allow to dry flat.
• Optional hanging: Attach two small rings or crochet chains at the top corners, or fold the top edge over a dowel and whipstitch in place.
• Steam or wet-block lightly one final time to set the stitches and smooth any carried-yarn bumps.

Your mini tapestry is ready to hang! Enjoy the quirky reminder that you’re “as cag as a snag in a bag.”