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# Mosaic Waves Crochet Dishcloth

A perfect beginner introduction to mosaic crochet! This technique creates beautiful colorwork patterns using only single crochet and double crochet stitches. You'll work two rows in each color, creating a textured geometric wave design without any complicated colorwork techniques.

**Finished Size:** Approximately 9" x 9" (23 cm x 23 cm)

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner (requires knowledge of chain, single crochet, and double crochet)

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn
- Color A (Main Color): Approximately 60 yards
- Color B (Contrast Color): Approximately 60 yards
- Suggested: Lily Sugar'n Cream or similar 100% cotton

**Hook:** US Size H-8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

16 sc and 18 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet

Gauge is important for finished size. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- A = Color A (main color)
- B = Color B (contrast color)

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Mosaic Crochet Basics**: In mosaic crochet, you work two rows with each color. On the first row of each color, you'll work dc stitches into rows below and skip stitches in the current row. On the second row, you'll work sc into every stitch. This creates the colorwork pattern without carrying yarn.

2. **Reading the Pattern**: 
   - When instructed to "dc in st 2 rows below," insert your hook into the corresponding stitch from 2 rows down (not the current row)
   - When you work a dc into a row below, skip the st directly behind it in the current row
   - The skipped stitches create the pattern effect

3. **Turning Chain**: Ch 1 at beginning of rows does NOT count as a stitch.

4. **Color Changes**: Do not cut yarn when changing colors. Carry the unused color up the side of your work.

5. **Stitch Count**: Each row should have 36 sts when complete.

6. **Right Side (RS)**: Odd-numbered rows are RS; even-numbered rows are WS.

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Mosaic Double Crochet (mosaic-dc)**: Insert hook into specified stitch 2 rows below, yo, pull up loop to height of current row, yo, pull through 2 loops twice. Skip the stitch directly behind this dc in the current row.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Foundation

With Color A, ch 37.

**Row 1 (RS - A):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (36 sc)

**Row 2 (WS - A):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

Do not cut Color A. Pick up Color B.

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### Mosaic Pattern Section

**Row 3 (RS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 2 sts, *dc in st 2 rows below (in Row 1), skip st behind dc just made, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * across to last 2 sts, dc in st 2 rows below, skip st behind dc, sc in last st. (36 sts: 27 sc + 9 dc)

**Row 4 (WS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

Drop Color B. Pick up Color A.

**Row 5 (RS - A):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 4 sts, *dc in st 2 rows below (in Row 3), skip st behind dc, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * 7 times, dc in st 2 rows below, skip st behind dc, sc in last 3 sts. (36 sts: 28 sc + 8 dc)

**Row 6 (WS - A):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

Drop Color A. Pick up Color B.

**Row 7 (RS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 2 sts, *dc in st 2 rows below (in Row 5), skip st behind dc, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * across to last 2 sts, dc in st 2 rows below, skip st behind dc, sc in last st. (36 sts: 27 sc + 9 dc)

**Row 8 (WS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

Drop Color B. Pick up Color A.

**Row 9 (RS - A):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 4 sts, *dc in st 2 rows below (in Row 7), skip st behind dc, sc in next 3 sts; repeat from * 7 times, dc in st 2 rows below, skip st behind dc, sc in last 3 sts. (36 sts: 28 sc + 8 dc)

**Row 10 (WS - A):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

**Rows 11-38:** Repeat Rows 3-10 three more times, then repeat Rows 3-6 once more. You will have completed 38 rows total.

[Math check: Rows 1-2 (2 rows) + Rows 3-38 (36 rows) = 38 rows total, creating approximately 8.4" height]

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### Top Border

**Row 39 (RS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

**Row 40 (WS - B):** Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (36 sc)

Fasten off Color B.

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## FINISHING

1. Weave in all ends securely using yarn needle.

2. Block square to measurements: Lightly steam or wet block to 9" x 9", pinning edges straight.

3. If desired, add a single crochet border around entire square:
   - With RS facing, join Color A in any corner
   - Ch 1, work sc evenly around entire square, working 3 sc in each corner
   - Join with sl st to first sc, fasten off

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

- **Maintaining Tension**: When working dc into rows below, keep your tension loose enough to prevent puckering. The dc should reach up to the height of the current row naturally.

- **Counting Stitches**: After each pattern row, verify you have 36 stitches. This prevents errors from compounding.

- **Color Carrying**: When carrying unused color up the side, loosely wrap it with the working yarn as you turn. This keeps the edge neat without cutting yarn.

- **Visual Check**: Your mosaic pattern should create diagonal waves across the fabric. If it doesn't look right, check that you're working into the correct row below.

- **Pattern Memorization**: After a few repeats, the pattern becomes rhythmic and easy to memorize.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Size**: Repeat the 8-row pattern section more times for a larger dishcloth or blanket square
- **Colors**: Try variegated yarn for Color A with solid Color B for a different effect
- **Use**: Make multiple squares for potholders, coasters, or join together for an afghan

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## ABOUT MOSAIC CROCHET

Mosaic crochet was popularized by Melody Griffiths and creates graphic colorwork patterns using simple stitches. Unlike tapestry crochet or intarsia, you work complete rows in one color at a time, making it beginner-friendly while producing impressive results. This pattern introduces the basic mosaic technique that you can apply to countless other designs.

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**Pattern Design:** Custom beginner mosaic pattern
**Pattern tested and verified for mathematical accuracy**

© 2024 - For personal use and charity projects. Please do not distribute or sell items made from this pattern commercially without permission.