5 Overlay Mosaic Crochet Techniques: Regular vs Reversible Explained with Video Tutorial

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Discover 5 overlay mosaic crochet techniques and learn the key differences between regular and reversible styles. Includes a step-by-step video tutorial, helpful tips, and clear comparisons for better-looking mosaic projects.

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Have you ever finished a beautiful overlay mosaic crochet piece—only to flip it over and feel a little let down by the back? I’ve totally been there. That was me with my first overlay mosaic blanket—absolutely loving the front design, but the back? Not so much. It made me wonder… could I make it look just as beautiful on both sides?

That curiosity led me down the rabbit hole of reversible overlay mosaic crochet—and wow, it opened up a whole new world! Whether you’re team regular (basic version of overlay mosaic crochet) or reversible (standard reversible overlay mosaic crochet tutorial is one of many ways) Overlay Mosaic Crochet, learning the pros and cons of each technique really changed the way I approach my projects. And you know what? There’s not just one right way—there are actually multiple ways to work reversible mosaic crochet, and they all create unique effects.

So in this tutorial (with a full video!), I’m diving into 5 different overlay mosaic crochet techniques, comparing how regular and reversible versions work, look, and feel. Whether you’re brand new to mosaic or you’ve been at it for a while, I think you’ll find some eye-opening tips in this guide.

Let’s find the best version that fits your crochet style—because we all deserve beautiful results on both sides of our work!

5 ways to Overlay Mosaic Crochet

I’m sure you didn’t expect that there are 5 different ways, right? But each one has it’s own features and pros and cons. I will break it all down for you, so you will be able to make your own decision on which one to use for which purpose or pattern.

Here is the list of all 5 (keep reading for the video and details instructions for each of them) with an image below (3rd swatch is for numbers 3 and 4):

1. Regular Overlay Mosaic Crochet
2. Regular + Anchored Single Crochet (similar ot Negative Stitch, but not the same)
3. Reversible + Negative Stitch
4. Reversible + Anchored Double Crochet (in blo or 3rd loop)
5. Reversible AND Double Sided (for 2 different images front and back)

Ready to learn them all in detail?

Mosaic Crochet Patterns

Did you know…this Overlay Mosaic Crochet Tutorial (5 ways) is not my first mosaic crochet tutorial? I have many more. And you can get them ALL ad-free and printable if you like! Wanna see them all in one PDF and learn more Mosaic Crochet techniques AND get 40 Patterns with graphs also?

Great news! I just published a new Mosaic Crochet Ebook called “Mosaic Crochet Made Easy” which includes this tutorial and 39 more patterns and tutorials, plus lots of detailed stitch tutorials and many video tutorials.

The Crochet Club

This tutorial is also part of “The Crochet Club” membership which hosts over 500 ad-free patterns with check-off boxes as well as a vault of videos, plus weekly new tutorials and patterns as well as twice-a-month virtual meetups.

How to Overlay Crochet Mosaic 5 Ways – Video + Written Tutorials

Written Pattern Notes

Be sure to watch the video as I go through each version step by step. The images and the graph on the next page are summaries of that’s in the video as it’s better to learn each stitch visually in a video format. Trust me! It’s less confusing that way.

Mosaic Crochet Chart

You’ll need this chat for all 5 versions referenced in the video above and the written tutorial below.

Overlay Mosaic Crochet Techniques – 5 ways – Written Tutorial

1. Regular Version

In this version you’ll simply focus on 2 stitches (sc in blo and dc in flo 2 rows down as mdc)). When looking at the graph, you’ll only focus on whether the pixel has an X (for mdc) or is blank (for sc in blo). 

This version has stripes with flaps on the back. 

2. Regular + Anch-sc (similar to Neg St)

In this version you’ll fix the flap as you crochet the mdc stitches (instead of after what regular negative stitches do). I should call it a preventative step such that the flap never appears from the beginning. 

The mdc stitch, in this version called anch-sc, are made this way: yo, insert hook into the flo 2 rows down, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, now insert hook into the blo of the sc (behind the mdc), yo and pull up a loop (or pull through 2 loops for an anch-sl st), 3 loops on your hook, yo and pull through all 3 loops (for anch-sc).

The back of the work has stripes but no flaps. 

3. Reversible Version + Negative Stitch

In this version you’ll simple focus on 3 stitches (sc in blo and dc in flo 2 rows down as mdc, and the negative stitch). When looking at the graph, you’ll only focus on whether the pixel has an X (for mdc) or is blank (for sc in blo), but you’ll also check whether there was an mdc below the sc, that is where you’ll crochet the negative stitch (neg sts are not mentioned on a typical graph). So the negative stitch is like a bandage fix for the previous row/round.

This version has stripes with partial reversible image (kind of transparent) without flaps on the back.

The negative stitch is made like this: Insert hook into blo of next st AND the blo of the st 2 rows down, then pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops. 

4. Reversible + Anch-dc (in blo or 3rd loop)

This version is most often used for reversible projects. In this version you’ll not only create a reversible image (in the opposite color) but you’ll also fix the flap at the same time. This is not a preventative version, but a fixing version with a prettier look than the negative stitch. 

I prefer this version over the negative stitch any day, even if it uses more yarn.

Sometimes graphs will show the anch-dc stitch (I typically have a circle, A or B on the graph). If the graph or written pattern doesn’t mention the anch-dc, no worries, you can still use it. 

So here is what you’ll do and how to crochet the anch-dc (separate tutorial on page 17 also):

Every time you’ll see an sc on top of an mdc (looking at the graph), you’ll crochet an anch-dc like this:

Insert hook into the blo of next st, pull up a loop, turn work slightly to the back, insert hook into the blo OR 3rd loop 2 rows down (pick the loop available) of the same color, pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through 3 loops. That creates an mdc in the back and an sc in the front. 

The mdc in the back is the same height as 2 rows and therefore creates a prettier version (and less crunched) than the negative stitch. 

Looking at the pink last row crocheted, Version 4 is on the left, 3 on the right

Now looking at the pink last row crocheted on the back, Version 4 is on the right, 3 on the left

5. Reversible Version with Double Sided

This version will prevent the flap (yes, it’s not a fix) and create a reversible image in the SAME color on the back (version 4 is a different color image).

In this version, you’ll substitute all mdc’s with a double mdc – unless the pattern says otherwise (see next page’s tutorial for more details). 

The double mdc create an mdc in the front and back at the same time. All sc in blo are made as normal. 

For the double mdc there will no blo available in the back to crochet into (to compare with anch-dc) because you’ll crochet the mdc in the back to a spot that was already used (sc was in in blo below). You’ll have the 3rd loop to use though. 

Quick stitch anatomy lesson. A stitch (besides the sl st) has 3 loops: front loop, back loop (both together create a sideways V) and the 3rd loop behind the V. 

That 3rd loop is used for the double mdc. 

Here is how you’ll crochet the double mdc:

Insert the hook 2 rows down on the front of the same color, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, insert hook through the blo of the st behind the just made mdc, yo, insert hook into the 3rd loop 2 rows down of the same color, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 3 loops, yo, pull through 3 loops. 

You now have an mdc in the front and back creating a double sided reversible mirrored project of the same colors.

PS: if you’ll combine versions 2, 4 and 5 then you’ll be able to create a double sided reversible project with one image on the front and a TOTALLY DIFFERENT image on the back. Learn the Double-Sided Reversible Technique with Sample Pattern here. 

If you want to try a full pattern using the Reversible Double Sided Overlay Mosaic Crochet Technique, then try this Free Zig Zag Squares Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern with 2 different images front and back.

Don’t forget to join Facebook Group “Crocheting with Nicki” and share your progress in this exciting new technique with fellow crochet fanatics!

Wanna learn more about Mosaic Crochet and get Patterns? Watch this Video here

Mosaic Crochet Summit

Wanna learn more? I’m teaching at the Mosaic Crochet Summit, and I’d love for you to join me for FREE! Register here

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