Dogwood Mountain Arts

There are many ways in which embossing has been used to decorate items such as books, clothing, and accessories. You can even get your own embossing stamp to mark the books in your own personal library.

Mirriam Webster defines “Emboss” as: “to ornament with raised work”.

So, what does it mean to say “embossed crochet”?

Simply, the main pattern is raised from the surface of the background fabric of the crochet piece.

The embossing is done by front post stitches and can be contrasted by shell stitch, *simple stitches, or back post stitches. 

There are a few different variations in the use of these stitches to create an embossed texture. Some designers use it to add depth of texture and directional designs (as I do in the pattern mentioned later). Others use the technique to create a motif of animals or climbing vines; more specific motifs than texture or design variation.

In my research, I realized that embossed crochet is an incredibly new technique. There are only a couple of crochet patterns prior to 2000 that are embossed-like textures .The only ones I’ve been able to find come from a pattern book of potholders from 1940 and use bobbles and clusters as the raised texture on the potholder. Here is a link to the pattern I have recently made. I made it as a “sampler” set of kitchen items for a Christmas gift to my mother.

Currently, you see embossed crochet as an all-over pattern project, I will share resources below, or as an element in a highly textured design.

 My favorite doily book that I acquired at a used book warehouse is “Extra Special Doilies” by Mary Werst. There is a reel of my project of one of the doilies on the Dogwood Mountain Arts Instagram, as well as many pictures with the background as that doily. Embossed crochet technique is used in her patterns as an element to deepen the texture and contrast of her doily designs, rather than motifs. If you desire to see the pamphlet, here is a link to the amazon page. I am not an affiliate in any way, I would just like you to have an easier time finding techniques that spark your interest.

This book inspired me to create the embossed crochet pattern I will discuss at the end of the post.

Please comment if you know of more vintage patterns that show embossed crochet! I would love to find the resources to share the history of embossed crochet.

One of the main embossed crochet designers I have followed for a few years is  “Outstanding Crochet”. I have admired her embossed designed bags and winter items for years. She uses the contrast of front post and back post stitches leading to a lined background fabric. It creates a stunning textural contrast and makes the main design really pop out of the piece. She utilizes the technique to create motif designs on solid texture pieces such as a bumblebee or climbing vines on purses and fingerless gloves.

Another form of embossed crochet is cables.

Crochet cabling is a technique in itself that requires the crocheter to learn how to cross stitches as well as back post and front post stitches. I will not go into depth on crochet cables, as I do not yet have much experience in it, but I will link a resource from Leisure Arts if you are interested in learning this technique, “63 Cable Stitches”. 

If you are interested in learning embossed crochet, I have a pattern available that utilizes front and back post stitches. Winter Waves Coaster is an inexpensive and short pattern, and I have found coasters to be a perfect way to learn new techniques.

 If using cotton yarn, as the pattern suggests, you can even use this project as face washcloths or dish scrubbies (the texture from the front post stitches are good for scrubbing, and I prefer a circular dishcloth).

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