Apache Tears Crochet

Have you tried Mosaic Crochet? I made those mug rugs using the Apache Tears crochet stitch. It’s one of the easiest mosaic stitches and it’s perfect for someone who wants to try mosaic crochet for the first time.

If you’re an absolute crochet beginner, I have a step by step tutorial for you here where you can learn how to make a slip knot and the first basic crochet stitches.

The Apache Tears crochet stitch may look complicated but it’s actually very easy. The pattern is simple and once you understand the basics of Mosaic Crochet you can use the chart or the written pattern below.

I personally like using charts as it provides the whole big picture of the pattern where you can see all the stitches row by row, you can see colour changes and what the pattern is supposed to look like.

But first you’ll need to know a little bit about the basics and this particular technique is called Overlay Mosaic Crochet.

Each row is worked from right to left on the right side (no turning).
At the end of each row fasten off and cut the yarn.
One colour per row. No need to change colour in the middle of a row.
Each new row starts with a slip knot and joining new colour to the first stitch in the previous row.
All single crochets (apart from the first and last) are worked in the back loop only.
You will have yarn ends on each side of your project (You can use those ends to make a fringe. In bigger projects such as blankets you can make a double border to hide them all in.)

Apache Tears Pattern Ideas

Blankets, Throws, Afghans
Foot Pouf
Cushions
Towels
Plant Hangers

Apache Tears Mosaic Crochet Pattern

Please scroll down for the free pattern or get the ad-free & print-friendly version with step by step photo and written instructions for a small fee from my Etsy or Ravelry stores. Or get a bundle of three beautiful mosaic crochet coaster patterns from Etsy here.

Skill level

Easy / Intermediate

Dimensions

Without the fringe: 5.5″ x 4.5″ (13cm x 11cm)

Gauge

Gauge is not important.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

Ch = chain

St(s) = stitch(es)

Sl St(s) = slip stitch(es)

SC = single crochet

SC BLO = single crochet in back loop only

Drop down DC = drop down double crochet

A and B = any two contrasting colours of your choice

Special Stitches

Drop down double crochet = a double crochet worked in the unworked front loop two rows below.

In this pattern, work a DC into the same colour front loop two rows below as the colour on your hook. E.g. in the photo below, we have white colour on the hook and will work into the white colour front loop below.

orange and white crochet in process with a pink crochet hook

apache tears dropped double crochet example in process

Materials

Yarn: I used 100% cotton yarn, light worsted #3/8ply/DK

You can use any type/weight yarn. You’ll need to adjust the size of your hook and may adjust the number of chains and rows if you’re using a different type of yarn.

Crochet hook: 3.5mm (E 4)

I chose a smaller size hook because I wanted to create a dense stitching without visible holes.

Yarn needle, scissors

Pattern Notes

Pattern written in US terms
Chain a multiple of 6 plus 3.
Pattern is worked from right to left in each row. After completing a row, cut the yarn approx. 2 inches away. The ends will be used for the fringe.

Apache Tears Crochet Chart

How to use this chart:

Read the chart from right to left, from the bottom up.
Row numbers are on the right, from 1 – 8.
A and B on the left are the contrasting colours.
Alternate colours each row. One colour per row. You will not change colour in the middle of the row.
Stitch numbers are on top, from 1 – 26.
Square with SC in it is a single crochet (always at the beginning and end of row).
Empty square (no matter white or blue) is a single crochet in back loop only (SC BLO).
Square with an X in it is a drop down double crochet (drop down DC).
When reading the chart, ignore the colours in boxes. Only work with one colour per row as specified on the left (A or B). The colours are only for the visual representation on how it will look when it’s done.

Apache Tears Mug Rug Written Instructions

With colour A, chain 27 or a multiple of 6 plus 3

Row 1: SC in second St from hook and each St across. Fasten off and cut yarn, leaving approx. 2 inches of yarn for the fringe.

Row 2: Do not turn, continue working on the right side. With colour B, make a slip knot and join the new colour to the first St of the previous row. Make a SC in the first St, SC BLO in the next and each St across until the very last one. Work a SC in the last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 3: Join colour A to the first St of the previous row and make a SC. In this row we will start with the tears. *Work a drop down DC in the next, SC BLO in the next 5 Sts*. Repeat from * until the end of the row. The very last St is a SC. Cut the yarn.

Row 4: Join colour B. SC, SC BLO, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 St, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 4, SC in last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 5: Join colour A. SC in first, SC BLO in next 2 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 3 Sts. SC in last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 6: Join colour B. SC in first, SC BLO in next 3 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 2 Sts. SC in last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 7: Join colour A. SC in first, SC BLO in next 4 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next St. SC in last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 8: Join colour B. SC in first, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC, SC BLO in next 5 Sts, drop down DC. SC in last St. Cut the yarn.

Row 9-19: Repeat the pattern from row 3.

Row 20: Work SC BLO in every stitch (apart from the very first and last stitches) with the same colour you started with to make both sides look similar.