How to surface crochet (video & written instructions)

Watch the video demonstration above by Ashleigh Kiser for the step-by-step surface crochet how-to and some very helpful tips.
Surface crochet is a great technique to add a bit of pizzazz to a finished project, either working on top of crochet you've already made or even using knitting or needlework as a base.
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You can easily master this clever crochet trick to add pretty details, monograms or names and make your finished work more special. Adding a name to a baby blanket makes a simple gift into a treasured heirloom, while quickly stitching initials make a child's scarf that bit harder to lose.
Ashleigh Kiser / DIY Everywhere
Materials
To surface crochet, you will first need a finished project to work on. This could be a scarf, sweater, throw or hat, or could be a fabric item like a napkin, tablecloth or handkerchief.
Next, you will need yarn to create your surface crochet. This should be appropriate to the project you are working on: If you are working on a crocheted or knitted surface, then you will probably choose either an identical weight yarn in a contrasting color or a thinner yarn. A thicker yarn could end up looking clumsy and may not give you the flexibility and detail to create the curving shapes needed for lettering, for instance.
You'll also need a tapestry needle and you should check the label of the yarn you're using to see what size of hook you need.
Pro tip: Your surface crochet will stand out better on a simple background, so don't choose a complicated pattern or multicolored surface to work on.
Pro tip: If you are creating a curved shape with your surface crochet, like a name or a monogram, you could sketch it out with tailor's chalk before working it to make sure you don't go wrong.
Abbreviations
Sl St slip stitch
St stitch
Yo yarn over
Written pattern:
In the example shown in the video, a simple line of contrasting crochet is added to a washcloth to add a dash of interest. Start off by making a slipknot in your chosen yarn. Now insert your crochet hook into the stitch where you want to start working, from the front to the back. Attach the slipknot to the crochet hook and pull the hook through the crochet, keeping the tail and the working yarn at the back of the project. Now insert the hook back into the project, yo and pull through to the front again. You will have two loops on the hook. Pull the top loop through the bottom one, as you would when making a sl st, and you have created your first surface st. Continue in the same way until you have created your desired effect. With a little practice, you'll soon be signing all your crochet projects with a surface crochet monogram!
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