Tapestry, motif blankets, etc.—how do I make the trailing threads invisible?

Hi everyone,

I recently started working on a motif blanket using three colors. Now I’m on the first row, which has a lot of color changes. My problem:
When I let the thread I’m not currently using run along under the stitches, you can see it… both on the front and the back.

I’m crocheting with Schachenmayr Bravo (100% acrylic), a 4 mm hook, and half double crochet stitches.
Just for fun, I tried it with single crochet yesterday—you can still see the thread...

What could I be doing wrong?
Or do you think it’s no big deal and it won’t really show later on?

Best wishes and have a great weekend
Tina

Maybe it’s too loose… why don’t you try using a smaller hook?

That would have been my suggestion, too—to use a smaller hook.

I had the same problem at first, too. With tapestry crochet, you have to crochet very tightly and pull the carried strands tight from time to time. A smaller hook helps with that. I also try to keep the carried strands more toward the back side.

Thanks for your replies :)
Even if you’re not exactly making me happy :(
I’ve already crocheted 10 rows of almost 400 stitches :(
Oh well, now I’ll have to see if I can figure out a way to fix this somehow; otherwise, I’ll probably have to start over :)

Unraveling is annoying, but sometimes there’s just no other way if you want a satisfactory result...
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it works out without having to unravel it.

Thanks again :)

I tried it again with a smaller hook, but the yarn still shows through...

A smaller hook plus single crochet works.

But since I’ve chosen the yarn (and the desired size) specifically for that hook size and half double crochet, I don’t want to change my plan...

Instead, I got loooads of clothespins and divided the yarn into smaller sections. That way, no yarn has to be carried along, and I still don’t have much to weave in at the end :)

Since it’s not a photo but something more like a comic, this works. About 20–40 color changes per round :) 

Wow, you’ve really taken on quite a project! It’s no surprise it shows with half double crochet—they’re looser, after all. Tapestry crochet is really only meant for single crochet. I hope you’ll show us the result when you’re done ;)