Introduction
This year marks 150 years since the birth of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911) – a genius Lithuanian painter and composer whose works continue to inspire generations. To celebrate his anniversary, I wanted to honor his legacy in my own medium: crochet.
I designed a mosaic crochet portrait of Čiurlionis, translating his features into the pixel-like language of stitches. It’s my small tribute to an artist who dedicated his life to weaving together sound, color, and imagination.
Mosaic Overlay Crochet
This pattern is created using the mosaic overlay crochet technique.
Materials needed
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Two contrasting colors of yarn. Choose colors that provide a good contrast for the pattern to stand out.
- Crochet Hook: Select an appropriate hook size based on your yarn’s thickness. You can find this information on the yarn label.
My favourite yarn to crochet is – Scheepjes Catona.
Video introduction to mosaic technique
If you’re a complete beginner in mosaic crochet, I recommend watching this introductory video that explains the basics of mosaic crochet and demonstrates the essential stitches.
👉 Tip: If you are new to mosaic crochet, start by practicing on a smaller sample. Each row is worked with one color only, and the overlay stitches create the portrait details.
Abreviations
US notations used.
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
BLOsc – single crochet into back loop
FLOdc – double crochet into front loop
Legend
We will crochet always on the right side. At the end of each row we change color.
In this pattern only standard stitches of mosaic are used – BLOsc, FLOdc.
Yarn can be cut off at the end of each row or it can be stretched on the back side and crocheted together (depends on your project). I have described two methods of starting and ending rows in mosaic crochet in another post. Here is the link to it: https://lelijo.lt/mosaic-coaster-baltic-free-pattern/
Ideas How to Use It
As a framed wall art – honoring Čiurlionis in your home.
As a pillow case front panel – pair with plain crochet or fabric back.
As part of a larger blanket or tapestry – combining with other Baltic or personal motifs.
As a teaching project – sharing both art history and crochet craft in one.
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Chart
Why This Project Matters
For me, crochet is not just about yarn – it’s about carrying forward cultural memory. Čiurlionis sought to unify the arts, and this pattern is my way of keeping that vision alive through stitches.
I hope you’ll enjoy crocheting this piece as much as I enjoyed creating it. And if you do make it, I’d love to see your version – please share it with me!
I hope this pattern inspires you to explore the world of mosaic crochet! If you try it, feel free to share your creations.
Resources
You can purchase the PDF version of this design and support my work as an independent crochet artist. Including full writing pattern text. Your support allows me to continue creating free patterns and content for fellow crocheters like you. Together, we can spread joy and creativity one stitch at a time! Link to the pattern: here.
Also I have incorporated this design into bigger project – pillow case, together with crocheted Serenity painting.
More ciurlnionis inspired Patterns
Click on image to go to the pattern.
Videos
Checkout Ciurlionis crochet playlist on my Youtube channel:
Mosaic pattern generator
Explore endless mosaic crochet design possibilities with our user-friendly Mosaic Crochet Pattern Generator. Create custom patterns effortlessly and elevate your crochet projects.
Try it now:
https://lelijo.lt/mosaic-calculator/
Happy crocheting!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you.