Interweave Editors - Modern Crochet Mandalas

SANDRA ENG

Each persons life is like a mandala a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear, and think trims the mandala of our life.

PEMA CHDRN

Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the mandala symbolizes the universe. Their spiritual origins aside, mandalas appeal to the aesthete in all of us. Their beauty comes not only from striking combinations of colors and patterns, but also from their radial symmetry.

The popularity of crochet mandalas has been steadily rising over the past few years. Social media platforms have contributed to their popularity by allowing crocheters from all over the world to discover and share these beautiful and unique patterns. In practical terms, crochet mandalas hold appeal because they can be relatively simple, quick projects to complete. In more aesthetic terms, they offer a unique canvas for experimentation with color, texture, and many types of stitches, all within a relatively small space.

Modern crochet mandalas share characteristics with more traditional doilies. But whereas doilies often are monochrome and lacy, crochet mandalas are much more versatile. They can be made in every shape, color combination, and size imaginable.

I started crocheting mandalas two years ago, after having come across some beautiful patterns and feeling compelled to create them. I quickly found that mandalas showcase many different types of crochet; they became an opportunity to broaden my crochet repertoire. What continues to draw me back to the form, though, is the experience of making them. There is a meditative quality to the process of counting stitches and introducing new colors, round by round. Depending on the complexity of the pattern I choose, I can lose myself in the trance of simple rounds or challenge myself with new stitches and techniques. Crochet mandalas hooked me from the beginning, and I havent looked back since!

designed by STEPHANIE WHITE

About 10" (25.5 cm) in diameter.

Sportweight (#2 Fine).

SHOWN HERE: Schachenmayr Catania (100% cotton; 136 yd [124 m]/1.75 oz [50 g]): #0386 Orangelachs (A), #0172 Silber (B), and #0394 Burgundy (C), 1 skein each.

Size E/4 (3.5 mm).

Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Yarn needle.

Not critical.

With A, ch 14, sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: (RS) Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), work 35 dc in ring, join with a sl st in top of beg ch-336 dc. Fasten off A, join B in first st.

Rnd 2: With B, ch 1, sc in first st, ch 4, sk 1 dc, *sc in next dc, ch 4, sk next dc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st in first sc18 ch-4 sps.

Rnds 35: Sl st to first sp, ch 1, (2 sc, ch 4) in each sp around, join with a sl st in first sc18 ch-4 sps. Fasten off B.

Rnd 6: With RS facing, join C with a sl st in any ch-4 sp, with C, ch 4 (counts as tr here and throughout), tr in same sp, ch 4 (2 tr in next lp, ch 4) in each ch-4 sp around, join with a sl st in top of beg ch-418 ch-4 sps. Fasten off C, join A in first st.

Rnd 7: With A, ch 4, tr in next tr, 4 tr in next sp, [tr in each of next 2 tr, 4 tr in next sp] 7 times, tr in each of next 2 tr, 5 tr in next sp, [tr in each of next 2 tr, 4 tr in next sp] 8 times, tr in each of next 2 tr, 5 tr in next sp, join with a sl st in top of beg ch-4110 tr. Fasten off A, join C in first st.

Rnd 8: With C, ch 1, working in back lp only, sc in each tr around, join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off C, join B in first st.

Rnd 9: With B, ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 5, sk next 3 dc, tr in next st, (ch 1, tr) in each of next 2 sts, ch 5, sk 3 dc**, sc in next st, repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join with a sl st in first sc22 ch-5 sps; 22 ch-1 sps.

Rnd 10: Sl st in next 2 ch sts, ch 1, sc in same sp, *(ch 4, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 sps, (ch 4, sc) in each of next 2 ch-1 sps, repeat from * around, omitting last sc, join with a sl st in first sc44 ch-4 sps.

Rnd 11: Sl st in next 2 ch sts, ch 1, 2 sc in same sp, *(ch 6, 2 sc) in each of next 2 sps, ch 5, sk next ch-4 sp**, 2 sc in next sp, repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join with a sl st in first sc22 ch-6 sps; 11 ch-5 sp. Fasten off B.

Weave in ends and lightly steam block.

designed by KERRY BOGERT

About 9" (23 cm) in diameter.

Sportweight (#2 Fine).

SHOWN HERE: Schachenmayr Catania (100% cotton; 136 yd [125 m]/1.75 oz [50 g]): #0385 Mint (A), #0146 Turquoise (B), and #389 Leaf Green (C), 1 skein each.

Size G/6 (4.25 mm).

Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Stitch marker; yarn needle.

Not critical.

Watch the tension when pulling long loops through lower rows. Pulling too tight will cause the mandala to scrunch and curl. Leaving them too loose will result in a sloppy look.