Crocheting is a wonderful way to express your creativity and make beautiful, functional items for your home. One of the most mesmerizing patterns you can create is the mandala, with its intricate designs and vibrant colors. In this article, we will guide you through a plain and simple tutorial to crochet your very own Mandala Blanket. Perfect for snuggling on the couch or adding a splash of color to your décor, this project will surely delight any crocheter, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
Yarn: Choose a weight that suits your comfort. Worsted weight yarn is a great choice for beginners, but you can go with any yarn that catches your eye!
Crochet Hook: Select a hook size appropriate for your yarn (commonly recommended sizes are 5.0mm to 6.0mm for worsted weight).
Scissors: To cut the yarn when you finish.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
Stitch Markers: To keep track of your rounds, if needed.
Pattern Guide: While we will outline basic stitches and techniques, having a more detailed guidebook can help.
Step 1: Starting with the Center
Begin by creating a magic ring or a slip knot to form the center of your mandala.
1. Magic Ring Method: Wrap the yarn around two fingers, insert your hook under the first strand, and pull it through. Then chain 3 (this will count as your first double crochet).
2. Crochet 11 more double crochets (total 12) into the ring.
Tighten the magic ring to close the center, then join with a slip stitch into the top of the initial chain (chain 3).
Step 2: Building the Rounds
Now, we will build the mandala outward with a series of rounds.
Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). In the next stitches, double crochet 2 in each double crochet from the previous round (total 24). Join with a slip stitch to complete the round.
Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, then (double crochet 2 in the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch) repeat around. Join with slip stitch (36 stitches).
Round 3 & Beyond: Continue this increasing pattern, alternating between adding more stitches and keeping the same number for certain rounds (for example: 2 in the next stitch, then 1 in the next two).
You can use this basic formula:
Increase: (2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC in next X stitches).
You can decide how many DC to add in the last segment based on the desired size of your mandala pattern.
Step 3: Adding Color and Design
The beauty of mandalas lies in their intricate designs and colors. Feel free to change yarn colors whenever you desire. Here’s how:
1. Finish the last stitch of the round, pull up a loop of the new color, and cut the old color.
2. Pull through as you would any other stitch, leaving the old color to be woven in later.
You can experiment with different stitch types as well, such as adding popcorn stitches, shell stitches, or even front and back post double crochet.
Step 4: Final Rounds and Edging
Decide how large you want your blanket. Typically, a Mandala Blanket can go up to 36” or more depending on preference. Once you reach your desired radius, it’s time for the edging.
1. For a simple border, you can do single crochet stitches all around the blanket.
2. Alternatively, consider a scalloped edge or other decorative stitches like shells or picots to enhance your mandala’s visual impact.
Step 5: Finishing Up
Once you are satisfied with the size and design of your mandala, finish the last stitch and cut your yarn, leaving an ample tail for weaving in ends.
Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends to keep your blanket neat and tidy.
Conclusion
Creating your own mandala blanket can be a relaxing and rewarding process. As you continue to crochet, you might find yourself experimenting with different designs and color combinations, making each blanket unique. So grab your yarn and hook, and start your journey into the colorful world of crochet mandalas. Happy crocheting!