Dreaming of delicate crochet work? This adorable lace motif is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to or further your love for lace crochet. It features a lovely open design, perfect for joining into larger projects like shawls, tablecloths, or even decorative borders. Don’t let the airy look intimidate you – it’s simpler than it appears!
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate (familiarity with basic stitches and counting chains is helpful)
Materials:
- Lace Weight (0) or Fingering Weight (1) yarn: The finer the yarn, the more delicate your lace will be. Cotton or cotton blends work beautifully for stitch definition.
- Crochet hook: Refer to your yarn label for a recommended hook size, then go up or down a hook size to achieve your desired drape and stitch definition. For lace weight yarn, a 1.75mm – 2.25mm hook is common. For fingering weight, a 2.25mm – 3.0mm hook might be suitable.
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional, but useful for marking chain spaces)
Gauge:
Gauge is less critical for a single motif unless you’re aiming for a specific finished size or joining multiple motifs. However, for reference, one motif made with fingering weight yarn and a 2.5mm hook might measure approximately 3-4 inches across. Adjust your hook size to achieve your preferred openwork look.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet (yarn over twice, insert hook, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through last 2 loops)
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Craft This Lovely Lace Motif!
This motif is worked in rounds from the center out.
Round 1: The Foundation Ring
Start with a magic ring OR ch 6 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch), sc 12 in the ring. Sl st to the first sc to join. (12 sc)
Round 2: Creating the First Petals/Points
- Ch 1, sc in the same st.
- *Ch 5, sk next sc, sc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times.
- You will have 6 ch-5 loops around the circle. Sl st to the first sc to join. (6 sc, 6 ch-5 loops)
Round 3: Building on the Loops
- Sl st into the first ch-5 sp.
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (dc 2, ch 3, dc 3) in the same ch-5 sp. This creates your first “petal” corner.
- *Ch 1, (dc 3, ch 3, dc 3) in the next ch-5 sp.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times.
- Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3 to join. (6 “petal” clusters with ch-3 corners, 6 ch-1 spaces between clusters)
Round 4: Expanding the Lace Points
- Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the first ch-3 sp.
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (dc 2, ch 3, dc 3) in the same ch-3 sp. This is your first corner again.
- *Ch 2. In the next ch-1 sp (between the previous petal clusters), work (dc 1, ch 2, dc 1).
- Ch 2. In the next ch-3 sp (corner of the next petal), work (dc 3, ch 3, dc 3).* Repeat from * to * 5 more times.
- Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3 to join. (6 “petal” clusters with ch-3 corners, 12 ch-2 spaces, 6 (dc, ch 2, dc) sections)
Round 5: The Final Lacy Edge
- Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the first ch-3 sp.
- Ch 1, sc in the same ch-3 sp.
- *Ch 5. In the next ch-2 sp, sc 1.
- Ch 3. In the next ch-2 sp, sc 1.
- Ch 5. In the next ch-3 sp (corner), sc 1.* Repeat from * to * 5 more times.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (18 sc, 12 ch-5 loops, 6 ch-3 loops)
Video Tutorial
FO and weave in all ends securely. Give your motif a gentle block to open up the lace work if desired!
Voila! Your Adorable Lace Motif is complete!
Tips for Success & Variations:
- Blocking is Key: Lace motifs truly come to life with blocking! Gently wet your finished motif, pin it out to your desired shape (stretching the points), and let it air dry completely. This opens up the stitches and makes the lace pattern crisp and defined.
- Yarn Choice: Fine yarns (lace or fingering weight) will give you the most delicate result. Thicker yarns will produce a larger, more robust motif that might be suitable for coasters or placemats.
- Hook Size: A slightly larger hook than recommended for your yarn will create a more open, airy lace fabric. A smaller hook will make it denser.
- Joining Motifs:
- Whip Stitch: A common and simple method for joining.
- Slip Stitch Join: Can create an almost invisible seam.
- Join-as-you-go (JAYG): A fantastic technique for larger projects where you join motifs on their final round, avoiding excessive seaming at the end.
- Uses for Your Adorable Lace Motif:
- Garment Embellishment: Sew onto sweaters, cardigans, or even denim jackets.
- Coasters/Doilies: A single motif makes a beautiful small coaster or decorative doily.
- Dream Catchers: Use as the central web.
- Bags/Purses: Attach several motifs for a unique design.
- Shawls/Stoles: Join multiple motifs for a breathtaking lace accessory.
- Tablecloths/Runners: Create a stunning heirloom piece by joining many motifs.
- Bookmarks: A single, elongated motif could work.
- Jewelry: Starch and stiffen a small motif for a unique necklace or earring.
Enjoy the meditative rhythm of creating these beautiful lace pieces. You’ll be amazed at the intricate beauty you can conjure with just a hook and some yarn! Happy crocheting!
