Are you ready to add a touch of intricate beauty to your next crochet project? These stunning lace motifs are perfect for creating delicate edgings, joining into larger garments, or even using as standalone embellishments. The rich blue yarn in the example truly makes the design pop, but imagine them in any color to match your decor or personal style!
This pattern is designed for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and reading patterns. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, though – you can still give this a try, and I’ll include some tips to help you along!
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: A fine crochet thread or lace weight yarn. The example uses a vibrant blue, but choose your favorite! (e.g., Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread Size 10, or a similar lace weight cotton)
- Crochet Hook: A hook appropriate for your chosen yarn. For fine thread, this might be a 1.5mm – 2.25mm (US steel hook size 7-1). A smaller hook will give you a more delicate, intricate look.
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
Understanding the Motif:
Looking closely at the image, these motifs appear to be square or diamond-shaped (when rotated), with a central floral or geometric element, surrounded by a delicate lace border. They are then joined together to form a larger piece.
Key features we’ll be aiming for:
- A central design with loops and curved elements.
- A “squared off” outer edge, likely created with chains and double crochets (or similar stitches) in the corners.
- Small connecting points for joining motifs.
Getting Started: The Central Motif
The heart of this design lies in its intricate center. We’ll start from the middle and work our way outwards.
Instructions for the Central Motif:
- Magic Ring (or Chain 4, join with sl st to form a ring): This creates a tight center for your motif.
- Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc), then work [number] double crochet stitches into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the initial Ch 3.
- Tip: The image suggests a pattern of arches and small clusters here. You might be working ch-spaces and groups of stitches.
- Round 2: This round will likely start shaping the petal-like elements. You’ll use a combination of chain stitches and taller stitches (like treble crochet or double crochet) to create the openwork design.
- Example Idea: Ch 1, [Work a puff stitch/cluster in next stitch, Ch X, skip Y stitches], repeat around. Join with sl st.
- Round 3 & Beyond (shaping the center): Continue building out the central design. You’ll likely be creating more loops and possibly some picots for texture. Pay close attention to how the “petals” are formed and how they connect.
- Consider: Is there a specific stitch pattern that repeats multiple times to create the symmetry?
Squaring Off the Motif:
Once your central design is complete, you’ll need to create the squared outer edge that allows the motifs to be joined.
- Next Round (Establishing Corners): This is where you’ll start forming the corners of your square. You’ll typically use a series of chains and stitches (like (dc, ch 2, dc) or similar) in the corners to create the angular shape.
- Example Idea: [Work X stitches, (Y stitches, Ch Z, Y stitches) in corner space/stitch, X stitches], repeat 4 times. Join with sl st.
- Final Round(s) of the Motif: Complete the outer border of your motif, adding any final picots or decorative elements. Ensure your stitch count allows for easy joining to other motifs.
Joining Your Motifs:
The magic truly happens when you join these beautiful motifs together. The image shows them joined point-to-point.
There are a few common methods for joining crochet motifs:
- Join-as-you-go (JAYG): This is often the preferred method for lace motifs as it creates a seamless look and avoids a lot of seaming at the end. As you work the final round of your second (and subsequent) motif, you’ll slip stitch or single crochet into the corresponding chains or stitches of the previously completed motif.
- Whip Stitch or Slip Stitch Joining: You can complete all your motifs first, and then use a tapestry needle and a length of yarn to whip stitch them together, or use your crochet hook to slip stitch them together.
For the image, it looks like a Join-as-you-go method, with a small chain or single crochet connection between the corners.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all ends: This is crucial for a professional finish.
- Blocking: For lace crochet, blocking is essential. It opens up the stitches, evens out your work, and truly showcases the delicate design. Wet your motifs, gently squeeze out excess water, pin them to shape on a blocking mat or towel, and let them dry completely.
Video tutorial
Share Your Creations!
I can’t wait to see what you create with this pattern! Once you’ve made your motifs, share them on social media and tag me! What will you make with yours – a delicate table runner, a beautiful shawl, or something entirely new?
Happy Crocheting!
