Hello fellow crafters!
Are you looking for a project that’s both engaging and results in something truly beautiful? Today, we’re going to dive into a charming crochet pattern that creates delicate square motifs, perfect for joining into a stunning lace trim, a unique doily, or even as individual appliqués.
The vibrant purple yarn in the example really makes the intricate details pop, but imagine this in a crisp white, a soft pastel, or even a bold multi-colored yarn!
Let’s get started!
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with basic crochet stitches, joining, and working in the round is helpful)
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: DK weight (or a similar weight) cotton or mercerized cotton yarn is recommended for good stitch definition. (The yarn in the image looks like a light to medium weight cotton.)
- Crochet Hook: Size appropriate for your chosen yarn. For DK weight, a 2.5mm – 3.5mm hook is usually a good starting point. (The hook in the image looks like a 0.75-1.25mm which suggests a very fine thread. Adjust your hook size to your desired outcome and yarn.)
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sp: space
- sk: skip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- *to*: repeat instructions between asterisks
The Motif Pattern (Make as many as desired)
Each motif is worked in the round.
Round 1: Ch 6, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring. (Or use a magic ring for a tighter center)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 15 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (16 dc)
Round 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in same st, *ch 3, sk 1 st, 1 sc in next st*. Repeat from * to * around. Join with sl st to first sc. (8 ch-3 sps)
Round 4: Sl st into first ch-3 sp. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp (this is your first corner). *Ch 1, sk next sc, 1 dc in next sc, ch 1, sk next sc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp*. Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (You should have 4 corners formed by (3dc, ch2, 3dc) and 4 ‘sides’ consisting of ch1, dc, ch1.)
Round 5: Sl st into first dc, sl st into next dc until you reach the corner ch-2 sp. In corner ch-2 sp: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp. *Ch 2, sk next 3 dc, 1 sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 2, sk next dc, 1 sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 2, sk next 3 dc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*. Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
Round 6: Sl st into first dc, sl st into next dc until you reach the corner ch-2 sp. In corner ch-2 sp: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp. *Ch 3, sk next 3 dc, 1 sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sk next sc, 1 sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sk next sc, 1 sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sk next 3 dc, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 sp*. Repeat from * to * 3 more times, omitting the last corner on the last repeat. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Joining the Motifs (For a Strip or Doily)
There are several ways to join crochet motifs. The most common methods that would work well for this pattern are:
- Slip Stitch Join:
- Work the last round of your first motif as written.
- For subsequent motifs, when you reach a corner or a chain space that will connect to another motif, you’ll substitute a chain with a slip stitch into the corresponding space/stitch of the already completed motif.
- Example for a corner join (during Round 6): When you get to a corner ch-2 sp that needs to be joined to another motif’s corner, work (3 dc, ch 1, sl st into corner ch-2 sp of adjacent motif, ch 1, 3 dc) in your current corner sp.
- Example for a side join (during Round 6’s ch-3 sps): Instead of
ch 3, workch 1, sl st into corresponding ch-3 sp of adjacent motif, ch 1.
- Whipstitch or Mattress Stitch Join:
- Complete all your motifs entirely.
- Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, carefully stitch the motifs together along the edges where they meet, working through corresponding stitches or chain spaces. This provides a neat, almost invisible seam.
To create a strip: Join your motifs in a straight line, connecting them along one side.
To create a doily: You can join 4 or more motifs in a square, or arrange them in a circular fashion and join accordingly. The image shows a strip, which suggests joining two sides of each motif to the previous one in a linear fashion.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches
- Block your finished piece! This is crucial for lace projects. Wet your crochet piece, gently squeeze out excess water, and pin it to a blocking mat or soft surface, shaping it to its desired dimensions. Allow it to dry completely. Blocking opens up the stitches and makes the lace pattern truly shine.
- Weave in any remaining loose ends securely.
And there you have it! A beautiful, intricate crochet piece that you can use as a decorative trim for garments, a delicate bookmark, a stunning doily for your table, or even as an elegant embellishment for home decor.
Happy crocheting! Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below! We’d love to see them.
