by ✨ Super Easy Multi-Purpose Motif — Step-by-Step
Finished (blocked) motif: ≈ 9–13 cm / 3.5–5 in with DK yarn + 3.5–4.5 mm hook (adjust hook/yarn to change size)
Yarn: DK / sport (cotton for crisp lace; acrylic/wool for drape)
Hook: 3.5–4.5 mm (or according to yarn label and desired drape)
Notions: tapestry needle, blocking pins/mat, scissors, stitch marker (optional)
Abbreviations (US)
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
- pic = picot (ch 3, sl st into base)
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
Pattern concept (short)
Worked in rounds from center out:
- small center ring
- chain loops to form petal scaffolding
- puffy petals (cluster)
- tidy sc round to flatten
- lacy chain arches with post anchors
- decorative ribs inside arches
- optional side & corner loops to convert circle → square (for joining)
- scalloped picot outer edge (use this round to JAYG join)
Each round has a quick “check” so you can verify counts.
Round-by-round (exact)
Work rounds joined with a sl st unless otherwise noted.
Round 1 — center
- Make a magic ring.
- ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 15 dc into the ring. (ch-3 + 15 dc = 16 dc total.)
- Pull ring closed and sl st to top of ch-3 to join.
Check: 16 dc.
Round 2 — loop foundation (petal scaffolding)
- ch 4, skip next dc, sc in next dc — rep around.
- You’ll have 8 ch-4 loops separated by sc. Join with sl st.
Check: 8 ch-4 spaces.
- You’ll have 8 ch-4 loops separated by sc. Join with sl st.
Round 3 — puffy petals
- In each ch-4 loop work: (sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc) — all into the same ch-4 space (this forms one full petal).
- Sl st into next ch-4 loop and repeat for all 8 loops. Join.
Check: 8 petals visible.
(Variation: use 5 dc instead of 7 dc for smaller petals.)
Round 4 — tidy sc round
- Rejoin between any two petals. Work sc evenly around the petal bases to level the motif — distribute roughly 9–12 sc for each petal area so the round lies flat.
- Join with sl st.
Check: outer boundary is smooth (not cupped or ruffled).
Round 5 — lacy chain arches (frame)
- From a petal tip: sl st to the tip → ch 7 → anchor into the sc round between the next petals with (tr, ch 2, tr, ch 2, tr) worked into that sc or space → sl st back to petal tip.
- Repeat for all petals to create 8 large arches. (If ch-7 feels too long or too short for your yarn/hook, use ch-6 or ch-8.) Join.
Check: 8 arches spaced evenly.
Round 6 — decorative ribs inside arches
- Into each ch-arch work: sl st to arch base → ch 3 → dc into top of first tr → ch 1 → dc into top of middle tr → ch 1 → dc into top of last tr → ch 3 → sl st into arch base.
- Repeat for all 8 arches and join. (Simpler option: 3 dc separated by ch-1 across each arch.)
Check: each arch shows 3 inner ribs.
Round 7 — optional side loops & corner shaping (make motif joinable)
Use this round if you want motifs to join in a square grid (recommended for blouses, runners).
- Mark four quarter points (every 2 petals = 90° apart). Rejoin at a quarter marker.
- Work each side between corners with a consistent distribution. Example (adjust counts to fit your motif size):
sc 10, (sc, ch 4, sc) × 3, sc 10 → ch 6 (corner loop).- Important: whatever numbers you choose (sc counts and how many side loops), use the same counts on all four sides so adjacent motifs match.
- Repeat for all sides, join and fasten off (or continue).
Check: motif now has 4 corner ch-6 loops and evenly spaced side loops — blocks to a square.
Round 8 — scalloped picot outer edge (finish & JAYG round)
- Rejoin and work the outer scallop: sc 3, (pic: ch 3, sl st into same st), sc 4 — adjust sc counts per little curve so the scallop lies flat. Place picots at regular intervals for the dotted look.
- This round is ideal for Join-As-You-Go — when your new motif meets a finished neighbor, replace that sl st/picot with sl st into the corresponding stitch/picot of the finished motif to attach.
- Join, fasten off, weave in ends.
Check: scallops and picots even; motif lies flat after blocking.
Blocking & finishing
- Pin motif to blocking board/towel. Pull corner loops outward to create crisp corners (if you used Round 7). Pin picots for sharp points. Spray lightly with water (or steam) and allow to dry fully. Blocking is essential for lace clarity and accurate joins.
- For table runners or ornaments, you can starch or use diluted PVA to stiffen after blocking.
Joining methods
1) Join-As-You-Go (JAYG) — recommended
- Make first motif completely. For each new motif, work through Round 7 and start Round 8. When working Round 8, when you reach a place that meets a finished motif, replace the sl st/picot with sl st into the corresponding stitch/picot of the finished motif to join. Attach at side loops and corner loops. This produces nearly invisible flat joins and speeds assembly.
2) Sew-after (block then sew)
- Make and block all motifs. Pin layout and sew using a tapestry needle and matching yarn (mattress-stitch or whipstitch) through the outer sc round or side loops. This gives flexibility to rearrange before final joining.
Troubleshooting & quick fixes
- Motif cups up (edges curl): loosen tension on petal/arch rounds or try one hook size larger; block firmly.
- Motif ruffles/waves: shorten arch chains (ch-7 → ch-6) or reduce sc count in Round 4.
- Joins gap: add an extra sl st at join points when JAYG, or block motifs before joining; tighten sewn joins.
- Sides don’t match: ensure Round 7 side & loop counts are identical across every motif before joining.
Variations & ideas
- Two-colour motif: change colour after Round 3 (petals) to contrast flower and frame.
- Smaller motif: use finer yarn and smaller hook or reduce petal dc (7 → 5).
- Bigger motif: thicker yarn or larger hook, or increase petal dc (7 → 9) and arch chain (ch-8/9).
- Simpler beginner version: replace Round 5–6 arches & ribs with ch-5 loops and 3 dc inside each loop for an easier lacy effect.
- Use as edge: omit Rounds 1–3 and adapt arch/rib repeat into a continuous border for hems.
- Project ideas: one-piece blouse (JAYG), shawl (rectangle or triangle), runner (1×N or 2×N), cushion front (3×3 motif), appliqués.
Quick stitch-count checks (handy)
- After Round 1: 16 dc.
- After Round 2: 8 ch-4 spaces.
- After Round 3: 8 petals.
- After Round 5: 8 arches.
- After Round 7: 4 corner ch-6 loops and consistent side loop counts on each side.
If any count is off, undo to the last correct round and correct.
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