by Skill Level: Intermediate
Worked in Rounds
Uses: Blankets, Runners, Shawls, Blouses, Decorative Panels
đź“Ś ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half-double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| sp | space |
| st | stitch |
| rep | repeat |
🪄 BEFORE YOU BEGIN
âś” This motif is worked in rounds from the center outward.
âś” You will see repeated shell and chain space stitches to create texture and lacy details.
âś” Use a stitch marker to mark the start of each round.
🟠ROUND 1 — MAKE THE CENTER CIRCLE
- Make a magic ring (adjustable loop).
- Ch 3 — this counts as your first dc.
- Dc 11 into the magic ring. You will have 12 dc total including the first ch-3.
- Pull the tail to close the center ring tightly.
- Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join.
✔ This completes a flat center circle — the base of your motif.
🟡 ROUND 2 — FOUNDATION SHELLS
- Ch 1, sc in the same stitch.
- Ch 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch.
- Ch 5, skip 1 stitch, sc in next — repeat this ch 5 + sc around until you’ve worked all stitches.
- Sl st to first sc to join.
You now have ch-5 arches around the center — these will hold the shells next.
🔵 ROUND 3 — PETAL SHELL CLUSTERS
- Sl st into first ch-5 space.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), then dc 4 in the same ch-5 space — a total shell of 5 dc.
- Sc in the next ch-5 space.
- Dc 5 in the next ch-5 space.
- Repeat sc + shell around.
- Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join.
✔ You’ve created shell clusters alternating with single crochet for texture.
🟣 ROUND 4 — OPEN LACE SPACES
- Ch 1, sc in the first dc (not shell).
- Ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc in next stitch.
- Ch 4, skip 2 dc, sc — repeat around the shell section.
- Sl st to first sc.
This round introduces airy chain spaces that make your motif light and open.
🟢 ROUND 5 — SECOND LAYER OF SHELLS
- Sl st into the first ch-4 space.
- Ch 3, work dc 4 in the same ch-4 space.
- Ch 3, sc in next ch-4 space.
- Ch 3, work dc 5 in the next ch-4 space.
- Repeat around.
- Sl st to start to join.
âś” Two layers of shells give your motif dimension.
🟤 ROUND 6 — EXPANDING THE MOTIF
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc next 4 stitches.
- Ch 3, sc in the chain space below.
- Ch 3, dc next 5 stitches.
- Repeat around.
- Sl st to join ends.
This gives your motif a more defined outer edge as it grows outward.
🟨 ROUND 7 — LACE EXTENSION
- Ch 3, dc next 4 stitches.
- Ch 5, sc in next chain space.
- Ch 5, dc next 5 stitches.
- Repeat around.
- Sl st to join.
This adds elongated chain loops and a lacy feel.
🟧 ROUND 8 — FINAL EXPANSION
- Ch 3, dc next 4 stitches.
- Ch 7, sc in next chain space.
- Ch 7, dc next 5 stitches.
- Repeat around.
- Sl st to join.
âś” Your motif now has a dramatic lacy outer look.
🔹 OPTIONAL BORDER — PICOT FINISH
- Ch 1, sc in next stitch.
- Ch 3, sl st into second chain from hook (picot made).
- Sl st in next stitch.
- Sc in next stitch.
- Repeat sc + picot + sc around edges.
- Sl st and fasten off.
This finishes the motif with a delicate picot edge that also makes joining motifs easier.
🧵 WEAVING IN ENDS & BLOCKING
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in all ends neatly on the way back.
- Lightly dampen the motif and pin it to shape — this opens up lace and flattens edges, especially if you plan to join motifs into blankets or garments.
🪡 JOINING MULTIPLE MOTIFS
To assemble larger pieces (runners, shawls, blouses):
🔹 Join-as-You-Go (Recommended)
While making the last round of a new motif:
- When you reach an edge that connects to a finished motif, sl st into its picot or sc edge instead of working normally.
- Continue until edges are connected evenly.
🪢 Sew Together
- Lay finished motifs side by side.
- Use yarn and a tapestry needle to sew them along edges.
- This method gives very sturdy seams.
đź’ˇ PROJECT IDEAS WITH YOUR MOTIF
✨ Blankets & Throws — join motifs in grids
✨ Runners & Table Mats — long strips
✨ Shawls & Wraps — triangular or rectangular panels
✨ Blouses & Vests — motif panels as garment pieces
✨ Home Decor — cushion covers, wall hangings
🧠TECHNIQUE TIPS
âś” Ensure consistent tension so all motifs match size.
âś” Use stitch markers to mark round beginnings.
âś” If motifs buckle, add or remove chains in lace rounds to balance.
âś” Block motifs before joining for neat alignment.
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