Something About Celtic Knots: new pattern release

I find something magic and mystery about Celtic knots. They have been attracting me for a long time, and I have always wanted to crochet something with them. If you search with key words “celtic crochet knots” or “celtic crochet” you will most likely see lots of crocheted cowls, and scarves, and mittens, and maybe cardigans. But there are not so many Celtic Mandala’s. I thought it’s unfair and decided to think of one myself. And this is how my new Celtic Cabled Mandala was created.

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Celtic Cabled Mandala pattern is available in my Ravelry shop HERE.

A Story Behind the Design…

To be honest I made first attempts in Celtic designing a year ago when I was working on my Joana’s Mandala and Border patterns. But unfortunately that time my inspiration took me into absolutely different direction and finished design didn’t look Celtic at all. But still I loved it a lot. So I named this mandala after my friend and let idea of designing something truly Celtic go. For a while.

I believe that ideas live their own lives, and sometimes they are very stubborn. They are knocking the door to your creative world again and again. And they just don’t want to leave you alone. This was the case of my Celtic idea. And also my husband insisted I should come back to this and finally create something with Celtic knots.

I started to browse lots and lots of images and illustrations to see which knots can suit my idea the best. I was amazed how widely Celtic elements and signs are being used in contemporary art and design: in painting, jewelry, leather art. Everywhere. And there are lots and lots of Celtic tattoos out there.

During my visit to Sweden I saw a man on the beach. And he had a Celtic mandala tattoo on his leg. Such an absolutely ideal, wonderful tattoo with 4 Celtic knots framed inside the circle. After I came home I started to search for similar knots, and found one which seemed not very difficult to be translated into crochet. I couldn’t find its meaning. But as far as I understood it’s a variation of Triquetra (Trinity) Celtic knot which symbolizes eternal life or the never ending circle of life. If you have a deep knowledge about Celtic culture I will be very grateful if you could help me to find the meaning of this knot.

And I started to crochet… Well… It was not easy. Not easy at all. After probably 5 attempts I could come up with a simplified version of this pattern which was the most elegant in my opinion. Because of working in rounds, I had also to struggle with “turning effect”, and had to apply some tricks to keep the pattern symmetrical. And I am so happy it worked out!! After main part was finished I also came up with a small border, which helped to enlarge this mandala a bit.

About the Pattern and Different Ways to Use

This pattern was tested and approved by 14 experienced testers. The difficulty level is Advanced (or Advanced Intermediate). This pattern uses lots of front post stitches, and although they are not difficult themselves, their placement can be tricky. But there are tons of pictures in the pattern to walk you through every single round and stitch. This is the most detailed pattern I have ever created. So if you are familiar and comfortable with cabling (front and back posts stitches), you will handle it. But, please, be aware that it needs lots of attention, concentration and counting!!

This pattern contains complete instructions to make a round Mandala purse. Its size will depend on yarn, hook and your personal gauge. Mine is approx. 26cm (10 1/2 in) large across and 2.5cm (1in) deep. In the picture below you can see what the back of my bag looks like.

 But this pattern can be used in many more ways. As a chair pad (with extended version), table decoration, potholder, wall hanging and even a pillow throw. You name it! By the way if you decide to make a pillow cover, you can later make a pillow form yourself just in exact size needed. Please, check THIS tutorial.

What You Will Need

I used yarn in one solid color to make purse and chair pad. I chose Bloom by Scheepjes for the bag (you can purchase it at Wool Warehouse*, Deramores*, Paradise Fibers (US)* and in your local Scheepjes shops) and Soft Fun yarn by Scheepjes for chair pads (available at Wool Warehouse*, Deramores* and local Scheepjes shops).

You will obviously need a crochet hook (I used Clover Soft Touch 4mm hook*) and zipper, 2 metal rings and strap for the bag. Here is the detail of bag’s closure. To make it look more professional you can line it with fabric using THIS sewing tutorial.

After 5 solid mandalas were finished, I decided to try something else. To make Celtic Cabled Mandala in tapestry crochet with two colours at once: one for overlay image, and another one for background (with Stone Washed* yarn by Scheepjes). It was tricky, but possible! And I decided to create another tutorial about how to use tapestry crochet for this pattern. It is offered as a bonus to the main “solid” version.

What else to add? I am VERY happy with my new purse. And I think I will make another one. Or maybe two? And what about you? :)

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