Welcome to My Labyrinth: new overlay crochet design

First mandala design of the year 2017 is here! Or technically it is second design as last week my UFO pillow was published… But that was just an experiment with Camel crochet stitch and through it’s round and reminds of a mandala a bit, I would say that my true mandala was born today. Let me introduce: Labyrinth Mandala pillow.

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I feel magic when designs are being born fast. When true inspiration comes and you just need to grab yarns and hook at once and start crocheting immediately. I felt something similar when Spanish mandala was created. The same strong stream of creative energy and a few sleepless nights.

The story behind Labyrinth mandala is very simple. I was browsing black and white vector graphics on Pinterest the other day. Late at night of course. And I was amazed by how many graphical mandalas are out there. Suddenly those illustrations reminded me of a knitting brioche stitch. And ta-dah! Idea was already standing behind me. It was probably a very powerful idea because instead of going to bed, I went to bedroom to pick yarns. Not that I chose the yarns. I just grabbed first two skeins that came to my hands in the darkness (everyone in the house was sleeping already…). And started to crochet. After 2 hours it was clear my idea can work (and I could finally fall asleep, haha).

When next day my husband saw the wip he said: Labyrinth.

So here is my Labyrinth Mandala. I’ve made quite a few already trying different color combinations. And the possibilities of this design are really huge. You can make it with many shades, or only 2 shades. My dream is to try crocheting it once again with just black and white. As I take lots of progress pictures for all my patterns, black yarn would not work well as the stitches would not be seen. But one day when I have more time I will definitely recreate Labyrinth Mandala to make it look exactly like a black and white vector illustration.

I really-really wanted to imitate brioche knitting stitch, and to obtain a knit-look effect. And I think it worked well thanks to front post stitches and working in 3rd loops on some rounds. I used the same technique for UFO pillow, you can check a detailed tutorial HERE.

I made 2 pillow covers using Labyrinth Mandala. Both are reversible, with different color combination (or colourway) on each side. So that it’s easy to wash my pillowcases I inserted a zip closure. But if you don’t feel like sewing you can just join two mandalas by crocheting around, with single crochet stitches, for example.

For my pillow I used Soft Touch Clover hook (4mm/G)* and Soft Fun cotton yarn by Scheepjes. This yarn is available in a wide range of shades, so you can create bright or pastel versions. Or you can even mix unexpected colors together. Whatever palette you choose, it’s better to use only two shades for each of three sections. Exact yardages for each section are given in the pattern. You can find Soft Fun at Wool Warehouse (HERE*), Deramores (HERE*) and your local Scheepjes shops.

And here is another version with Bloom yarn* by Scheepjes:

If you don’t need another pillow, there are many more ways to use Labyrinth Mandala pattern. You can make stool covers, trivets, wall hanging… and even a purse maybe? I am actually thinking about attaching two handles and adding fabric lining to one of my mandala’s. If you do so, please don’t forget to share pictures with me. I LOVE to see finished projects (please, use #labyrinthcrochetmandala to share them on social media).

The pattern is available for purchase in my Ravelry store HERE.

 

Here is brief information about the pattern:

• Level: Intermediate (front post stitches, working in 3rd loop)
• Materials: DK yarn in 2-6 colours (Soft Fun by Scheepjes*), 4mm (G) crochet hook, stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle to weave in ends, zip (optional), ready pillow form. You can make one yourself using THIS tutorial.
• Size: The size of the finished mandala depends on the yarn and hook you use. My mandala is approx. 39 cm (15 ½ inches) in diameter.
• Language: English
• Instructions: US crochet terms and abbreviations (including complete stitch guide), written instructions, step-by-step pictures. Print friendly copy of the pattern is available (with no pictures)

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