Materials Needed
- Yarn: Any 4ply or DK cotton in a variety of colors (e.g., Sirdar Happy Cotton – 100% cotton, 20g/43m)
- Suggested colors:
- Light Melon
- Orange
- Light Mint Green
- Pale Green
- Grass Green
- Bright Green
- Green
- White
- Purple
- Yellow
- Blue
- Coral
- Suggested colors:
- Crochet Hook:
- 2.5mm (US C/2) for 4ply yarn
- 4mm (US G/6) for DK yarn
- Tapestry Needle
Finished Size
- Approximate diameters:
- Large: 24cm (9½”)
- Medium: 18.5cm (7⅜”)
- Small: 13cm (5¼”)
- Measurements correspond to using 4ply yarn.
Abbreviations
- Picot: ch5, ss to 5th ch from hook
- Puff Stitch:
- yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop to the height of a tr (3 times)
- yrh and draw through all 7 loops on hook, ch1 to complete st
Abbreviations:
- C – Circle
- T – Triangle
- P – Petal
- D – Dots
- Z – Zigzags
- S – Stripes
Stitching Rounds:
Round 1: Center Circle
Begin by selecting a blank page for your mandala. Using a permanent marker, draw a small C in the center of your paper. This circle will serve as the focal point of your mandala.
If you have a compass, you can use it to create a perfectly round circle, but drawing it freehand is perfectly fine; the charm of mandalas lies in their unique imperfections.
Round 2: First Layer
Once you have your center circle, it’s time to build the first layer. Around the center, evenly space out T shapes.
Each T can be formed by drawing triangles with a flat base pointing outward from the center.
Feel free to vary the size of these triangles to add depth and visual interest to your design. The irregularities in size will create a dynamic flow as you continue to add layers.
Round 3: Second Layer
Next, create the second layer by placing P shapes between each T. These P shapes can resemble petals or teardrops, curving outward from the center circle.
As you draw these shapes, experiment with overlapping some of them to create a richer, more textured appearance.
This layering will enhance the complexity of your mandala and draw the viewer’s eye to the intricate details.
Round 4: Filling in Spaces
As you examine your mandala, you may notice areas that feel too empty. To address this, fill in those white spaces with D, Z, or S patterns. You can add small dots within shapes or around their edges to create a sense of intricacy.
Consider introducing zigzag lines or alternating stripes to create a dynamic visual rhythm throughout the design.
These filling patterns will help guide the viewer’s gaze and contribute to the overall cohesion of the mandala.
Round 5: Third Layer
Now, it’s time to add another layer by drawing additional C shapes around the existing patterns.
Vary the size of these new circles, mixing larger and smaller ones to create a sense of movement and flow in your design.
Each new circle can touch adjacent shapes or have a little space between them, depending on your artistic vision. This layering will add dimension and depth to your mandala.
Round 6: Additional Patterns
Continue to enhance your mandala by incorporating even more shapes or repeating those you’ve already used.
You might choose to add mini C shapes within the larger ones or additional T shapes to enrich your composition.
As you fill some of these new shapes with D, Z, or S patterns, ensure that the colors and textures maintain a sense of unity across the mandala.
Experimenting with concentric designs within existing shapes will further increase the complexity of your artwork.
Round 7: Final Touches
In the final round, take your chisel tip permanent marker and go over your entire mandala to accentuate the outlines and details you’ve created.
This will help your design pop and create a unified appearance throughout the piece.
If you have chosen to add color, begin with lighter shades and gradually build to darker hues to create depth and dimension.
Allow your creativity to flow as you complete your mandala, and remember to enjoy the process.
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