Colorful Crocheted Mandala

Materials

• 5 colors of worsted weight cotton yarn (suggested colors: teal, pink, green, peach, and dark pink)
• 5mm (H) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a gauge of about 4 inches = 10 stitches in double crochet.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp = space
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Instructions

1. Start with the center: Make a magic ring and ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). In the magic ring, make 11 more dc. Pull the magic ring tight and sl st in the top of the ch 3 to close the round. (12 dc)
2. Round 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st, then 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)
3. Round 3: Ch 3, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (36 dc)
4. Round 4: Change to teal yarn. Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (48 dc)
5. Round 5: Change to pink yarn. Ch 1, sc in the same st, *ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (24 sc)
6. Round 6: Change to green yarn. Ch 3, dc in next sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, dc in next sc; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)
7. Round 7: Change to peach yarn. Ch 1, sc in the same st, *ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (12 sc)
8. Round 8: Change to dark pink yarn. Ch 3, *2 dc in next sc, ch 1; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (24 dc)
9. Round 9: Ch 1, sc in the same st, *ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (12 sc)
10. Final Rounds: Continue changing colors and using a combination of sc and dc stitches, creating rounds until you reach approximately 14-16 inches in diameter. Incorporate shells and clusters for added design as desired.
11. Finish: Weave in all yarn ends using a tapestry needle. Block the mandala if needed to ensure it lays flat.

Notes

Feel free to customize the colors based on your preferences. This mandala is great for using up yarn scraps!