Pretty Polly Mandala Free Pattern – A Vibrant Crochet Wall Hanging
Pretty Polly Mandala Free Pattern – A Vibrant Crochet Wall Hanging
Bring a burst of tropical color to your space with this stunning crochet mandala, inspired by the vivid plumage of a parrot. This intricate yet accessible pattern creates a lush, textured wall hanging that celebrates the beauty of nature. With its concentric rings of emerald, turquoise, sunshine yellow, coral, royal blue, and fuchsia, this mandala radiates bohemian charm and handcrafted warmth. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a stunning 18-inch circular masterpiece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in 6 colors:
- Color A: Emerald Green (approximately 50 yards)
- Color B: Turquoise (approximately 50 yards)
- Color C: Sunshine Yellow (approximately 40 yards)
- Color D: Coral Orange (approximately 40 yards)
- Color E: Royal Blue (approximately 35 yards)
- Color F: Fuchsia Pink (approximately 35 yards)
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors
- Optional: Wooden dowel or branch for hanging, blocking mats and pins
Gauge: First 5 rounds = 4 inches in diameter. Exact gauge is not critical, but consistency is key for a flat mandala. If your work curls, try using a slightly larger hook; if it ruffles, go down a hook size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Important Notes: This mandala is worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. When changing colors, join with a slip stitch as indicated, then fasten off the old color or carry it loosely behind your work if you prefer not to cut yarn between rounds.
Round 1 (Color A – Emerald Green)
Make a magic ring. Work 12 double crochet (dc) into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring closed. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (12 dc)
Round 2 (Color A – Emerald Green)
Chain 3 (this counts as your first dc), then work 1 dc in the same stitch (this creates an increase). Work 2 dc in each stitch around the circle. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (24 dc)
Round 3 (Color B – Turquoise)
Attach Color B with a slip stitch in any stitch. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 1 dc in the same stitch, then 1 dc in the next stitch. *Work 2 dc in the next stitch, 1 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (36 dc)
Round 4 (Color B – Turquoise)
Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 1 dc in the same stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches. *Work 2 dc in the next stitch, 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (48 dc)
Round 5 (Color C – Sunshine Yellow)
Attach Color C with a slip stitch in any stitch. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each stitch around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (48 sc)
Round 6 (Color C – Sunshine Yellow)
Chain 4 (this counts as 1 dc + 1 chain space). Skip 1 stitch, work 1 dc in the next stitch, chain 1. *Skip 1 stitch, work 1 dc in the next stitch, chain 1.* Repeat from * to * around the round. Join with a slip stitch to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain. (24 dc and 24 chain spaces)
Round 7 (Color D – Coral Orange)
Attach Color D with a slip stitch into the first chain space (the space between two dc from the previous round). Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same space. Work 3 dc in each chain space around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (72 dc)
Round 8 (Color D – Coral Orange)
Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (72 sc)
Round 9 (Color E – Royal Blue)
Attach Color E with a slip stitch in any stitch. Chain 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch, chain 5, skip 2 stitches. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, chain 5, skip 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (24 chain loops)
Round 10 (Color E – Royal Blue)
Slip stitch into the first chain loop (the space created by the chain 5). Chain 1, work 6 sc into the same loop. Work 6 sc into each chain loop around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (144 sc)
Round 11 (Color F – Fuchsia Pink)
Attach Color F with a slip stitch in any stitch. Chain 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch, chain 3, skip 2 stitches. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, chain 3, skip 2 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (48 chain loops)
Round 12 (Color F – Fuchsia Pink)
Slip stitch into the first chain loop. Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 3 dc in the same loop. *Work 4 dc in the next chain loop.* Repeat from * to * around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain. (192 dc)
Round 13 (Color A – Emerald Green)
Attach Color A with a slip stitch in any stitch. Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (192 sc)
Round 14 (Color A – Emerald Green)
Chain 1, work 1 sc in the first stitch, chain 4, skip 3 stitches. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, chain 4, skip 3 stitches.* Repeat from * to * around the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (48 chain loops)
Round 15 (Color B – Turquoise)
Attach Color B with a slip stitch into the first chain loop. Chain 1, work 5 sc into the same loop. Work 5 sc into each chain loop around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (240 sc)
Round 16 (Color B – Turquoise)
Chain 1. Work 1 sc in each stitch around the entire round. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely with your yarn needle.
Finishing Touches
Create a hanging loop by chaining 30 with Color A and slip stitching it to the top edge of the mandala. Alternatively, use a wooden dowel or branch and attach the mandala with yarn ties for a more rustic look.
Block the mandala gently to enhance its shape and stitch definition. To block, soak the piece in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat on a blocking mat. Pin the edges to create a perfect circle and allow to dry completely. This step will dramatically improve the drape and professional appearance of your finished wall hanging.
Once dry, hang your Pretty Polly Mandala on a sunny wall and enjoy the tropical vibes it brings to your home. This vibrant piece makes a wonderful gift for fellow craft lovers or a delightful treat for your own space. Happy crocheting!
