Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
Click on the arrows on the right to see my other blog posts.
 

 RSS Feed

  1. Crocheting Mandala's

    Posted on

    Crocheting Mandala's

    for the Spectrum SHOP project is just beginning to unfold for me—a journey of mindfulness, creativity, and discovery. As a beginner crocheter, I’m finding that each stitch is teaching me something new, not just about crochet but about patience, focus, and the meditative rhythm of making. The repetitive motion is calming, offering a way to be present while creating something beautiful. I'm loving this, especially now, when so much to worry about is happening in the world.
     

    I’m also exploring the deep cultural and spiritual significance of mandalas, which symbolize unity and balance across many traditions. From Tibetan sand mandalas to Indian rangoli, these circular designs hold meaning beyond their intricate patterns. While I’m still learning, I already appreciate how universal and timeless this art form is.

    The Purpose of a Tibetan Sand Mandala - Sand Mandalas: Creating A Perfectly Harmonious World

    Sand-painted Mandalas are used as tools for consecrating the earth and its inhabitants. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, in general all Mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in it s divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on all three levels.
    Some Rangoli Design Ideas - Mandala Rangoli Design Images (Kolam Ideas)
     
    Understanding how to keep crochet circles flat has been an interesting challenge for me. I’m researching different stitch heights, increase methods, and tension control, testing out what works best. I’m also learning a lot from others—through tutorials, discussions, and shared experiences—and I plan to pass this knowledge along, linking to helpful resources.
     
    Click here to read what I've learnt so far
     
    This is one of my mandala creations where I carried on following the "flat circle" theory that I researched and tested out - read here

    I'm now at a stage where I can attach it to my wire circle (in this case it was from an old lamp shade I purchased from a local charity shop). I've stretched the circle out and attached it the circle with clips, ready for crocheting to the wire.
    And then with some strategical placed chain lengths I created flower petals for this one. At the moment it looks like there are too many petals but I'm hoping when it's stretched out and fastened to a circle it will look smashing. Watch this space......
    At the end of this project, who knows? I might even create my own free crochet pattern to share my findings! There’s still so much to explore, but that’s part of the excitement.

  2. Crocheting Circles - how easy is it! & 4 Free Crochet Mandala patterns (UK terms)

    Posted on

    Crocheting a flat circle relies on balancing the increasing circumference as you work outward. You achieve a flat circle by evenly distributing increases around the round. The idea is to add a fixed number of extra stitches with each round so that the circle grows smoothly without curving or ruffling.

    I've found that magic number!

    Click on this link to find how a simple formula works with UK trebles, Now you have the information you need to design and adapt your own mandala. 

    Want to crochet a pre-designed mandala? Here are four of the best.

    1. Fiesta Mandala Blanket by Rachele Carmona

      This vibrant mandala blanket showcases a hexagonal layout, combining intricate mandala designs into a cohesive and colorful piece. Rachele Carmona, the creative force behind CypressTextiles, offers this pattern in UK terms, guiding crafters through the process of creating a stunning, large-scale mandala blanket. View the pattern here.IMG_0255

    2. Mini Meditative Mandala by Heather Gibbs

      Designed by Heather Gibbs of Keep Calm and Crochet On UK, this mini mandala is perfect for adding a touch of tranquility to your space. The pattern is available in both UK and US terminology, making it accessible to a wide range of crocheters. This small project is ideal for using up yarn scraps and can serve as a decorative piece, coaster, or motif for larger projects.

      Access the pattern here. IMG_0256

    3. Legacy Mandala by Nerissa Muijs

      Nerissa Muijs, known as Miss Neriss, offers the Legacy Mandala, a beautiful design that combines various crochet techniques to create a stunning decorative piece. The pattern is written in UK terminology and is available for free on her blog, providing crafters with a delightful project that showcases intricate stitch work.

      Access the pattern here.IMG_0257

    4. Easy Crochet Mandala Wall Hanging by The Crochet Swirl

      This beginner-friendly mandala pattern is designed as a wall hanging, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home decor. The Crochet Swirl provides clear instructions using UK crochet terms, making it accessible for those new to mandala projects. The simple yet elegant design allows for customization with different color choices to suit your style.

      View the pattern here. IMG_0258

    These patterns offer a variety of styles and complexities, all using UK crochet terminology, providing  opportunities to explore the art of crocheted mandalas.