Crochet mandalas are everywhere right now! They’re beautiful and fun to make, ranging from the sublimely simple to the excruciatingly complex. I was inspired to design my own, but I wanted it to have a practical purpose too. And a reader request for coasters and placemats was just the spark I needed! The Magic Spike Mandala was born!
The Magic Spike Mandala is relatively simple, but spike stitches and shells combine to make it fun and fabulous. And just like magic, you can make drinks coasters and placemats, lightweight trivets and heavyweight doilies, even dishcloths and facecloths – all from the same pattern! Bright colors for spring and summer, rich colors for fall and winter, this pattern looks great in all of them. This pattern includes written instructions as well as a chart – so dive in and let the magic happen!
Magic Spike Mandala
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- US – I/9, 5.50mm hook
- 130 yds total worsted weight yarn in 4 colors (Lily Sugar’n Cream shown)
- Special Stitch: Spike St – Keeping tension on the active loop on the hook, insert hook into specified stitch, yo and pull up a loop to the height of the current row. Yo and pull through both loops.
Written Instructions:
Round 1: Using Color A, make a magic circle. Working into the ring, ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1). [Dc, ch 1] into the ring 7 more times. Join to 3rd ch with sl st. (8 dc, 8 ch)
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2dc in next ch sp. *Dc in next dc, 2 dc in next ch sp. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to second dc. (24 sts)
Round 3: Using Color B, join with a sl st to top of one of the dc sts that is worked into a dc (not a dc that’s worked into the ch sp). Work a spike st into the top of the dc from Round 1 directly below. Sc in the next st, sc between posts of previous st and next st, sc in next st. *Work a spike st into the top of the dc from Round 1 directly below the next st. Sc in the next st, sc between posts of previous st and next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to top of first spike st. (32 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in first st. Ch 4, skip next 3 sts. *Sc in next st, ch 4, skip next 3 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to first sc of round. (40 sts)
Round 5: Using Color C, join with a sl st to the top of a sc st from previous round. Ch 1, hdc in same st. [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in ch sp. *Hdc in next st, [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in ch sp. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to first hdc of round. (48 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, hdc in first st. Skip next 2 sts, work 6 dc in ch sp. Skip next 2 sts. *Hdc in next st, skip next 2 sts, work 6 dc in ch sp. Skip next 2 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to top of first hdc of round. (56 sts)
Round 7: Using Color D, join with a sl st to the top of a hdc from previous round. Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 4 directly below. Sc in the next 3 sts, sc between posts of previous st and next st, sc in next 3 sts. *Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 4 directly below the next st. Sc in the next 3 sts, sc between posts of previous st and next st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to top of first spike st. (64 sts) For Coaster or Dishcloth, break yarn and seamless join… and done! For placemat size, continue with Round 8.
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in first st. Ch 4, skip next 3 sts. *Sc in next st, ch 4, skip next 3 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to first sc of round. (80 sts)
Round 9: Using Color A, join with a sl st to the top of a sc st from previous round. Ch 1, hdc in same st. Work 4 dc in ch sp. *Hdc in next st, 4 dc in ch sp. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to first hdc of round. (80 sts)
Round 10: Ch 1, hdc in first st. Skip next 2 sts, work 5 dc between posts of previous and next st (second and third sts of group). Skip next 2 sts. *Hdc in next st, skip next 2 sts, work 5 dc between posts of previous and next st. Skip next 2 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to top of first hdc of round. (96 sts)
Round 11: Using Color B, join with a sl st to top of one of the hdc sts from previous row. Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 8 directly below. Sc in the next 5 sts. *Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 8 directly below the next st. Sc in the next 5 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to top of first spike st. (96 sts)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in first st. Ch 6, skip next 5 sts. *Sc in next st, ch 6, skip next 5 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to first sc of round. (112 sts)
Round 13: Using Color C, join with a sl st to the top of a sc st from previous round. Ch 1, hdc in same st. [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in ch sp. *Hdc in next st, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in ch sp. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to first hdc of round. (128 sts)
Round 14: Ch 1, hdc in first st. Skip next 3 sts, work 7 dc in next ch sp. Skip next 3 sts. *Hdc in next st, skip next 3 sts, 7 dc in ch sp, skip next 3 sts. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to first hdc of round. (128 sts)
Round 15: Using Color D, join with a sl st to top of one of the hdc sts from previous row. Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 12 directly below. Sc in the next 7 sts. *Work a spike st into the top of the sc from Round 12 directly below the next st. Sc in the next 7 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to top of first spike st. (128 sts)
Round 16: Ch 1, sc in first st. Ch 3, skip next 3 sts. *Sc in next st, ch 3, skip next 3 sts. Repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st to first sc of round. (128 sts)
Round 17: Ch 1, sc in first st. Work 4 sc into the ch sp. *Sc in next st, 4 sc into the next ch sp. Repeat from * to end. Break yarn and seamless join to first sc of round. (160 sts)
Charted Instructions:
Note that in the chart I kept the start of each round in the same place, for readability. The finished project will look better if you actually join to a different (though equivalent) place on the mandala with each new color – that way there’s no telltale line of joins!
I hope you enjoy making and using the Magic Spike Mandalas as much as I have enjoyed designing them! While coming up with the pattern I made a few prototypes, and they’ve been practical additions to several rooms of my home! As coasters, lightweight trivets, placemats… and even a Frisbee (ah, kids!). Make one or a dozen – they’ll add a big splash of color and fun in the colors of your choice!
Written pattern copyright Tamara Kelly 2013. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern, please visit the About page for details.You can contact me via Facebook messages or at [email protected]
Ana says
Hola!! Me gustan mucho sus trabajos, pero me cuesta un poco entender las explicaciones en ingles, por las abreviaturas de los puntos y la simbología, habría una posibilidad de conseguir una “buena ” traducción en castellano (español) gracias
Tamara Kelly says
Hola Ana! La tabla para el patrón usa símbolos internacionales, tal vez este sitio le ayudará a: http://thebluuroom.blogspot.com/2012/10/crochet-stitch-symbols-and.html
Susan @ Felted Button says
Tamara,
I love this! It is so beautiful! I used this awesome pattern to make the top of a soon-to-be footstool cover for my bedroom. I’ve linked it up to Hookin on Hump Day #45 and included a link to your website in my post about it here… http://www.feltedbutton.com/2013/05/have-little-seat.html. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome talents!
Susan
Tamara Kelly says
Wow, thanks so much Susan! <3 I'm honored!
Carly says
Thanks so much for this pattern! I worked mine in thread.
Cathy says
I just love this pattern. I have made it into a wind chime, crocheting with twine, colored wire, and different sized beads. I use a larger one for the top with smaller ones hanging down as the chimes or mobiles.
Cathy
Rose says
I love this Mandala, I was wondering if a border could be added to make it a square for an afghan.
Tamara Kelly says
Ooo, that’s a great idea Rose! I’ll have to play around with that… thanks for the inspiration!
Sherilee Thach says
Love the pattern will work on one right now!!!!!
Thanks!!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Sherilee!
Julie Corbisiero says
Tamara, this so beautiful and I want to try and make this! You make beautiful projects and thanks for sharing this. I saw it on all fee crochet!
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Julie – you are too kind!
Jean says
Thank you so much for this beautiful Mandala Pattern. Your work is truly great. I am going to start one right away. I am a retired therapist, and I used to have clients draw mandalas, because the different colors and shapes they used would tell me so much.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Jean – and thank you for doing the work you did!
AruljothiKarikalan says
lovely mandala… i would like to try this soon
Ayesha H says
I really ENJOY working with your mandala pattern Tamara! 🙂 I used rounds 1-7 to make sets of colourful coasters. Thank you and may God bless you for sharing your creativity with us. I’d love if you could have a look at what I made: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281279845349158.1073741831.199636920180118&type=1&l=23b954ec21
Thanks again, your blog is one of my main sources of inspiration for all things crochet 🙂
The Cogaroo says
Thank you so much for this pattern! I have been looking for a free mandala pattern because the only ones I’d found were all so expensive. I would love to make this if I can locate some suitable yarn! 🙂 (Never mind the fact that I wouldn’t know what to do with it…)
Marsha says
I’d like to make this larger than the 13″ placemat your directions provide. I need it to be 15 -16″ inches to accommodate plate and silverware. Could you give directions to enlarge it, please?
Leslie K says
This is beautiful! I wonder if I could make it even bigger into a rug? It would be so perfect for a powder room!!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
You’re very welcome! I think with a tshirt yarn or super bulky (and a q hook) it would make a great rug!
kaelie says
hey,
i wanted to share this with you: http://foxtailart.wordpress.com/
i modified your pattern into a rug, it is perfect, thanks for writing such an excellent pattern :}
Tamara Kelly says
Oh it’s gorgeous!!! <3
Teresa says
This is beautiful. Can’t wait to try it!
Pamela McIntosh says
Wonderful job and YOUR MOMMY TAUGHT YOU WELL..To share! Thks so much
Merry Christmas and all the very best to you too. HUGS from Canada
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Pamela! Merry Christmas to you too!
Marie sexton says
I love that your patterns are downloadable and that I can edit how much of it I want to print. I wish every site had that capability. I love your site and the amazing creations you come up with. The only problem is, I have so many project patterns now it’s hard to choose which one is next!
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you Marie!
moniO says
Thank you for sharing this pattern, it’s beautiful and I like the chart as I find it easier to follow written patterns 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 I’m glad you like it moniO!
marrie says
Het Tamara!
It’s my wish that u some day show your yarn storage, please show me your yarn stacks!!!
Tamara Kelly says
When I get the room cleaned up and re-done… we moved in February and it’s a mess!
Marrie says
Oh sure! I am waiting desperately..
kaysiebee says
I love this patterns – – – but am confused by the instruction which says to sc in the next stitch and then sc in between the posts of the previous stitch and the next stitch. Could you explain? Thanks.
Tamara Kelly says
I can try! 🙂 Ok, so you sc in the next st, and then the next sc is between that stitch (the one you just crocheted into) and the next st. Instead of working into the top V of either stitch, insert your hook between the posts of them. Does that help?
roberta hanlon says
I need to make arm chair covers.
can I use the magic spike pattern in solid color Do i need to adjust patter for my arm chair covers thank you so much for your help.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Roberta! You can certainly make it in just one color! Any adjustments will depend on your chair, I’m afraid I can’t give advice on that!
Aimee & Kira's Kustom Kreations says
Hi Tamara!
We have just included you gorgeous work in our Mandala Madness pattern round-up! Beautiful work!
http://akkustomkreations.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/we-are-joining-mandala-madness.html
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! 😀
Pallie says
I noticed that a couple of other people mentioned using thread to do this mandala.
I used tatting thread and embroidery floss to crochet this. I made a pendant and matching earrings for my sister, who loves unusual things.
Thanks for a great pattern.
Tamara Kelly says
Oh that sounds lovely Pallie!
Lynnel says
Thanks for this lovely pattern, it was my first try choice on a Google search for a placemat pattern! JOY!!! Thank you also for using a font big enough for us poor-sighted folks, so many pattern sites do not.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 Thank you Lynnel! I like my words big too, so one tip I’ll pass on is using Ctrl and + to enlarge web pages! 🙂
Carmen says
Gracias por poner el gráfico.
Un saludo,
Carmen
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Gracias Carmen!
Julie says
I LOVE THIS PATTERN It’s exactly was I am looking for as a gift for my grandmother. Could I crochet two together for a stronger trivet?
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you! I think that’s a great idea! 😀
Marta says
Las mandalas son preciosas, gracias por compartirlas.
Tamara Kelly says
Gracias Marta!
Tina says
Thank You so much for this pattern! It is exactly what I was searching for! I am going to attempt to make a “Circle Sweater” for my Granddaughter. I found a wonderful pattern from The Lavender Chair but I wanted a more solid, warmer “back”. This fits the bill! Now to figure out the colors…lol…that is going to be a project all by itself!
Tamara Kelly says
Picking colors is usually the hardest part! 😀 Thank you so much Tina!
Tina says
Hi There! Just to let you know I decided on using some yarn my Mother had given me years ago. It turned out Great!!
Then I added some “grown-up” colors to finish the sweater. Here’s the link if you’d like to check out the finished project: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tallcoolglass63/magic-spike-mandala
Thank you so very much for making this possible!
Tamara Kelly says
That is amazing, Tina! Wow! 😀 Thank you so much for sharing it with me!