Trendy Macramé Mandala Bagcharm

sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

These mandalas are designed using multiple colors.
Consider the visual effect from a distance—darker colors tend to blend in, while lighter colors appear to come forward. You can create a variety of looks simply by changing the color combinations.

These small mandalas are made using a stainless steel ring, which we crochet around, and (sashiko or doll) needles for this knotting technique. Alternatively, you can use a crochet hook as an aid.

Use Durable Coral Mini in 325 Black to crochet single crochet stitches around the 8 cm ring.
Use a 2.0 mm crochet hook and make sure the entire ring is covered evenly with sc. Join with a sl st.
Do not cut the yarn; instead, pull it through the back of the crocheted work to the inside.

Place a colored pin every 1.8 cm around the ring—these will serve as attachment points for the threadwork.

Cut a long piece of thread. If you are right-handed, work clockwise; if you are left-handed, work counterclockwise.

Thread a Sashiko needle (shorter needle, better suited for a 5 cm ring) or doll needle, whichever you prefer.

Tip: Use your left index finger to keep the thread taut. Pass the needle over the tensioned thread and release your finger at the correct point.

Round 1: Pull the thread from right to left through the crochet stitches. Bring the thread forward over the newly stretched thread to secure it with a wrap. Move to the next attachment point and repeat 12 times. Pull the thread tight to avoid loops in the work. You should now have 13 attachment points.

Tip: Fewer attachment points will result in a more open pattern.

Round 2: Continue working in the same way, looping the thread around the previous row’s attachment points before securing it. At the last knot, pull the thread behind the starting point and then bring the needle forward.

Round 3: Work as in Round 2, but pass the thread over two tensioned threads before bringing it behind them and then forward again. Adjust the stitches neatly.

Round 4: Continue in the same manner, now passing the thread over three tensioned threads before bringing it behind and forward again.

Before the last stitch, switch to 2140 Tropical Green. Make sure the knot between the two colors is tight but small.

Rounds 5-8: Continue making stitches over three threads and ensure the knot sits at the back of the work.
Work four rounds in this color before switching to 222 Bordeaux.

Rounds 9-13: Continue working as before, ensuring the knot stays at the back.
Work five rounds in this color before switching to 2194 Orange.

Rounds 14-20: Complete six more rounds in this color, making sure the stitches are neatly arranged.

Pull the thread end through the back of the work and apply a drop of fabric glue or fray stop to secure it.

Attach the keychain ring and the crocheted stainless steel ring together using a small pliers.

Enjoy your knotting, Stefanie van Heusden (coloursoflife.nl).

Optional: Adjusting the Pattern for a Smaller 5 cm Ring

Follow the same pattern as for the larger 8 cm mandala ring, but use fewer rounds and colors.

Did you enjoy this tutorial? You can find even more fun macramé projects in Stefanie’s book Macramé in Colours (available in Dutch).