It all started with a few comments on my YouTube channel Mindful crochet with Daria saying that crocheted mandalas are something unusual. I was surprised – I thought there were plenty of mandala patterns online. True, most of them are made from fine cotton yarn. But what if we tried to crochet a warm, cozy winter mandala using thicker yarn? And so a new project began.
Around that time, I came across a yarn I’d never used before but which is quite popular among crocheters in Europe – Scheepjes “Colour Crafter” (100% anti-pilling acrylic). From 6 skeins of 50g/150m each (300g total), I ended up with 3 full mandalas, one mini mandala, and an octagonal motif.
Winter Crochet MandalaSource: Daria Nasibulina for Krealikum
About the «Winter Mandala» design:
- The pattern is based on the free “Fields of...” blanket pattern by Veronika Lyakhovich. The first 17 rounds of the mandala are exactly the same as the original blanket design. You can find the written pattern with photos and a video tutorial for this part as Part 1 of the «Fields of...» crochet blanket.
- I designed rounds 18-25 to complete the circle harmoniously. A video tutorial for these rounds (in Russian, with English subtitles available) is here: Winter crochet mandala tutorial. Rounds 18-25.
- The mandala has 25 rounds in total.
- It uses 6-7 colors (you can use more or fewer).
- You can crochet it with any yarn, which makes it perfect for using up leftovers.
- Finished size is about 37 cm (14.5 inches) in diameter (using a 4 mm hook and Scheepjes Colour Crafter).
One version of the finished Winter Mandala
Source: Daria Nasibulina for Krealikum
You can find more details in the introductory video (in Russian, with English subtitles), where I explain and show all the project variations. Watch it on YouTube.
Three projects in one:
- If you crochet only rounds 1-11, you’ll get an octagon measuring 18 cm (20 cm / 8 in with the edging).
- For a mini mandala (rounds 1-17), the size will be 25 cm (26 cm / 10 in with the edging).
- The full mandala (rounds 1-25) measures 37 cm (14.5 in).
Please note: Using finer yarn will result in a smaller piece, while thicker yarn could give you a mini mat. The final size also depends on your hook size, crochet tension, and technique.
3 full mandalas, one mini mandala, and an octagonal motifSource: Daria Nasibulina for Krealikum
Where to find everything:
- Written pattern for rounds 1-17: Available as Part 1 of the "Fields of..." blanket by Veronika Lyakhovich.
- Video tutorial for rounds 18-25: Created by me. The video is in Russian, but you can turn on English subtitles (or auto-translate to other languages): Winter crochet mandala tutorial. Rounds 18-25.
Finally: What is a mandala?
I’ve been asked this a few times in the comments. For me, the essence of a “mandala” is this:
In Sanskrit, “mandala” means circle. It always contains rhythm – a repeating pattern. The pattern evolves, shapes transform from one into another (for example, from a square or a star into a circle and back again). Traditional mandalas also often carry spiritual significance.
For me, what matters most in this mandala is transformation. We start with the clear geometry of an octagon (our intention), and the hook in our hands, along with the rhythm of the repeats, helps us transform it into a beautiful, vibrant, living circle – a flower (the result, which is always greater than the plan).
The process itself holds the meaning. So when we crochet it together, we’re not just creating a pattern – we’re experiencing that transformation from idea to reality, from the structure of an octagon to the wholeness of a circle.
In the colors of my mandalas above, I see a union of two elements – water and earth – which is so characteristic of my hometown, Saint Petersburg.
What is more important to you in this process: the rhythmic, almost meditative act of crocheting, or the image gradually coming to life in your hands?
