Crochet Granny Circle Mandala Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

The granny stripe stitch is probably one of my favourites, I just love the simplicity of it and the endless possibility for playing with colour.  Any project that uses granny clusters brings a smile to my face that only this type of colourful crochet hooky can.

Why Granny Circles?

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, granny circles offer endless possibilities for beautiful, handmade creations.  They can be used in a myriad of projects, from coasters and blankets to mandalas, making them a joyful skill to master. The repetitive nature of the pattern also provides a soothing rhythm, ideal for a relaxing TV crochet.

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Granny Circle & Mandala Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

This tutorial will benefit new and experienced crocheters alike.  I will provide you with everything you need and a free pattern to make crochet granny circles or a mandala.  We will start by looking at their versatility and the materials needed.  We will also cover troubleshooting tips and tricks to perfect your project and look at ideas and inspirational ways to use your granny circles.  A video guide is also included for those that prefer visual learning.

What is a Mandala?

Crochet mandalas are circular, decorative designs created using crochet techniques. These intricate patterns often feature vibrant colours and various stitches to form symmetrical, radial motifs. Originating from traditional mandalas in spiritual and ritual symbolism, crochet mandalas can serve as beautiful home décor, therapeutic art, or personal expressions of creativity. Their complex, layered structures make them both a challenge and a delight for crafters, offering endless possibilities for customization and artistic exploration.

Is This Pattern Beginner Friendly?

Yes!  Any beginner that is familiar with the basic stitches can master this technique, as it uses only simple stitches with easy increases.  This tutorial will give you the opportunity to practice and learn new skills whilst making something pretty.

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Equipment

Let’s start by getting everything we need ready. Just like most crochet patterns, we’ll only need a few crochet supplies -

• Yarn: I recommend a worsted (Aran) in soft cotton or acrylic to practice with.
• Crochet hook: An ergonomic hook that is comfortable to hold, go for the size recommended on your yarn ball band or your pattern.
• Scissors: Any small sharp scissors will do.
• Darning Needle:  One with a large eye suitable for yarn

Choosing Your Yarn

I crocheted this swatch in Sheepjes Softfun. It comes in a gorgeous variety of colours and I love it because the blend of cotton and acrylic is soft and easy to work with.

Selecting the Perfect Crochet Hooks

For these granny circles, I used a 4mm hook. I love to use these Clover Soft Touch hooks as they have a smooth surface that glides through the yarn easily and the handles are comfortable to hold.  These are my preferred hooks to use and I have them in many sizes.

Handy Tools and Notions

Additionally, you'll need some helpful items like a pair of scissors, a measuring tape , and a darning needle for neatly securing loose yarn ends. While not essential, stitch markers can be quite convenient for keeping track of your stitches.

Exploring the Granny Circle Pattern

Now, let's take a look at this happy stitch pattern we'll be using. It is much easier than you might think.  Simply made from crocheting double crochets into the same space to form clusters (lovingly known as “granny clusters”).  A granny circle is a crochet motif that starts from the centre and works outward in rounds. Unlike the traditional granny square, the granny circle forms a continuous, circular shape, adding a different aesthetic to your crochet projects.

Before we begin this project, let's familiarize ourselves with the basic stitches for the pattern -

• Double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through 2 loops

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Granny Circle Video Tutorial

A video tutorial is provided for visual learners.  It will show you step by step, how to crochet granny circles.  Crochet along with the video and you will be making them in no time at all.

Granny Circles

Materials

Yarn

Darning needle

Hook

Use a hook recommended on your yarn ball band

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms are used through out (UK terms)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

ch - chain

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(s)

sp(s) - space(s)

gcl - granny cluster

cl-inc - granny cluster increase

About the Yarn

Scheepjes Softfun is a premium cotton and acrylic blend. Available in a wide selection of colours from the lightest pastels to the deepest berry shades, this DK is ideal for clothes, accessories, toys and blankets. Each 50g ball has 140m of yarn.

I used a variety of colours from my stash also including the other yarns in the Softfun brand, Softfun Denim and Softfun Aquarel.  You can purchase the yarn here at Lovecrafts.

Special stitches: 

• Granny cluster - 3dc in same sp.  Granny cluster increase - 4dc in same sp.

Pattern Notes: 

• Read pattern carefully before starting
• Pattern is in US terms
• Fasten off and join new colour after each round.  If you wish to make your granny circles in a solid colour simply sl st into the next sp instead of joining a new colour.

Start Crocheting Here…

Ch4 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1 ch3 (counts as dc), 11dc into ring, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12dc)

Round 2 join new colour in any sp between stitches.  Ch3, dc in same sp, [2dc in next sp] repeat around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (24dc)

Round 3 join new colour in any sp between groups of sts, ch3, 2dc in same sp, gcl in next sp and every sp around, join with sl st to top ch3.  (12gcl)

Round 4 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 3dc in same sp, [gcl in next sp, cl-inc in next sp] repeat around ending with gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (6gcl, 6cl-inc)

Round 5 join new colour in any sp after gcl, ch3, 2dc in same sp, [gcl in sp in middle of cl-inc, gcl in next 2 sps] repeat around ending with gcl in sp in middle of cl-inc, gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.  (18gcl)

Round 6 repeat round 4.

Round 7 repeat round 5.

Round 8 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 3dc in same sp, [gcl in next 2 sps, cl-inc in next sp] repeat around ending with gcl in last sp, join with sl st to top ch3.

Round 9 join new colour in any sp, ch3, 2dc in same sp, gcl in every sp and glc in every sp in middle of cl-inc.

Rounds 8 & 9 form pattern and may be repeated until your granny circle is required size, however the number of sps in round 8 must be increased by 1 each time.  For example where is says [gcl in next 2 sps, cl-inc in next sp] the number 2 must be increased by 1 each round so round 10 would be [gcl in next 3 sps, cl-inc in next sp]. 

Oh and don't forget to weave in all those pesky ends.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing a Wobbly Circle

If your granny circle wobbles or puckers, check your stitch count. Ensure you are increasing the correct number of stitches in each round. Blocking your finished circle can also help smooth out any imperfections.

Ensuring Consistent Tension

Consistent tension is key to a uniform granny circle. Practice maintaining the same tension throughout your work. If your tension varies, your circle may become uneven.

Correcting Mistakes

Mistakes happen! If you notice an error, don't panic. Simply pull out the stitches back to the mistake, correct it, and continue. Crochet is forgiving, and fixing mistakes is part of the learning process.

Make Them Unique

Add an Edging

Finish your granny circle with a unique edging. Shell stitches, picots, or scalloped edges add a polished look to your project. Experiment with different edgings to find your favourite.  Check out my edging tutorials here…

Ways to Use Your Granny Circles

Turning Your Circle into a Coaster

Transform your granny circle into a functional coaster. Simply crochet a few rounds, add an edging, and you're done! Coasters make great gifts and add a handmade touch to your home.

Making a Set of Colourful Placemats

Create a set of colourful placemats by continuing to expand your granny circle. Use coordinating colours for a cohesive look. Placemats are not just beautiful additions to your table they also help protect it from damage.

Creating a Beautiful Granny Circle Blanket

For a larger project, turn your granny circles into a blanket. Just keep adding more and more rounds until it fits your required size.

Future Projects

This sunglasses case starts off with simple granny circles.  This is a new pattern I am working on and will be here on the blog very soon.  Make sure to subscribe so you don’t it…

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