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Crochet AIRY CATHERINE WHEELS Stitch Free Pattern

MoiraCrochetsPlarn by MoiraCrochetsPlarn

There is no denying my eternal love for the Starbust/ Catherine Wheels/ Pin Wheel stitch. In my Starbust Pouch, I explained why:


The illusion of dc's or tr's radiating from various points, as if multiple circular motifs have been stitched together, like exploding fireworks in the sky, is just irresistible. But the reality is,its just alternating rows of shells and dc tog's. Where the stitches gather creates a hump, making this stitch pattern a beautiful combination of humps and lumps. I really love running my fingers through its gorgeous texture. - quoted from Crochet STARBUST Pouch



But like everything in the world, it has its disadvantages. It requires a LOT of yarn. Aside from that, working dc9togs and 9-dc shells are just a little too tough on my hands.

With these things in mind, I thought of altering the pattern a bit to address the disadvantages yet retain the reasons why I love this stitch pattern sooooooo much.

The result is the AIRY CATHERINE WHEELS stitch pattern! I just converted the dc's into ch-1 spaces. It still has that fireworks effect, the humps and lumps are softer and it's still warm enough for a blanket!

I really love the shot with the light coming from behind it because it highlights how beautiful this stitch pattern is. I wish I'd have a house where I'll need a sun shade (a stretched out crochet curtain). This stitch pattern would be so splendid for that!

Or how about a lampshade cover? Oooh, this would be a lovely sight to see just before we get our zzzzzzzz's!

The Book I Love and The One I Wish to Have

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The Original Catherine Wheels Stitch



Close up on the original STARBUST/ CATHERINE WHEELS/ PINWHEEL stitch as I learned it from the book Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework.

I used this stitch for my Starbust Pouch.

NOTES:

  • This crochet pattern is only for a simple crochet rectangle.
  • I've made a pouch using this stitch pattern that I'm planning to use as a hook case. Watch out for that!
  • The yellow-and-white rectangle is the base for a ladies backpack. That is, if I'll be able to gather enough plastic bags and patience to finish it. Wish me luck!

USES:

You can use this generic stitch pattern to crochet
  1. blankets/ throws/ afghans
  2. scarves
  3. coasters/ place mats/ dish cloths
  4. rugs
  5. curtains

How to Crochet Dc2Tog

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Special Stitches: DcTog and Shell

DcTog

Dctog literally means double crochet together. This stitch refers to a group of dc's that drawn together at the top. The number of dc's in a dctog stitch is indicated by the number preceding the word tog. For example, in this pattern, you'll find dc 2tog, dc3tog and dc5tog. The video floating at the right shows a dc 2tog.


The crochet instructions for a dc2tog:

[Y o, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops] 2x, y o, draw through all 3 loops on hook.


The crochet instructions for a dc3tog:

[Y o, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops] 2x, y o, insert hook on top of turning chain, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops, y o, draw through all 4 loops on hook.


The crochet instructions for a dc5tog:

[Y o, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops] 2x, y o, insert hook on top of turning chain, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops, [y o, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, draw a loop through, y o, draw through 2 loops] 2x, y o, draw through all 6 loops on hook.

Shell

In crochet, shells are defined as a group of 3 or more stitches with at least one dc worked in the same space or stitch.

In this pattern, the shell is made by:

[(dc, ch 1) 4x, dc] on top or dc5tog

The central dc of this shell group is important in this pattern so take note where it is.

Crochet Instructions

IF YOU WANT TO SEE THIS CHART ROW BY ROW, I prepared a slideshow on Slide Share. Just click the following link.
Crochet AIRY CATHERINE WHEELS Stitch Pattern View more presentations from duranomoira

Written Pattern

Foundation Chain: Chain a multiple of 8 + 2.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, {sk 3 ch, [(dc, ch 1) 4x, dc] in next ch, sk 3 ch, sc in next ch} repeat to end, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: Dc2tog, ch 4, sc on the central dc of shell, (dc 3, dc 5 tog, ch 4, sc on the central dc of shell) repeat till last central dc, ch 4, dc3tog, ch 4, turn.

Row 3: (Dc, ch 1, dc) on top of dc3tog, sc on sc {[(dc, ch 1) 4x, dc] on top of dc5tog, sc on sc} repeat till last sc, [(dc, ch 1)2x, dc] on top of dc2tog, ch 1, turn.

Row 4: Sc on first dc, (dc5tog, sc on central dc of shell) repeat to end, ch 1, turn.

Row 5: Sc on sc, {[(dc, ch 1) 4x, dc] on top of dc5tog, sc on sc} repeat till last sc, [(dc, ch 1) 4x, dc] on top of dc5tog, sc on top of turning chain.

Repeat Row 2-5 for pattern.

Links to My Patterns and Crochet Articles

CROCODILE Crochet Stitch Pattern
An in-depth discussion of how to crochet the crocodile stitch pattern, includes free written and charted pattern too.
ALL My FREE Crochet Patterns
A list of my free crochet patterns: earrings, bracelets/bangles, flowers, hearts, squares, butterflies, dragonflies, necklace, jewelry Set, cross, headbands and cell phone cozies/holder.
Why Crochet with Plarn?
My journey towards crocheting with plarn was a complicated one but I found a lot of good reasons to stick with it along the way.
Conditioning Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn) for Crochet
This article discusses how to spin plarn with videos to the best tutorials. I also shared how to "soften" it if you can't spin it.
Methods of Making Plarn
Compare double-strand and single-strand method of making yarn from plastic bags for crochet or knit

I LOVE Comments!

  • SimplyTonjia Mar 16, 2012 @ 12:01 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Thank you.
  • MoiraCrochetsPlarn Mar 17, 2012 @ 7:22 am | delete
    You are very welcome Tonjia!
  • cffutah Dec 12, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    enjoyed my visit here tonight, thank you!
  • MoiraCrochetsPlarn Dec 13, 2011 @ 2:50 am | delete
    You're very welcome!
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This So Crafty page written by

MoiraCrochetsPlarn

I'm Moira. My mission in life is to transform plastic bags into little crocheted treasures.

What else? I'm 20 something years old, was a licensed science... more »

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