Life is Like a Crochet Mandala

Life is Like a Crochet Mandala

“Each person’s life is like a mandala – a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear, and think trims the mandala of our life.” —PEMA CHÖDRÖN

The recent crochet mandala trend fascinates me. Mandalas are beautiful! And while I am usually a very utilitarian crocheter, there is something perfect about their symmetry and beauty just for the sake of beauty. They are incredibly peaceful to look at and to crochet.

These crochet mandalas are fun to crochet and a great way to learn new crochet techniques.

Clockwise from top left: Magical Wheel, Vernal Season Mandala, There’s a Starman Mandala, Rose Window Mandala

And now I have over 50 new mandalas to make. Maybe I’ll decorate an entire wall in my craft room with them. One of my favorite parts of Modern Crochet Mandalas is the forward by Sandra Eng. She provides a beautiful explanation of the crochet mandala.

“Mandala” is the Sanskrit word for circle. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the mandala symbolizes the universe. Their spiritual origins aside, mandalas appeal to the aesthete in all of us. Their beauty comes not only from striking combinations of colors and patterns, but also from their radial symmetry.

The popularity of crochet mandalas has been steadily rising over the past few years. Social media platforms have contributed to their popularity by allowing crocheters from all over the world to discover and share these beautiful and unique patterns. In practical terms, crochet mandalas hold appeal because they can be relatively simple, quick projects to complete. In more aesthetic terms, they offer a unique canvas for experimentation with color, texture, and many types of stitches, all within a relatively small space.

Clockwise from top left: Quandry Mandala,Harvest Moon Mandala, African Flower Mandala, Picaresque Poppy Mandala

Are you ready to make a crochet mandala?
Modern crochet mandalas share characteristics with more traditional doilies. But whereas doilies often are monochrome and lacy, crochet mandalas are much more versatile. They can be made in every shape, color combination, and size imaginable.

I started crocheting mandalas two years ago, after having come across some beautiful patterns and feeling compelled to create them. I quickly found that mandalas showcase many different types of crochet; they became an opportunity to broaden my crochet repertoire. What continues to draw me back to the form, though, is the experience of making them. There is a meditative quality to the process of counting stitches and introducing new colors, round by round. Depending on the complexity of the pattern I choose, I can lose myself in the trance of simple rounds or challenge myself with new stitches and techniques. Crochet mandalas hooked me from the beginning, and I haven’t looked back since!

—Sandra Eng

Now I just have to decide which crochet mandala best represents the complexity and beauty of my life right now. Then I’ll do a bit of stash busting for my favorite colors.

Download or order your copy of Modern Crochet Mandalas today and create crochet mandalas that relax and reflect your life.

Best wishes,