Learning intricate mandala crochet: a roadmap
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Would you like to learn how to crochet (difficult) mandalas, but don't know where to start? You are in the right place!
In this blog, I will give you a roadmap for mandalas, starting with easy patterns and taking it a step further each time. Happy crocheting!
Important to know
It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong when learning to crochet mandalas. There is no such thing as learning 'too slowly'. Or too quickly. Everyone learns and crochets at their own pace and in their own way.
In addition, there is no '1 simple formula' that fits everyone. Everyone learns differently. Some need an easy pattern, while others look for the challenge of a difficult pattern.
It is a matter of trying and practicing to discover what works best for you.
A tip: for many crocheters, it can be helpful to crochet a pattern multiple times. This can help enormously to learn and grow in your skill level. Of course, it is important that you choose a crochet pattern that you enjoyed making!
Repeating patterns can help you to:
- Learn from the mistakes you made the first time
- Learn to recognize parts of the pattern
- Gain more experience with the crochet stitches used
- Become comfortable with the movements and techniques
- Gain confidence
- Become more stable in your yarn tension while crocheting and your personal way of crocheting (some naturally crochet loosely, while others crochet very tightly)
- Gain more experience reading a crochet pattern; it becomes easier to understand and recognize
Always remember: having fun is the most important thing. Regardless of the level, it is about enjoying the pattern you are crocheting. If you get absolutely no joy out of repeating a pattern, then it might not add any value for you. You also continue to learn a lot with new patterns!
Crochet level
As a beginner, it is good to start with easier patterns. Try to determine your level for yourself.
- No experience: do you have no crochet experience yet? Then I recommend gaining a bit more experience with the basics of crocheting first, and then starting with the easiest mandalas.
- Little experience: Do you have little crochet experience? Then it can be good to start with the easiest mandalas.
- More experience: Do you have more crochet experience, but have never crocheted a mandala? Then it might not be necessary to start with the easiest mandala pattern. You can perhaps start a step higher.
- A lot of experience: have you crocheted a lot, including more difficult patterns, or have you already crocheted many mandalas? It is probably no longer necessary to start with the easiest mandalas. But even if you have lots of experience, it is still a lot of fun to crochet easy mandalas!
Remember: for some, a challenge is exactly what brings joy. It happens often enough that an adventurous beginner can easily handle a more difficult pattern.
But it is most common that as a beginner you are better off starting easy.
Therefore, this roadmap is only a guideline; take time to find out what works best for you!
Roadmap: easy to advanced
This roadmap is only a guideline to help you slowly build up your level. Starting with easy patterns, the level slowly builds up to advanced. This way, you can gradually crochet more difficult patterns step by step.
1: easy (level 1 - beginner mandala)
This easy pattern is well suited for beginners. With the YouTube example video, this pattern is easy to follow.
2: easy (level 1)
This pattern uses easy crochet stitches. With only 3 types of crochet stitches (chain, slip stitch and double crochet), this pattern is very doable for a beginner. A chart is included with this pattern.
3: easy-intermediate (level 1.5)
Rosalynn Mandala uses front post stitches more frequently to form beautiful petals. The double crochet is also common in this mandala. Because there aren't many other difficult stitches in this pattern, it is perfectly doable for a beginning crocheter.
4: easy-intermediate (level 1.5)
This small crochet pattern uses multiple types of crochet stitches (like double crochet, front post stitches, popcorn stitch), but is still small in size. This pattern is available for free through our newsletter and has charts per round and a video tutorial. This makes this mandala a nice pattern to practice with.
Tip: also very nice to use as coasters!
5: intermediate (level 1.5-2)
Suze Mandala continues with the front post stitches and begins to apply the commonly used techniques of LKCreativeness. In this mandala, you work in layers for the first time and form petals with front post double crochets.
6: intermediate (level 2)
Ryenne Mandala deepens your experience with the front post stitches and frequently used techniques of LKCreativeness mandalas. Thanks to the repetitive pattern, you can quickly understand how the structure of this mandala works.
7: intermediate (level 2)
Eleah Mandala, like the previous mandalas, features a lot of front post stitches and also uses the popcorn stitch. This time, the shapes in the mandala get larger.
8: intermediate-advanced (level 2.5-3)
Alyss Mandala uses different types of stitches and introduces you to the use of beads (optional). Double crochet stitches, front post stitches and popcorn stitches are frequently used in this pattern.
9: advanced (level 3)
The free crochet patterns Dilona and Elive mandala are at an advanced level due to the techniques and crochet stitches used. You work in layers, use a lot of front post stitches, double crochet stitches, the popcorn stitch, and so on.
These little patterns are available for FREE and therefore a good place to discover how our advanced crochet patterns are structured.
In addition to the detailed written explanation, both patterns also have charts per round. Ideal to learn how to read the charts that frequently occur in our patterns!
10: advanced (level 3)
Many of the LKCreativeness patterns are level 3 (advanced) or higher. Amala mandala is a perfect example of that to start with! She is small, but detailed. You work in layers, use many different crochet stitches including front post stitches, popcorn stitches and double crochet stitches. You will also use beads again (optional).
11: advanced (level 3)
Ayolini and Ayola mandalas have many unique crochet stitches and techniques. You work in layers, use a lot of front post stitches and other types of crochet stitches. Ayolini is the small version of Ayola Mandala. Both mandalas have unique features, but the center of the mandala is the same.
12: advanced (level 3)
Like many of our crochet patterns, the Amylia mandala uses a wide variety of stitches and techniques. The double crochet, front post stitches, popcorns and cluster crochet stitches are extensively used in this pattern.
Cambrya Mandala is also at an advanced level because of the layers you work in, this time differently than the other mandalas. You crochet onto the earlier rounds (supporting video examples of these parts of the mandala are available in the pattern).
Front post stitches are used a lot and working in layers occurs in both mandalas in many ways.
13: advanced (level 3)
Virelle and Jacinne mandalas are both larger mandalas with many different crochet stitches and techniques. The (optional) beads complete the mandala. You will be challenged (in a good way) and will therefore create stunning mandalas! Of course, front post stitches are not missing in these mandalas either. Working in layers, the popcorn stitch and many other crochet stitches and techniques also occur in these mandalas.
14: advanced (level 3)
Do you want to go a step bigger? Then the Virellana (extension of the Virelle mandala) and Mayla mandalas are for you. These 100 cm/39 inch mandalas use all kinds of advanced crochet stitches and techniques. The frequently used front post stitches, working in layers, popcorn crochet stitch, cluster crochet stitches, everything is featured in these mandalas.
15: expert (level 3-4)
The Yelenne Mandala is the most difficult pattern from LKCreativeness so far. This pattern not only uses crochet stitches like the familiar front post stitches, but also complex techniques to make small details, or to create layers and small petals. Some techniques are inspired by Tunisian crochet and are explained in great detail, with charts and example videos included. I recommend crocheting this pattern if you have ample experience with crocheting.
Hopefully, this roadmap has inspired you to start crocheting your own mandalas! Remember: regardless of what level you crochet, the most important thing is that you enjoy your crochet project!
Happy crocheting!
More inspiration
In addition to the mandalas in this blog, we have many other beautiful designs!