Which ring size do I need for my crochet mandala?

Crocheted mandalas can be stretched into a ring. There are many options: from metal rings to wooden rings, homemade rings, or hoops – anything is possible. But it is important to know which size you need to make your mandala shine beautifully on the wall.

Important to know

It’s useful to know that the final size of a mandala can vary per person. One of the main reasons for this is personal crochet style. Everyone has their own way: from how tightly you hold the yarn, to the way you yarn over your hook and how tight the stitches are. Some prefer the 'pencil grip', while others use the 'knife grip'. And there is nothing wrong with that! All ways are good – there is no 'wrong' way to crochet. But it is useful to take it into account! 😊

Besides your personal way of crocheting, the yarn, the hook size used, and other materials you use influence the size and final result of your mandala.

And don't forget: the pattern itself. Depending on the types of stitches used, how many rounds a pattern has, whether it's worked in layers – it all affects the size of your mandala.

Note: many of the LKCreativeness mandalas are worked in layers. Therefore, you cannot determine the size based on the number of rounds (that only works for 'flat' mandalas). For example, the Mayla Mandala has over 90 rounds, yet it is a 1-meter (40 inch) mandala. This is due to the stitches, techniques, layers, etc. used.

For these reasons, I always recommend crocheting the mandala first before you buy a ring.

What size do I need based on my mandala?

The ring should be approximately 20% larger than the crocheted mandala.
This means your mandala is smaller than the ring before stretching, so it can be stretched nice and taut.

It is always better to go for a slightly larger ring than one that is too small. Read more about this later in this blog.

Measuring

Lay your crocheted mandala on a flat surface, such as a floor (rug), table, mattress, etc. Stretch it a very little bit with your hands so the mandala lies neatly flat on the surface. For example, gently smooth it out with your hands or lightly pull the mandala flat. Do not overstretch.

Use a measuring tape to measure the diameter of the mandala. Note down how many centimeters (or inches) your crocheted mandala is. Now you can determine which ring size you need.

An example: if your crocheted mandala is approximately 80 cm in diameter, you need a ring of 100 cm.

Example 2: suppose your crocheted mandala is 72 cm, you would mathematically need a ring of 86.4 cm. As you can see in the table below, a 70 cm mandala requires an 85 or 90 cm ring. If your mandala is just above 70 cm, it might be better to go for a 90 cm ring. If you have just under 70 cm, like 68.5 cm, then an 85 cm ring might be suitable. This is also a matter of personal taste regarding how tightly you want to stretch your mandala – but generally, a tighter stretch looks better.

Use the table below to estimate which ring size you need. Please note: these are estimates. It can always vary slightly.

Estimation: what size do you need?

Of course, you’d prefer to have the ring at home already so you can finish your mandala immediately. Understandable! Although I would recommend finishing your crocheted mandala first, there are ways to better estimate which ring you will need.

1: Are you using the exact same yarn mentioned in the crochet pattern?

• Yes: that's great! There is a higher chance you can use the mentioned ring size.
• No: depending on the thickness of the yarn, there is a chance you may need a different ring size

2: Are you using the exact same crochet hook mentioned in the pattern?

• Yes: that's perfect! Higher chance you can use the same ring size. Especially if you also use the same yarn.
• No: then there is a higher chance that the size of your crocheted mandala will be different, requiring a different ring size.

3. Your tension: do you naturally crochet very tightly or somewhat loosely?

• I crochet tightly: you notice this by stitches that sit firmly together, keeping more tension on your yarn, often pulling the yarn and your stitches tighter, etc. This often results in the project being smaller than average.
  What can help: use a larger crochet hook, for example, 1 size larger than mentioned in the pattern. And/or try to crochet less tightly (this may take practice).
• I crochet loosely: the stitches are wider, your project is 'airier', you hold the yarn more loosely in your hands, and yarn over less tightly. This often results in the project being larger than average.
  What can help: use a smaller crochet hook, for example, 1 size smaller than mentioned in the pattern. And/or try to crochet more tightly (this may take practice).

4. Have you crocheted a mandala before and were you able to use the same ring size as indicated? Use experience as a guideline – especially if you ensure you use the same materials (hook, yarn) as indicated in the pattern. If you know you often needed a larger or smaller ring for other mandalas than what was indicated, there is a higher chance now that a different ring size will be needed.

When in doubt, it’s better to wait before buying a ring. This prevents you from getting the wrong size.

Of course, the most ideal option is to have several ring sizes at home – you can usually use the other rings another time.

Help! My mandala doesn't fit the ring, what now?

Do you already have a ring and it turns out your mandala won't fit? Of course, the easiest solution is: find a suitable ring based on the table above. Your mandala deserves a beautiful frame, and that other ring will surely come in handy some other time. Personally, I have a whole collection of rings so I can calmly see which one fits best after I have crocheted my mandala.

But I understand that's not possible for everyone, and there are other solutions! Read this blog to find out more about how to handle this.