pattern available here:
https://tinnacrochet.com/collections/all

Sirius is a large square worked in the mosaic crochet technique which can be used for making blankets or pillows. This is a traditional motif from my native Iceland which I love working, and I hope you will to!

Yarn

you can use any yarn you like and you will need at least 2 colors.

For example, 100% Merino from Katia, which is what I’m using. Its DK weight, 100 % virgin wool and 50 g = 102 m.
Each square requires 32 g (16 m) of this yarn in color A and 22 g (11 m) in color B.

Or Lettlopi from Istex, then each square requires 42 g of color A and 37 g of color B.

Crochet hook

no 4 mm and 3.5 mm, if using suggested yarn. Otherwise ones that suit your yarn.

Size

the size of the squares will vary depending on the hook and yarn you use. My Sirius squares are. 25 x 25 cm (10” x 10 “) large after blocking, using Merino 100% from Katia (DK)

Abbreviations (US terms)

ST = stitch
CH = chain stitch
SS = slip stitch
SC = single crochet
HDC = half double crochet
DC = double crochet

Introduction

The motif I use here is very traditional in the Icelandic textile culture and I’m so very fond of it. In Icelandic we call this the ‘Eight Petals Rose’ and I’ve been working it for as long as I can remember. It’s mostly used in embroidery and knitting, and it wasn’t until recently that I managed to work it in crochet, using the wonderful mosaic technique. It’s not exactly a Christmas motif, but it does have a holidaisy feel to it and kind of looks like a big beautiful snowflake or a star. This year I find myself far away from home during the holidays and I really miss the snow and my loved ones. That, and the fact that this motif always reminds me of home, made me decide to make the Sirius square my holiday project this year.
Sirius is one of the names for The Northern Star, the one that the Vikings used for guidance when sailing back in the days. So, while I crochet my Sirius squares, I imagine it’s also guiding my thoughts and my heart back home to friends and family … and the White Christmases I’m used to.

General instructions

Each square is crocheted in the round from the center and outward. At the end of each round you connect with a slip stitch. The square is worked with the mosaic crochet technique and is therefor striped on the backside.

this is a written pattern with a step by step pic following each written round. the pattern also includes a chart, for support.

Colorwork

Work one round in color A (main color) and then one round in color
B (pattern color), alternating with each round. Each round is worked with a single color. I recommend using contrasting colors, that way the pattern pops more!

You can also use one color B in rounds 2-10, and another color B in rounds 12-22, see first photos. Or apply the intarsia technique combined with mosaic crochet in color B rounds 4-10, to get more colors in the middle part of the pattern. See photos here.

A join is always a join and you can never hide it completely without cutting the yarn between rounds, but there are ways to make it look good. So, when working the square there’s no need to cut the yarn between rounds, you can carry it. Now, if you do this without modification, the join will not look very neat on the backside. To improve this, I always work the last SC stitch of each round around the next color of yarn. This way you can hide the strands when carrying them between rounds.

If you need any help with the pattern, please join us in my Facebook group, where me and my wonderful admin team will be happy to help you!:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TinnaCrochetClub