The Ember Bloom Mandala: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Sunburst Wall Hanging

Introducing the Ember Bloom Mandala

Transform your space with this stunning, textured sunburst mandala that combines warm autumnal tones with a sculptural, three-dimensional center. This free crochet pattern guides you through creating a unique, boho-chic wall hanging that radiates cozy energy. The Ember Bloom Mandala is a perfect project for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills with chain spaces and color changes, resulting in a beautiful, lacy wall decor piece approximately 14 inches in diameter.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Worsted weight (#4) cotton or acrylic yarn in 4 colors:

• Color A (Burnt Orange): Approximately 25g
• Color B (Golden Yellow): Approximately 25g
• Color C (Cream): Approximately 25g
• Color D (Deep Rust): Approximately 25g

Total yarn needed: approximately 100g.

Hook and Notions

• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
• Stitch Marker (optional but recommended)
• Yarn Needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Foam Board and Pins for blocking
• Spray Bottle with water
• Wooden Dowel or Hanging Loop (optional, for display)

Gauge

First 4 rounds = 3 inches in diameter. Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure a balanced, circular shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes Before You Begin

• This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join rounds unless specifically instructed.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round to keep track of your progress.
• Chain stitches at the beginning of rounds count as the first stitch of that round (e.g., ch 3 counts as a double crochet).
• Fasten off means cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last loop to secure.

Round 1: The Magic Ring Center

With Color A (Burnt Orange), make a magic ring. Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet). Work 11 double crochet stitches into the magic ring. Pull the ring tail tightly to close the center. You now have 12 double crochet stitches in total (including the initial chain 3). Place a stitch marker in the top of the chain 3 to mark the beginning of the round.

Round 2: Doubling Up

Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 1 double crochet in the same stitch (the base of the chain 3). Then, work 2 double crochet in each stitch around. You will have 24 double crochet stitches at the end of this round. Move your stitch marker to the top of the chain 3.

Round 3: Increasing Evenly

Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 1 double crochet in the next stitch. Then, *work 2 double crochet in the next stitch, then 1 double crochet in the next stitch; repeat from * around. You will have 36 double crochet stitches. Fasten off Color A by cutting the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pulling it through the last loop. Weave in the end later.

Round 4: First Chain Spaces (Color B)

Join Color B (Golden Yellow) with a slip stitch in any double crochet from the previous round. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 3, skip 2 double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next double crochet; repeat from * around. At the end of the round, you will have 12 chain-3 spaces. To close the round, chain 3, then slip stitch into the first single crochet of the round. Do not fasten off.

Round 5: Filling the Spaces (Color B)

Slip stitch into the first chain-3 space. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 3 double crochet in the same chain-3 space. *Work 4 double crochet in the next chain-3 space; repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the chain 3 to close the round. You now have 48 double crochet stitches. Fasten off Color B.

Round 6: Larger Chain Spaces (Color C)

Join Color C (Cream) with a slip stitch in any double crochet. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 5, skip 3 double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next double crochet; repeat from * around. At the end, chain 5, then slip stitch into the first single crochet. You will have 12 chain-5 spaces.

Round 7: Filling the Larger Spaces (Color C)

Slip stitch into the first chain-5 space. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 5 double crochet in the same chain-5 space. *Work 6 double crochet in the next chain-5 space; repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the chain 3. You now have 72 double crochet stitches. Fasten off Color C.

Round 8: Even Larger Chain Spaces (Color D)

Join Color D (Deep Rust) with a slip stitch in any double crochet. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 7, skip 5 double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next double crochet; repeat from * around. At the end, chain 7, then slip stitch into the first single crochet. You will have 12 chain-7 spaces.

Round 9: Filling the Largest Spaces (Color D)

Slip stitch into the first chain-7 space. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 7 double crochet in the same chain-7 space. *Work 8 double crochet in the next chain-7 space; repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the chain 3. You now have 96 double crochet stitches. Fasten off Color D.

Round 10: Final Chain Spaces (Color A)

Join Color A (Burnt Orange) with a slip stitch in any double crochet. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 9, skip 7 double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next double crochet; repeat from * around. At the end, chain 9, then slip stitch into the first single crochet. You will have 12 chain-9 spaces.

Round 11: The Ruffled Border (Color A)

Slip stitch into the first chain-9 space. Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet). Work 9 double crochet in the same chain-9 space. *Work 10 double crochet in the next chain-9 space; repeat from * around. Slip stitch to the top of the chain 3. You now have 120 double crochet stitches. Fasten off Color A.

Finishing and Blocking

1. Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Be sure to secure them tightly on the wrong side of the mandala.
2. Block the mandala to open up the lace and create a perfect circle. Pin the mandala to a foam board, stretching it gently to even out the stitches and shape. Use pins every inch or so along the outer edge.
3. Spray the mandala with water until it is damp but not soaking wet. Allow it to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
4. Remove the pins once dry. Your mandala will hold its shape beautifully.
5. Attach a hanging loop by threading a piece of yarn through the top chain spaces, or slide a wooden dowel through the top loops for a clean, modern display.

Your Ember Bloom Mandala is now ready to hang! Enjoy the warm, textured beauty it brings to your home.