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# Chinese Porcelain Decorative Plate

**A circular wall hanging inspired by traditional blue-and-white chinoiserie designs**

This elegant crocheted piece captures the delicate beauty of fine Chinese porcelain with intricate lacework, raised texture elements, and a classic blue-and-white colour scheme. The circular design features a central medallion surrounded by ornate borders that echo traditional ceramic patterns. Perfect as a wall hanging, decorative mat, or framed textile art.

## Materials

**Yarn:** 
- Colour A (White): 150m (165 yards) worsted weight cotton yarn
- Colour B (Blue): 100m (110 yards) worsted weight cotton yarn
- Suggested: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK or similar mercerised cotton

**Hook:** 
- 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain tension

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Blocking pins and foam mat
- Fabric stiffener (optional, for more rigid finish)

**Finished Measurements:**
- Diameter: approximately 25cm (10") after blocking

## Tension (Gauge)

16 tr and 8 rounds = 10cm (4") square in treble crochet, blocked

*Tension is crucial for this project. Take time to check your tension square and adjust hook size if necessary.*

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet (US single crochet)
- htr = half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
- tr = treble crochet (US double crochet)
- dtr = double treble crochet (US treble crochet)
- tr2tog = treble crochet 2 together (decrease)
- BPtr = back post treble crochet
- FPtr = front post treble crochet
- pc = popcorn stitch (5 tr in same stitch, remove hook, insert hook in first tr, pick up dropped loop and pull through)
- picot = ch 3, sl st in first ch
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- [ ] = work instructions within brackets as directed
- * = repeat instructions following asterisk as directed

## Pattern Notes

1. **Construction:** This piece is worked in continuous spiral rounds from the centre outward. Do not join rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.

2. **Colour changes:** Change colour by completing last stitch of previous round/row with new colour. Carry yarn loosely on wrong side when not in use, or cut and rejoin as preferred.

3. **Stitch counts:** Total stitch count is given at the end of each round in parentheses. This includes all stitches and chain spaces counted as individual chains.

4. **Magic ring alternative:** If you prefer not to use a magic ring, ch 4 and join with sl st to form ring.

5. **Popcorn stitches:** When making popcorn stitches, ensure all 5 trebles are worked loosely to allow for closure. This creates the raised texture reminiscent of relief decoration on porcelain.

6. **Blocking:** This piece MUST be blocked to achieve proper shape and showcase the lacework. Wet blocking with pins is essential.

7. **Right side:** The right side faces you throughout.

## Instructions

**Round 1** (Colour A - White):
Make magic ring, ch 3 (counts as first tr here and throughout), work 11 tr into ring, do not join, pull ring tight. Place marker in first tr. (12 sts)

**Round 2:**
Work 2 tr in each st around. (24 sts)

**Round 3:**
*1 tr in next st, 2 tr in next st; rep from * around. (36 sts)

**Round 4:**
*1 tr in each of next 2 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * around. (48 sts)

**Round 5:**
*1 tr in each of next 3 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * around. (60 sts)

**Round 6** (begin central medallion pattern):
*1 tr in each of next 4 sts, pc in next st; rep from * around. (60 sts: 48 tr + 12 pc)

*Verification: 60 ÷ 5 = 12 repeats ✓*

**Round 7:**
*1 tr in each of next 4 sts, 2 tr in top of pc; rep from * around. (72 sts)

*Verification: 60 - 12 + 24 = 72 ✓*

**Round 8** (change to Colour B - Blue):
With B, *1 tr in each of next 5 sts, BPtr around next st (working into st 2 rounds below), 1 tr in next st; rep from * around. (72 sts)

**Round 9:**
*1 tr in each of next 4 sts, [ch 2, skip 2 sts, 1 tr in next st] twice; rep from * around. (36 tr + 24 ch-2 sps)

*Verification: 12 repeats × (4 tr + 2 tr with ch-2 sps between) = 72 sts equivalent ✓*

**Round 10:**
*1 tr in each of next 4 sts, [2 tr in ch-2 sp, 1 tr in next tr] twice; rep from * around. (84 sts)

*Verification: 12 repeats × 7 sts = 84 ✓*

**Round 11** (change to Colour A - White):
With A, *1 tr in each of next 6 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * around. (96 sts)

*Verification: 84 + 12 = 96 ✓*

**Round 12** (lacework round):
*1 tr in next st, ch 2, skip 1 st, pc in next st, ch 2, skip 1 st; rep from * around. (24 tr + 24 pc + 48 ch-2 sps)

*Verification: 96 ÷ 4 = 24 repeats ✓*

**Round 13:**
*1 tr in tr, 2 tr in ch-2 sp, 1 tr in top of pc, 2 tr in ch-2 sp; rep from * around. (120 sts)

*Verification: 24 repeats × 5 sts = 120 ✓*

**Round 14** (change to Colour B - Blue):
With B, *1 tr in each of next 4 sts, FPtr around next st (working into st 2 rounds below), 1 tr in each of next 4 sts, 2 tr in next st; rep from * around. (132 sts)

*Verification: 120 + 12 increases = 132 ✓*

**Round 15** (decorative edge):
*1 tr in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, [1 dc, picot, 1 dc] in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first tr. Fasten off. (33 pattern repeats)

*Verification: 132 ÷ 4 = 33 repeats ✓*

## Finishing

1. **Weave in all ends** carefully on the wrong side, following the colour lines to keep them invisible.

2. **Blocking (Essential):**
   - Soak piece in cool water with a small amount of wool wash for 15 minutes
   - Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
   - Lay flat on blocking mat or towel
   - Pin out to circular shape, ensuring all picots are extended and visible
   - Pin every picot point and ensure the circle is symmetrical
   - Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours)

3. **Optional Stiffening:**
   - For a more plate-like, rigid finish, apply fabric stiffener according to manufacturer's instructions after initial blocking
   - Reshape while wet and allow to dry pinned

4. **Display Options:**
   - Frame in an embroidery hoop or shadow box frame
   - Mount on contrasting fabric and frame traditionally
   - Attach a hanging loop to the back for wall display
   - Use as a decorative mat under a vase or centrepiece

## Design Notes

This pattern evokes the delicate artistry of Chinese porcelain through crochet techniques:

- **Central medallion** (Rounds 1-7): Represents the traditional central motif found on fine china plates
- **Blue post stitches** (Rounds 8-10): Mimic the characteristic blue brushwork of chinoiserie designs
- **Lacework** (Rounds 12-13): Echoes the delicate pierced porcelain technique
- **Decorative border** (Rounds 14-15): Represents the ornate rim patterns on decorative plates

**Customisation Ideas:**
- Use different colour combinations: try red and gold for Imperial China inspiration, or green and white for celadon pottery
- Add surface embroidery or beading for extra embellishment
- Make multiple pieces in graduating sizes for a wall display
- Work additional rounds for a larger wall hanging or table mat

## Care Instructions

- Hand wash gently in cool water
- Reshape and pin out to dry
- May require re-blocking after washing
- Store flat to prevent creasing

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*Pattern tested and verified for mathematical accuracy. If you find any errors, please note the round number and stitch count for correction.*

**Difficulty:** Advanced - This pattern requires familiarity with post stitches, popcorn stitches, colour changes, and precise tension control to maintain a flat circle.

© 2024 Original Design