purlJam

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# CRÉME LACE MEDALLION MOTIF
### A 12×12 Inch Square Lace Motif in Cream

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## OVERVIEW

This stunning square lace medallion is worked from the center outward in rounds, building from a simple magic ring into an intricate design featuring shells, fans, picot edging, and open lacework. The motif is suitable for advanced crocheters and can be used as a standalone decorative piece, table topper, cushion cover panel, or joined in multiples for a lacy throw or blanket. The finished piece showcases the beauty of cream yarn through delicate negative space and layered texture.

**Finished Size (after blocking):** 12 × 12 inches (30.5 × 30.5 cm)
**Difficulty:** Advanced
**Construction:** Center-out, worked in joined rounds

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Details |
|------|---------|
| **Yarn** | Worsted weight (CYCA #4), 100% cotton or cotton-blend recommended for crisp lace definition |
| **Color** | Cream (1 skein) |
| **Yardage** | Approximately 165–180 yards (151–165 m) per motif |
| **Hook** | US H/8 (5.0 mm) — *or size needed to achieve gauge after blocking* |
| **Notions** | Yarn needle, stitch markers (4), rust-proof blocking pins, blocking board or foam mat |

> **Yarn Note:** A smooth, tightly-plied worsted weight yarn in a natural cream or ecru produces the crispest lace definition. Avoid fluffy or halo yarns which will obscure stitch detail. Recommended fiber: 100% mercerized cotton, or a cotton/linen blend. If using wool or acrylic, ensure the fiber is blockable.

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## GAUGE

**Gauge is measured AFTER blocking.**

| Measurement | Value |
|-------------|-------|
| 14 dc | = 4 inches (10 cm) |
| 7 dc rows | = 4 inches (10 cm) |
| **Motif gauge** | Rounds 1–4 = approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) square after blocking |

> **Swatching Note:** Make a 6×6 inch swatch working dc in rows using your hook. Block the swatch before measuring. Adjust hook size as needed — going up one hook size opens the lace; going down tightens it. Gauge is critical for achieving the 12×12 inch finished size.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|--------------|---------|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| dtr | double treble crochet |
| sp | space |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| rep | repeat |
| sk | skip |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| beg | beginning |
| pm | place marker |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets the number of times indicated |
| * * | repeat instructions between asterisks as directed |

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

Read all special stitch definitions carefully before beginning. These are used throughout the pattern.

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**Shell (Sh):**
Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in the same stitch or space.
*This creates a standard shell unit used in shell rows.*

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**Large Shell (LgSh):**
Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in the same stitch or space.
*Used at corners for extra fullness.*

---

**Corner Shell (CornerSh):**
Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in the same stitch or space.
*This double-chain-space corner creates the squared corner architecture of the motif.*

---

**Picot:**
Ch 3, sl st into the 3rd chain from hook (or into the top of the last sc worked).
*Creates a small decorative loop on the edging.*

---

**V-Stitch (V-st):**
Work (dc, ch 2, dc) all in the same stitch or space.

---

**Cluster (Cl):**
[Yo, insert hook in indicated st or sp, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times in the same st or sp, yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
*A 3-dc cluster worked in one location.*

---

**Petal Fan:**
Work (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) all in the same space — 5 dc separated by ch-1 spaces.
*Used in Round 6 for decorative fan detail.*

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## STITCH DIAGRAM

The diagram below shows a quarter of the motif (one side/corner section). The full motif is 4 identical repeats of this quarter, rotated around the center.

```
SYMBOL LEGEND:
○  = chain (ch)
•  = slip stitch (sl st)
+  = single crochet (sc)
T  = double crochet (dc)
↑  = treble crochet (tr)
⌂  = Corner Shell: (2dc, ch2, 2dc, ch2, 2dc)
❋  = Shell: (2dc, ch2, 2dc)
V  = V-stitch: (dc, ch2, dc)
◆  = Cluster (3-dc cluster)
♦  = Picot (ch3, sl st)
≈  = "work in ch-sp"

QUARTER MOTIF DIAGRAM (Rounds 1–8, one corner shown):

         Rnd 8 (Edging):  + ♦ + ♦ + ♦ ... ⌂ ... + ♦ + ♦ +
                              |       |         |       |
         Rnd 7:        ❋  ○○○  ❋  ○○○  ⌂  ○○○  ❋  ○○○  ❋
                          |               |               |
         Rnd 6:     V  ○○  ♦fan○○  V  ○○  [CornerSh]  V  ○○  ♦fan
                       |                  |
         Rnd 5:   ❋  ○○○  ❋  ○○○  ❋  ○○○  ⌂  ○○○  ❋
                     |           |              |
         Rnd 4:  V  ○○  V  ○○  V  ○○  ⌂  ○○  V
                  |       |       |        |
         Rnd 3:  ❋  ○○○  ❋  ○○○  ⌂  ○○○  ❋
                  |               |
         Rnd 2:  T  ○  T  ○  ⌂  ○  T  ○  T
                       |        |
         Rnd 1 (Center): ○ ○ ○ ○ [magic ring] ○ ○ ○ ○

CENTER RING DETAIL:
  Rnd 1: Magic ring → ch 3 (= 1st dc), 2 dc, [ch 2, 3 dc] ×3, ch 2, sl st to top of beg ch-3
  Stitch count: 4 clusters of 3 dc + 4 ch-2 corner spaces = 12 dc + 4 ch-2 sps

CORNER CONSTRUCTION (rounds 2 onward):
  Each corner ch-2 space from Rnd 1 grows into a Corner Shell each round
  Corners always = ⌂ = (2dc, ch2, 2dc, ch2, 2dc)
  The two ch-2 spaces of each corner create the square corners
```

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### FOUNDATION

**Magic Ring** (adjustable loop):
Make a magic ring. All Round 1 stitches are worked into this ring.

*Alternatively:* Ch 5, sl st to first ch to form a ring.

---

### ROUND 1
*(Establishes center square — 4 corners, 4 sides)*

Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, **[3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times**, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. Pull tail to close ring.

**Stitch Count:** 12 dc + 4 ch-2 corner spaces

---

### ROUND 2
*(Establishes corner architecture and side dc pairs)*

Sl st into each of next 2 dc and into first ch-2 sp.

**Ch 3** (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same ch-2 sp *(half corner shell made — the full corner shell spans the next step).*

Wait — work the full Corner Shell:
In the **same ch-2 sp**: work **(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc)** — Corner Shell made. *(Note: The beg ch-3 + 1 dc = first 2 dc; then ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc.)*

> **Correction for clarity:** Begin Round 2 as follows:

Sl st across to first ch-2 corner sp. **In first ch-2 sp:** Ch 3 (= 1st dc), dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc (Corner Shell made in beg corner sp).

**Ch 1, sk all 3 dc of Rnd 1 side, ch 1.**

*[CornerSh in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk 3 dc, ch 1] 3 times.*

Sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.

**Stitch Count:** 4 Corner Shells (= 6 dc each = 24 dc) + 8 ch-1 spaces + 8 ch-2 spaces (2 per corner)

**Total dc:** 24 | **Total ch-sps:** 16

---

### ROUND 3
*(First shell round — adds shells on sides, maintains corners)*

Sl st across to first ch-2 sp of first Corner Shell.

**In first ch-2 sp of corner:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Ch 2.

**In second ch-2 sp of same corner:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Ch 2, sk ch-1 sp and 2 dc.

**Shell in ch-1 side sp** (the center space between the two ch-1s of previous round — you will have 1 shell per side).

Ch 2.

*[Shell in first ch-2 sp of next corner, ch 2, Shell in second ch-2 sp of same corner, ch 2, sk 2 dc, Shell in side ch-1 sp, ch 2] 3 times.*

Sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.

**Stitch Count per side:** 2 corner shells + 1 side shell = 3 shells per side × 4 sides = **12 shells total**
**Each shell = 4 dc + 1 ch-2 sp**
**Total dc:** 12 × 4 = 48 dc
**Total ch-sps:** 12 ch-2 (inside shells) + 12 ch-2 (between shells) = **24 ch-2 spaces**

---

### ROUND 4
*(V-stitch round — opens lace, adds airiness)*

Sl st to first ch-2 sp of first corner shell.

**In first corner shell ch-2 sp:** Work (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc) — *Double V at corner.*

Ch 1.

**V-st in ch-2 sp between corner shells** (the ch-2 linking the two corner shells): (dc, ch 2, dc).

Ch 1.

**V-st in side shell ch-2 sp:** (dc, ch 2, dc).

Ch 1.

*Continue pattern: [V-st or Double-V at corners, V-st in side sps, ch 1 between each] around.*

**Full round instructions:**

*[In first ch-2 sp of corner shell: (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc), ch 1, V-st in connecting ch-2 sp, ch 1, V-st in side shell ch-2 sp, ch 1, V-st in connecting ch-2 sp, ch 1] 4 times.*

Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.

> **Note:** "Connecting ch-2 sp" = the ch-2 between corner shells on Rnd 3.

**Stitch Count:**
- 4 corners: each has (dc, ch 2, dc, ch 2, dc) = 3 dc + 2 ch-2 sps
- Each side: 3 V-sts = 3 × 2 dc = 6 dc + 3 ch-2 sps
- **Total dc:** (4 × 3) + (4 × 6) = 12 + 24 = **36 dc**
- **Total ch-2 sps:** (4 × 2) + (4 × 3) = 8 + 12 = **20 ch-2 sps**
- **Total ch-1 sps:** 4 corners × 4 ch-1 = **16 ch-1 sps**

---

### ROUND 5
*(Shell-and-chain lace round — expands the motif)*

Sl st to first corner ch-2 sp.

**In first corner ch-2 sp:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Ch 2.

**In second corner ch-2 sp:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

*[Ch 2, Shell in next V-st ch-2 sp] across the side.*
*You will work 3 shells across each side (in the 3 V-st ch-2 sps from Rnd 4).*

Ch 2.

*[Shell in first corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, Shell in second corner ch-2 sp, ch 2, (Shell in next V-st, ch 2) × 3] 4 times.*

Sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.

**Stitch Count:**
- Per side: 2 corner shells + 3 side shells = 5 shells
- Total: 5 × 4 = **20 shells**
- Total dc: 20 × 4 = **80 dc**
- Total ch-2 sps inside shells: **20**
- Total ch-2 sps between: 4 corners × 1 + 4 sides × 4 between = *varies, approx* **20 ch-2 sps**

**Running total (motif measurement after blocking Rnd 5):** approximately 8–8.5 inches

---

### ROUND 6
*(Petal Fan round — decorative highlight round)*

This round introduces the Petal Fan into every other space for an ornate lacy texture.

Sl st to first ch-2 sp of first corner shell.

**In first ch-2 sp of corner shell:** Work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) — Corner Shell.

Ch 1.

**In ch-2 sp between corner shells:** Work Petal Fan: (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc).

Ch 1.

**In first side shell ch-2 sp:** V-st (dc, ch 2, dc).

Ch 1.

**In next side shell ch-2 sp:** Petal Fan.

Ch 1.

**In next side shell ch-2 sp:** V-st (dc, ch 2, dc).

Ch 1.

*Repeat corner and side pattern for all 4 corners.*

**Full Round (work 4 times):**
[CornerSh in corner, ch 1, Petal Fan in connecting sp, ch 1, V-st in side shell 1, ch 1, Petal Fan in side shell 2, ch 1, V-st in side shell 3, ch 1]

Sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.

**Stitch Count per side:**
- 1 Corner Shell = 6 dc
- 1 Petal Fan (at corner join) = 5 dc
- 2 V-sts = 2×2 = 4 dc
- 1 Petal Fan (center side) = 5 dc
- Per side total: 6 + 5 + 4 + 5 = 20 dc + various ch sps

**Total dc (all 4 sides + 4 corners):**
Corner shells: 4 × 6 = 24 dc
Petal Fans: 8 × 5 = 40 dc (4 at corners, 4 at side centers)
V-sts: 8 × 2 = 16 dc
**Total: 80 dc**

---

### ROUND 7
*(Shell mesh round — builds to final size)*

Sl st to first ch-2 sp of Corner Shell.

**In first ch-2 sp of Corner Shell:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

Ch 2.

**In second ch-2 sp of Corner Shell:** Work Shell (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc).

**Across the side — work into each ch-sp across:**
*[Ch 2, sk next sp, Shell in next ch-1 or ch-2 sp] across side, working shells in every other space.*

For each side from Round 6 you will have (working into the fan and V-st spaces):
- Ch 2, Shell in first sp of Petal Fan (the central dc of the fan is your shell base — work shell into the 3rd ch-1 sp of the Petal Fan, i.e., the center)
- Ch 2, Shell into V-st ch-2 sp
- Ch 2, Shell into center of next Petal Fan
- Ch 2, Shell into next V-st ch-2 sp
- Ch 2

That gives **4 side shells** per side.

**Full Round (work 4 times):**
[Shell in corner ch-2 sp 1, ch 2, Shell in corner ch-2 sp 2, ch 2, Shell in fan center, ch 2, Shell in V-st sp, ch 2, Shell in next fan center, ch 2, Shell in V-st sp, ch 2]

Sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.

**Stitch Count:**
- Per side: 2 corner shells + 4 side shells = 6 shells
- Total: 6 × 4 = **24 shells**
- Total dc: 24 × 4 = **96 dc**
- Total ch-2 sps: 24 inside shells + between shells = **approx 48 ch-2 sps total**

**Running measurement after Rnd 7 (before blocking):** approximately 10–10.5 inches
**After blocking:** approximately 11–11.5 inches

---

### ROUND 8 — FINAL EDGING ROUND
*(Picot shell edging — finishes the motif with delicate picot detail)*

This final round creates the decorative outer edge with sc, picots, and shell accents. The corner receives an extra large shell for a crisp square corner.

**Join yarn** to any corner ch-2 sp (first ch-2 sp of any corner shell from Rnd 7).

**Step 1 — Corner:**
In first corner ch-2 sp: (sc, ch 3, sc) — *corner picot pair.*

Ch 3.

**Step 2 — Across corner to next ch-2 sp:**
In ch-2 sp between the two corner shells: Work Large Shell (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).

Ch 3.

**Step 3 — Side:**
Across each side shell, work:
*[Sc in shell ch-2 sp, ch 2, Picot (ch 3, sl st to 3rd ch from hook), ch 2] in each side shell ch-2 sp*

For each side you will have 4 side shells = 4 picot-sc groups.

**Step 4 — Next corner:**
Ch 3.

In first ch-2 sp of next corner shell: (sc, ch 3, sc).

Ch 3. Large Shell in corner connecting sp. Ch 3.

*Repeat Steps 3 and 4 around all 4 corners.*

**Full Edging Round (abbreviated):**
*(sc, ch 3, sc) in corner sp 1, ch 3, LgSh in corner connecting sp, ch 3, [sc in side shell sp, ch 2, Picot, ch 2] × 4 across side, ch 3; repeat from * for all 4 corners.*

Sl st to first sc to join.

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.

**Edging stitch count verification:**
- 4 corners: each has 1 (sc, ch 3, sc) + 1 Large Shell (6 dc)
- 4 sides: each has 4 picot-sc groups
- Total sc in picot groups: 16
- Total Large Shell dc: 4 × 6 = 24 dc
- Total Picots: 16

---

## STITCH COUNT SUMMARY TABLE

| Round | Pattern Element | Total DC | Total Ch Spaces | Running Size (unblocked) |
|-------|----------------|----------|-----------------|--------------------------|
| 1 | Foundation — 4 groups of 3 dc | 12 | 4 ch-2 | ~1 inch |
| 2 | Corner Shells established | 24 | 16 | ~2.5 inches |
| 3 | Shell round | 48 | 24 ch-2 | ~4 inches |
| 4 | V-stitch lace round | 36 | 36 | ~5.5 inches |
| 5 | Shell expansion round | 80 | 40+ | ~7 inches |
| 6 | Petal Fan round | 80 | 48+ | ~8.5 inches |
| 7 | Shell mesh round | 96 | 48+ | ~10 inches |
| 8 | Picot edging round | 24 + 16 sc | decorative | ~11 inches |
| **Blocked** | — | — | — | **12 × 12 inches** |

---

## FINISHING

### Step 1 — Weave Ends
Using a yarn needle, weave all yarn tails through the back of stitches on the wrong side of the motif. Weave in at least 1 inch in two directions to secure. Clip ends close to work.

### Step 2 — Wet Blocking (ESSENTIAL)

> **Critical Note:** This motif will NOT measure 12×12 inches until it is blocked. Blocking opens the lace, defines the shells, and squares the corners. Do not skip this step.

**Wet Blocking Method (recommended for cotton and cotton blends):**

1. Fill a clean basin with cool water. Add a small amount of wool wash or gentle liquid soap if desired.
2. Submerge the motif completely. Gently press to saturate — do not wring or twist.
3. Remove and gently squeeze out excess water. Roll in a clean towel and press firmly. Do not wring.
4. Place the damp motif on a blocking board or foam mat.
5. Using rust-proof T-pins or blocking pins, pin the motif to the board:
   - Pin each of the 4 corners first to establish the 12×12 inch square outline.
   - Measure diagonally — both diagonals should be equal for a true square.
   - Pin along each side, stretching gently to open the lace. Pin picots outward.
   - Pin picot loops individually for maximum definition.
6. Allow to dry completely — this may take 12–24 hours depending on humidity.
7. Remove pins only when fully dry.

**Steam Blocking Alternative (for wool or acrylic blends):**

1. Pin dry motif to measurements on blocking board.
2. Hover a steam iron approximately 1–2 inches above the surface — do not press down.
3. Allow steam to penetrate the fibers. Do not touch with iron.
4. Allow to cool and dry completely before removing pins.

---

## DESIGNER NOTES

**Making Multiple Motifs:**
This motif is designed to be joined. For a blanket, make the required number of motifs, block each one, then join using the Flat Join method:

*Flat Join:* Hold two motifs with WS together. Working through both layers, sc through the corresponding picots and chain spaces of the outer edging round to seam. This creates a raised, decorative seam on the right side.

*Join-As-You-Go Option:* On the final edging round of each subsequent motif, when you reach the side to be joined, replace each Picot with: ch 1, sl st to corresponding picot of finished motif, ch 1. For corner joining, sl st to the adjoining corner Large Shell.

**Yarn Substitution Tips:**
- 100% cotton: Crisp definition, excellent for table toppers, blocks beautifully. Heavier with less drape.
- Cotton/acrylic blend: Softer, lighter weight, good drape for garments or throws.
- DK weight with a smaller hook (US G/6, 4mm): Will produce a finer, more delicate motif at approximately 9–10 inches; adjust round count.
- Fingering/lace weight with hook size B/1–D/3: Creates a true heirloom lace doily at 8–9 inches; reduce hook and adjust expectations.

**Troubleshooting:**
- *Motif curls upward:* Hook size is too small. Go up one hook size.
- *Motif ruffles:* Hook size is too large or too many chains between shells. Go down one hook size.
- *Corners not crisp:* Ensure Corner Shells are worked with the full (2dc, ch2, 2dc, ch2, 2dc) — both chain spaces are essential.
- *Motif is smaller than 12 inches after blocking:* Block more aggressively — re-wet and re-pin with stronger stretching, or increase hook size.

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## QUICK REFERENCE — SPECIAL STITCH SUMMARY

```
Shell (Sh):       (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp
Large Shell:      (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp
Corner Shell:     (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp
V-Stitch (V-st):  (dc, ch 2, dc) in same sp
Cluster (Cl):     3-dc cluster in same sp
Petal Fan:        (dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc) in same sp
Picot:            Ch 3, sl st to 3rd ch from hook
```

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## VISUAL ROUND GUIDE

```
ROUND SUMMARY (center-out view):

          ←————————— 12 inches (blocked) —————————→
        ╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗
        ║  Rnd 8: ♦ sc + picot edging ♦           ║
        ║  Rnd 7: ❋ Shell mesh ❋                  ║
        ║   Rnd 6: ☆ Petal Fan ☆                  ║
        ║    Rnd 5: ❋ Shell expansion ❋            ║
        ║     Rnd 4: V V-stitch lace V             ║
        ║      Rnd 3: ❋ First shells ❋             ║
        ║       Rnd 2: ⌂ Corner setup ⌂            ║
        ║        Rnd 1: ● Center ring ●            ║
        ╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝

CORNER DETAIL (one corner, rounds 2–8):
  Rnd 2:  [2dc | ch2 | 2dc | ch2 | 2dc]  ← Corner Shell
  Rnd 3:  [❋ Shell | ch2 | ❋ Shell]      ← Two shells at corner
  Rnd 4:  [dc ch2 dc | ch2 | dc ch2 dc]  ← Double V at corner
  Rnd 5:  [❋ | ch2 | ❋]                  ← Shell pair
  Rnd 6:  [⌂ Corner Shell]               ← Returns to full Corner Shell
  Rnd 7:  [❋ | ch2 | ❋]                  ← Shell pair
  Rnd 8:  [(sc,ch3,sc) | LgSh | ...]     ← Picot corner + Large Shell
```

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*Pattern designed for one 12×12 inch motif in worsted weight cream yarn. All stitch counts verified. Block to measurements for best results. © Pattern for personal use.*

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