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<pattern>

# Fast & Pretty Mini Crochet Rosary Favor

A delicate miniature rosary perfect for religious celebrations including baptisms, first communions, and confirmations. This streamlined pattern uses textured stitches to represent beads and is worked mostly in one continuous piece for fast production. Ideal for making multiples as keepsake favors.

**Finished Measurements:** 
- Total length: approximately 6.5" (16.5 cm) from top of cross to top of loop
- Loop circumference: approximately 9" (23 cm)
- Cross: approximately 1" (2.5 cm) tall

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Fine crochet cotton thread, size 10 (such as Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread, Size 10)
- Approximately 40-50 yards (37-46 m) per rosary
- Shown in white; also lovely in ivory, pink, blue, or lavender

**Hook:**
- US Steel 7 (1.65 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Spray starch or fabric stiffener (optional)
- Small ribbon bows or tags (optional)
- Scissors

**Gauge:**
Gauge is flexible for this project, but consistency is important:
- Picot "beads" should measure approximately 1/8" (3 mm) 
- Puff stitch "beads" should measure approximately 3/16" (5 mm)
- Maintain consistent tension throughout for uniform appearance

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- yo = yarn over
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

---

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Picot Bead (represents Hail Mary bead):**
Ch 3, sl st in first ch of the ch-3. This creates a small decorative loop.

**Puff Stitch Bead (represents Our Father bead):**
[Yo, insert hook in indicated st or sp, yo and pull up a loop] 3 times in same st/sp (7 loops on hook), yo and pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to secure. This creates a larger, more prominent bead.

**Simple Chain Cord:**
Standard chain stitches worked consistently to create the "cord" between beads.

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction Method:** The rosary is worked in sections with minimal ends to weave. The cross is made first, then the pendant section, followed by the main loop worked continuously.

2. **Bead Structure:** Traditional rosary has 59 beads total:
   - 53 Hail Mary beads (small picots)
   - 6 Our Father beads (larger puff stitches)
   - Arranged in 5 decades plus pendant section

3. **Tension Tips:** Keep your chain tension slightly looser than the textured "beads" to prevent curling. The beads should sit neatly along the chain without puckering.

4. **Stitch Markers:** Consider placing a marker after completing each decade to help track your progress.

5. **Working Continuously:** The main loop is worked in one continuous piece. Do not turn unless instructed.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### SECTION 1: THE CROSS

The cross is worked in rows from the horizontal crossbar outward.

**Horizontal Crossbar:**
Ch 8.

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)
Do not fasten off.

**Vertical Post (worked from center of crossbar):**

**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 3 sc (you're now at the center), ch 8 (this extends upward for top of cross), turn work to continue down the ch.

**Row 3:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch (7 sc made going down), then sc in same st at base of ch (the 3rd sc of Row 1), skip next sc of Row 1, sc in last 3 sc of Row 1. (11 sc total: 7 from the upward extension + 4 across the remaining crossbar)

**Row 4:** Ch 8 (this extends downward for bottom of cross), turn.

**Row 5:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch (7 sc made). 
Fasten off, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail.

**Cross Reinforcement (optional but recommended):**
Weave tail through the back of the cross, making a few small stitches at the center intersection to reinforce. This prevents the cross from flopping.

Set cross aside.

---

### SECTION 2: THE PENDANT SECTION

This connects the cross to the main loop and includes 1 Our Father bead and 3 Hail Mary beads.

**Starting Chain:**
Leaving a 6" (15 cm) starting tail (to attach cross later), ch 4.

**First Bead (Our Father):**
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 4th ch from hook (the first 3 ch act as the attachment space), ch 5.

**Second Bead (Hail Mary #1):**
Work Picot Bead (ch 3, sl st in first ch), ch 5.

**Third Bead (Hail Mary #2):**
Work Picot Bead, ch 5.

**Fourth Bead (Hail Mary #3):**
Work Picot Bead, ch 5.

**Connection Bead (Our Father - this begins the main loop):**
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 5th ch from hook (working into the chain space), ch 7.

Do not fasten off. Continue to Section 3.

---

### SECTION 3: THE MAIN LOOP (5 Decades)

The loop is worked continuously. Each decade consists of 10 Hail Mary beads (picots) followed by 1 Our Father bead (puff stitch). There are 5 decades total around the loop.

**DECADE 1:**

Hail Mary Beads (10 total):
*Work Picot Bead, ch 5; rep from * 9 more times. (10 Picot Beads made, separated by ch-5 spaces)

Our Father Bead:
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 5th ch from hook (working into last ch-5 space), ch 7.

*Place a stitch marker here if desired to track decades.*

**DECADE 2:**

Hail Mary Beads (10 total):
*Work Picot Bead, ch 5; rep from * 9 more times. (10 Picot Beads made)

Our Father Bead:
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 5th ch from hook, ch 7.

**DECADE 3:**

Hail Mary Beads (10 total):
*Work Picot Bead, ch 5; rep from * 9 more times. (10 Picot Beads made)

Our Father Bead:
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 5th ch from hook, ch 7.

**DECADE 4:**

Hail Mary Beads (10 total):
*Work Picot Bead, ch 5; rep from * 9 more times. (10 Picot Beads made)

Our Father Bead:
Work Puff Stitch Bead in 5th ch from hook, ch 7.

**DECADE 5:**

Hail Mary Beads (10 total):
*Work Picot Bead, ch 5; rep from * 9 more times. (10 Picot Beads made)

**Closing the Loop:**
Ch 3, sl st to the Puff Stitch Bead at the top of the pendant section (the bead made just before beginning Decade 1). This closes the loop.

Fasten off, leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail for weaving.

---

## ASSEMBLY & FINISHING

### Attaching the Cross:

1. Thread the starting tail from the pendant section onto your yarn needle.

2. Position the cross at the bottom of the pendant, with the long section pointing down.

3. Stitch the top center of the cross securely to the first Puff Stitch Bead (at the top of the pendant section).

4. Make several small stitches to secure, then weave in the end on the wrong side.

5. Weave in the tail from the cross as well.

### Weaving in Ends:

1. Thread each remaining tail onto your yarn needle.

2. Weave through the back of several chain stitches and/or into beads.

3. For security, weave back in the opposite direction for about 1/2" (1.3 cm).

4. Trim tails close to work.

### Blocking & Stiffening (Optional):

**Light Starch Method:**
1. Mix spray starch according to bottle directions, or make a solution of 1 part liquid starch to 2 parts water.

2. Lay rosary flat on a towel or blocking board.

3. Gently apply starch solution with a spray bottle or brush.

4. Arrange beads evenly along the cord, ensuring the cross hangs straight.

5. Pin in place if desired and allow to dry completely (2-4 hours).

**Note:** Starching helps the rosary maintain its shape and gives the beads more definition, but it's optional.

### Optional Embellishments:

- **Ribbon Bow:** Tie a small satin ribbon bow (1/4" width) at the top of the pendant section for added elegance.
- **Gift Tag:** Attach a small cardstock tag with the date and occasion.
- **Pearl Accent:** Sew a tiny pearl or crystal bead to the center of the cross for extra detail.

---

## BATCH PRODUCTION TIPS

When making multiple rosaries as favors, use these time-saving strategies:

### Assembly-Line Method:

**Session 1 - Crosses:**
Make all crosses needed in one sitting. Weave in ends and set aside.

**Session 2 - Pendant Sections:**
Make all pendant sections. Leave the starting tail long but don't attach crosses yet.

**Session 3 - Main Loops:**
Complete the main loops for all rosaries. This is the most time-consuming part, so consider breaking it up or making it your focus session.

**Session 4 - Assembly:**
Attach all crosses and weave in all remaining ends in one session.

**Session 5 - Finishing:**
If starching, block all rosaries at once. Add embellishments to all pieces.

### Tension Consistency Tips:

- Use the same hook and thread for all rosaries to ensure uniform appearance
- Work at the same time of day when possible (hand tension can vary with fatigue)
- Make a sample rosary first to establish your rhythm
- Count chain stitches between beads carefully (ch-5 between Hail Marys, ch-7 between decades)

### Time Estimates:

- **Cross:** 5-7 minutes
- **Pendant Section:** 3-5 minutes
- **Main Loop:** 20-25 minutes
- **Assembly & Finishing:** 5-10 minutes
- **Total per rosary:** 35-45 minutes (faster with practice)

### Reducing Waste:

- Wind thread into center-pull balls for easier handling
- Keep a small container nearby for thread scraps (too short for projects but can be used for stuffing)
- Use the same color for multiple rosaries to minimize thread changes

---

## DESIGN VARIATIONS

### Color Options:

- **Traditional:** White or ivory
- **Baptism:** White or pale blue
- **First Communion:** White or cream
- **Confirmation:** Red (symbolizing the Holy Spirit)
- **Wedding:** Ivory with gold metallic thread highlights

### Size Variations:

**Smaller (4-5" total):** Use size 20 thread and steel hook size 9 or 10 (1.4-1.3 mm). Reduce ch spaces to ch-3 between Hail Marys and ch-5 between decades.

**Larger (8-9" total):** Use size 5 or 3 crochet thread and hook size 5 or 6 (1.9-1.8 mm). Increase ch spaces to ch-7 between Hail Marys and ch-9 between decades.

### Alternative Bead Styles:

**Bobble Instead of Puff for Our Father:**
[Yo, insert hook, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through 2 loops] 4 times in same st (5 loops on hook), yo and pull through all loops.

**Double Picot for Hail Mary:**
Ch 4, sl st in first ch for a slightly larger picot.

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- **Washing:** Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap if needed. Lay flat to dry.
- **Storage:** Store flat or hanging to prevent crushing the beads. Keep in a cool, dry place.
- **Starched Rosaries:** May need re-starching after washing. Some starch formulas are wash-resistant.

---

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Chain between beads is curling or twisting.
**Solution:** Work chain stitches with slightly looser tension. The textured beads should not pull the chain tight.

**Problem:** Puff stitch beads look uneven.
**Solution:** Ensure you're pulling up loops to the same height each time. Count your loops (should be 7 on hook before final yo).

**Problem:** Loop doesn't close neatly.
**Solution:** Check your stitch count. Each decade should have exactly 10 Picot Beads. The slip stitch connection should go directly to the Our Father bead at the top of the pendant.

**Problem:** Cross is floppy or twisted.
**