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# **Micro Crochet Rosary (One Decade)**

A delicate miniature rosary representing one decade of prayer, perfect as a devotional keepsake, religious favor, or gift. This tiny piece features 10 small picot "beads" for Hail Mary prayers, 1 larger puff stitch "bead" for the Our Father prayer, and a simple crocheted cross. Worked in one continuous piece for minimal finishing.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) total length, small enough to fit in a child's closed hand

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## **MATERIALS**

- **Thread**: Size 10 crochet cotton thread (approximately 10-15 yards per rosary)
  - Suggested: DMC Cebelia Size 10, Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10, or similar
  - Traditional colors: white, cream, or light blue
- **Hook**: US Steel 7 (1.65 mm) or Steel 8 (1.5 mm)
- **Notions**: 
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  - Small scissors
  - Optional: Fabric stiffener or diluted white glue for added structure

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## **GAUGE**

Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintain tight, even tension throughout for a neat, professional appearance. Your finished rosary should measure approximately 3.5-4 inches total length.

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## **ABBREVIATIONS** (US Terms)

- **ch** = chain
- **sl st** = slip stitch
- **sc** = single crochet
- **puff st** = puff stitch (see Special Stitches)
- **picot** = picot (see Special Stitches)
- **sp** = space
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)

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## **SPECIAL STITCHES**

**Picot (for Hail Mary beads)**: Ch 3, sl st in first ch of the ch-3 to form small loop. This creates a tiny raised bead.

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

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## **PATTERN NOTES**

- This rosary is worked in one continuous piece from the cross through all beads.
- Do not turn at any point; work continuously in one direction.
- Maintain tight, consistent tension for uniform bead appearance.
- The traditional order for one decade is: Cross → connecting chain → Our Father bead → 10 Hail Mary beads.
- Stitch counts are provided for verification purposes.

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## **INSTRUCTIONS**

### **Cross**

**Foundation**: Ch 8.

**Row 1 (Vertical Post)**: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch (3 sl sts made—this forms bottom portion of cross). [3 ch completed on foundation]

**Row 2 (Horizontal Arms)**: Ch 6 (for arms of cross).

Working back along the ch-6: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch (2 sl sts—this forms one arm). [2 ch remain on arm foundation]

Continue to center: Sl st in next ch (center of cross). [1 ch remains]

Complete second arm: Sl st in next ch and in last ch of the ch-6 (2 sl sts—this forms second arm). [Arms complete]

**Return to Vertical Post**: Sl st in each of the 3 remaining ch from original foundation (returning to center of cross). [Cross center reached]

**Top of Cross**: Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch (2 sl sts—this forms top portion of cross).

**Connecting Chain**: Ch 8 to create space between cross and first bead. [Cross complete; total = cross + 8 ch]

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### **Our Father Bead**

**Bead Setup**: Ch 2.

**Make Puff Stitch Bead**: Work puff st in 2nd ch from hook (large bead created).

**Spacing After Our Father**: Ch 4. [1 Our Father bead complete]

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### **Hail Mary Beads (Make 10)**

**Bead 1**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 2**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 3**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 4**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 5**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 6**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 7**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 8**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 9**: Work picot, ch 4.

**Bead 10**: Work picot, ch 4.

[10 Hail Mary beads complete]

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### **Finishing Options**

**Option 1 (Loop Rosary)**: After final bead, ch 8-10, sl st to base of cross to form small loop. Fasten off, leaving 4-inch tail.

**Option 2 (Straight Rosary)**: After final bead, ch 2, fasten off, leaving 4-inch tail.

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## **FINISHING**

1. **Weave in Ends**: Using yarn needle, weave starting tail into cross structure. Weave ending tail back through several chains near last bead.

2. **Blocking (Optional)**: Gently dampen rosary with water and pin to blocking board or towel, stretching cross arms perpendicular and ensuring beads are evenly spaced. Allow to air dry completely.

3. **Stiffening (Optional)**: For added structure and durability:
   - Apply diluted fabric stiffener or 50/50 white glue and water mixture
   - Gently work into all stitches
   - Pin cross flat with arms perpendicular
   - Allow to dry completely (24 hours)
   - This creates a firmer keepsake that holds its shape

4. **Final Shaping**: Gently shape each picot and puff stitch to ensure beads are rounded and prominent.

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## **DESIGN VARIATIONS**

- **Colors**: Use traditional white or cream, Marian blue, pink for girls' baptisms, or any devotional color
- **Bead Arrangement**: Some prefer the Our Father bead at the end rather than beginning—simply work 10 Hail Mary beads first, then 1 Our Father bead
- **Thread Size**: Use size 20 or 30 thread for even smaller rosaries (adjust hook to Steel 9-12)
- **Embellishments**: Add tiny seed bead to center of puff stitch for Our Father bead using sewing thread

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## **TIPS FOR SUCCESS**

### **Tension Control**
- Work tightly and consistently—loose tension will create floppy, uneven beads
- The thread should have slight resistance when pulled, but not so tight that stitches are difficult to work into
- Practice making 2-3 picots before starting to establish consistent size

### **Picot Perfection**
- When working the slip stitch to close picot, insert hook through the back bump of the first chain for a neater finish
- Pull slip stitch snug but not overly tight to maintain rounded bead shape
- All picots should point in the same direction for uniform appearance

### **Puff Stitch Success**
- Keep all loops on hook at equal height before pulling through
- The closing chain-1 is essential—don't skip it or the puff will unravel
- This bead should be noticeably larger than picots

### **Cross Construction**
- Keep slip stitches tight and even for a crisp cross shape
- The cross arms should be approximately equal length (2 sl sts each)
- If cross curls, use more aggressive blocking or stiffening

### **Batch Production Tips**
For making multiple rosaries as favors or gifts:

1. **Prepare Materials**: Wind off 2-yard lengths of thread for each rosary before starting
2. **Assembly Line Method**: 
   - Make all crosses first
   - Add connecting chains and Our Father beads
   - Complete all 10 Hail Mary beads in rhythm
   - Finish all loops/ends together
3. **Finishing Station**: Block and stiffen all pieces at once on a large board
4. **Time Estimate**: With practice, each rosary takes 10-15 minutes
5. **Storage**: Store finished rosaries flat in small boxes or bags to prevent tangling

### **Troubleshooting**

- **Beads look flat**: Increase tension or use smaller hook
- **Chain too loose**: Work chain stitches more tightly, pulling thread taut after each stitch
- **Cross arms uneven**: Count slip stitches carefully—should be 2 sl sts per arm
- **Rosary curls**: Block firmly or apply light stiffener
- **Running out of thread**: Each rosary uses approximately 10-15 yards; measure generously

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## **CARE INSTRUCTIONS**

- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap if needed
- Press flat between towels to remove excess water
- Air dry flat
- Re-stiffen if necessary after washing
- Store flat or hanging to prevent crushing of beads

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## **PRAYER GUIDE**

For those unfamiliar with rosary decade prayers:

1. **On the Cross**: Make the Sign of the Cross and recite the Apostles' Creed
2. **On the Our Father Bead** (puff stitch): Pray one Our Father
3. **On each Hail Mary Bead** (picots): Pray one Hail Mary
4. **After 10 Hail Marys**: Pray the Glory Be and (optionally) the Fatima Prayer

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## **ADDITIONAL NOTES**

This micro rosary is designed for personal devotion, religious education, baptism favors, First Communion gifts, or as prayer reminders. The small scale makes it perfect for tucking into pockets, purses, or prayer books. Consider making sets in different colors for various liturgical seasons or intentions.

**Estimated Time**: 10-15 minutes per rosary once familiar with pattern

**Skill Level**: Intermediate (requires fine motor control and experience with small-scale crochet)

**Difficulty Elements**: Working at micro scale, maintaining even tension, creating uniform textured stitches

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*Pattern designed for devotional use. May be made for personal use, gifts, or charitable distribution. Please do not sell pattern itself, but finished items may be sold in small quantities or given as religious favors.*

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**Mathematical Verification**:
- Cross: 8 ch foundation + 6 ch for arms = 14 total chain stitches for cross structure ✓
- Connecting chain: 8 ch ✓
- Our Father section: 2 ch + puff st + 4 ch = 6 ch equivalent ✓
- Each Hail Mary: picot + 4 ch = 4 ch spacing × 10 beads = 40 ch ✓
- Final chain: 8-10 ch (loop) or 2 ch (straight) ✓
- Total approximate length: 14 + 8 + 6 + 40 + 8 = 76 chain equivalents at fine thread scale ≈ 3.5-4 inches ✓
- Bead count: 1 Our Father + 10 Hail Mary = 11 beads total ✓