Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Analysis**:
* **Request**: Advanced Overlay Mosaic Crochet pattern for a Bauble.
* **Yarn**: Sport weight.
* **Terminology**: UK English (dc = US sc, tr = US dc).
* **Key constraints**: Must use metric, include specific sections, show inline math validation, and be technically accurate for an advanced user.
* **Structure**: The bauble needs a flat circle base (increases), a cylindrical middle (mosaic pattern), and a decrease top. It is designed to fit over a standard 7cm polystyrene/styrofoam ball or be stuffed with fibre fill.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *Reference 1*: "Tinna's Mosaic Baubles" (Concept: Working overlay mosaic in the round on a small circumference).
* *Reference 2*: Standard Amigurumi Sphere (Math: Standard 6-stitch increase intervals to create a sphere).
* *Reference 3*: "Apache Tears" or "Nordic Star" Chart Logic (Pattern: Repeating geometric motif suitable for multiples of 12).
3. **Edge Cases (Failure Modes)**:
* *Failure 1 (Tension/Gapping)*: The 'drop down' treble stitches pull tight, distorting the round shape, or the standard stitches are too loose, revealing the white styrofoam/stuffing underneath.
* *Failure 2 (The Jog)*: Colour changes in the round create a visible step/jog.
* *Failure 3 (Sizing Mismatch)*: Sport weight yarn varies; the fabric might slide off the bauble or be too tight to close.
4. **Plan**:
* **Gauge/Tension**: 24 sts = 10cm. High tension is required for baubles.
* **Hook**: 3.00mm (smaller than standard Sport recommendation) to ensure tight fabric.
* **Key Numbers**: Max circumference 48 stitches (Multiple of 12 for the pattern).
* **Dimensions**: Fits 7cm diameter bauble.
* **Pattern Logic**:
* Phase 1: Standard dc increases (Col A only) to reach 48 sts.
* Phase 2: Overlay Mosaic (Alternating Col A/B) for the decorative band.
* Phase 3: Standard dc decreases (Col A only) to close.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All sections (Title, Description, Materials, Tension, Abbreviations, Instructions, Finishing) are included.
2. **Consistency**: UK Terms used (dc/tr). Gauge matches stitch count (48 sts ≈ 20cm circ, fits 7cm diameter).
3. **Constraints**: Inline math validation included for every row. Advanced difficulty addressed via Overlay technique.
4. **Safety**: Stitch counts verified.
* Inc phase: 6->12->18->24->30->36->42->48.
* Mosaic phase: Constant 48.
* Dec phase: 48->42->36->30->24->18->12->6.
* Math is sound.
Pattern
# Nordic Frost Mosaic Bauble
**Description**
An advanced overlay mosaic crochet pattern designed to create a striking festive ornament. This pattern features a geometric "Nordic Star" motif wrapped around the centre of the bauble. It is constructed in the round, top-down (or bottom-up), fitting snugly over a 7cm polystyrene ball or stuffed firmly with fibre filling.
**Difficulty Level**
Advanced (Requires knowledge of overlay mosaic crochet in the round, chart reading logic, and high-tension control).
**Yarn Weight**
Sport (5-ply).
*Recommended: Cotton or Cotton/Acrylic blend for stitch definition.*
**Materials**
* **Yarn A (Background):** Approx 15g Sport weight yarn (e.g., White or Cream).
* **Yarn B (Pattern):** Approx 10g Sport weight yarn (e.g., Deep Red or Navy).
* **Hook:** 3.00mm (metric). *Note: We use a smaller hook than standard for sport weight to prevent gaps.*
* **Insert:** 7cm diameter polystyrene ball OR polyester fibre filling.
* **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker.
* **Ribbon:** For the hanging loop.
**Tension (Gauge)**
24 stitches and 24 rounds to 10cm over standard double crochet (dc) using a 3.00mm hook.
*Ideally, the flat circle after Round 8 should measure approximately 6.5cm in diameter.*
**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)**
* **ch:** chain
* **st(s):** stitch(es)
* **sl st:** slip stitch
* **dc:** double crochet (US single crochet) – worked into both loops unless specified.
* **BLdc:** Back Loop double crochet – dc worked into the back loop only of the stitch.
* **FLtr:** Front Loop treble crochet (US double crochet) – tr worked into the front loop of the stitch *two rounds below* (the same colour row).
* **yoh:** yarn over hook
* **inc:** increase (2 dc in same st)
* **dec:** decrease (dc2tog or invisible decrease)
* **Magic Ring:** Adjustable loop start.
**Special Pattern Notes**
1. **Overlay Mosaic Logic:**
* Colours alternate every round (A, B, A, B...).
* Do not cut yarn at the end of rounds; carry the unused colour up the inside (wrong side) of the work.
* **BLdc** creates the background/spacing.
* **FLtr** creates the vertical pattern drop-down. It covers the BLdc of the previous row. When working an FLtr, skip the stitch behind it on the current row.
2. **Reading the Instructions:** The pattern instructions for the mosaic section (Rounds 9–20) indicate the colour to use and the stitch sequence.
3. **The Join:** Join each round with a sl st to the first st. Ch 1, and work the first stitch of the new round into the *same* stitch as the join to keep the seam straight. The stitch count math ignores the turning chain.
---
## Instructions
### Phase 1: The Base (Increases)
*Use Yarn A (Background).*
**Round 1:** Make a Magic Ring, ch 1, work 6 dc into ring. Join with sl st to first dc.
`[Start: 0 sts + 6 created = 6 sts]`
**Round 2:** Ch 1, 2 dc in each st around. Join.
`[Start: 6 sts + 6 inc = 12 sts]`
**Round 3:** Ch 1, *1 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 12 sts + 6 inc = 18 sts]`
**Round 4:** Ch 1, *2 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`
**Round 5:** Ch 1, *3 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 24 sts + 6 inc = 30 sts]`
**Round 6:** Ch 1, *4 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 30 sts + 6 inc = 36 sts]`
**Round 7:** Ch 1, *5 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 36 sts + 6 inc = 42 sts]`
**Round 8:** Ch 1, *6 dc, inc* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join. Change to **Yarn B** in the final sl st.
`[Start: 42 sts + 6 inc = 48 sts]`
---
### Phase 2: The Mosaic Band
*Work in joining rounds. Maintain 48 sts per round. Pattern repeats 4 times (Multiple of 12).*
*Reminder: All **dc** in this section are **BLdc** (Back Loop Only).*
**Round 9 (Colour B - Setup):** Ch 1, BLdc in every st around. Join. Change to **Yarn A**.
`[48 BLdc]`
**Round 10 (Colour A):** Ch 1, *BLdc 12* repeat around. Join. Change to **Yarn B**.
`[48 BLdc]`
**Round 11 (Colour B):** Ch 1, *BLdc 5, FLtr 1, BLdc 1, FLtr 1, BLdc 4* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn A**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 12 (Colour A):** Ch 1, *BLdc 4, FLtr 1, BLdc 3, FLtr 1, BLdc 3* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn B**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 13 (Colour B):** Ch 1, *BLdc 3, FLtr 1, BLdc 5, FLtr 1, BLdc 2* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn A**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 14 (Colour A):** Ch 1, *BLdc 2, FLtr 1, BLdc 7, FLtr 1, BLdc 1* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn B**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 15 (Colour B):** Ch 1, *BLdc 3, FLtr 1, BLdc 5, FLtr 1, BLdc 2* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn A**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 16 (Colour A):** Ch 1, *BLdc 4, FLtr 1, BLdc 3, FLtr 1, BLdc 3* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn B**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 17 (Colour B):** Ch 1, *BLdc 5, FLtr 1, BLdc 1, FLtr 1, BLdc 4* repeat 4 times. Join. Change to **Yarn A**.
`[4 reps x 12 sts = 48 sts]`
**Round 18 (Colour A - Transition):** Ch 1, BLdc in every st around. Join. Cut **Yarn B**. Continue with **Yarn A** only.
`[48 BLdc]`
---
### Phase 3: Closing (Decreases)
*Insert your polystyrene ball now. If using fibre fill, stuff gradually as you work the following rounds.*
*Work through **both loops** for standard dc from here on.*
**Round 19:** Ch 1, *6 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 48 sts - 6 dec = 42 sts]`
**Round 20:** Ch 1, *5 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 42 sts - 6 dec = 36 sts]`
**Round 21:** Ch 1, *4 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 36 sts - 6 dec = 30 sts]`
**Round 22:** Ch 1, *3 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 30 sts - 6 dec = 24 sts]`
**Round 23:** Ch 1, *2 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`
**Round 24:** Ch 1, *1 dc, dec* repeat from * to * 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 18 sts - 6 dec = 12 sts]`
*Top up stuffing firmly if not using a ball insert.*
**Round 25:** Ch 1, *dec* repeat 6 times. Join.
`[Start: 12 sts - 6 dec = 6 sts]`
---
### Finishing
1. Cut yarn leaving a 15cm tail.
2. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
3. Weave the needle through the front loops only of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole.
4. Secure the end and bury it inside the bauble.
5. Attach a ribbon loop to the top centre for hanging.
6. (Optional) Steam lightly to smooth the mosaic stitches, taking care not to melt the yarn (if acrylic) or the internal polystyrene.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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