Delicate Petals: A Vintage Crochet Lace Choker Pattern

Crochet Pattern: Delicate Petals: A Vintage Crochet Lace Choker Pattern

Materials

• Fine Cotton Thread (Size 10 or 20) in Cream/Ecru (MC)
• Fine Cotton Thread (Size 10 or 20) in Pale Peach (PC)
• Fine Cotton Thread (Size 10 or 20) in Light Mint Green (GC)
• Steel Crochet Hook, 1.5mm or 1.75mm (to match thread weight)
• Small iridescent/clear seed beads (approx. 2mm)
• Small light green/aqua seed beads (approx. 2mm)
• Beading needle
• Matching sewing thread
• Small jewelry clasp (e.g., lobster clasp or hook-and-eye)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Fabric stiffener (optional, for shaping)

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• dtr: double treble crochet
• picot: ch 3, sl st in 1st ch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color (Cream/Ecru)
• PC: Peach Color
• GC: Green Color
• Rnd: Round

Instructions

This pattern combines individual motifs with a delicate filler lace, often seen in Irish crochet. It requires attention to detail and patience. You will create multiple motifs and then join them to form the choker.

Motif 1: Large Central Flower (Make 1 in MC, center in PC)

• Center: With PC, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
• Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc into ring, sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
• Rnd 2: *Ch 3, dc in next st, ch 3, sl st in same st as dc, sl st in next sc; repeat from * 3 more times. You will have 4 small petals. Fasten off PC.
• Petals: Join MC with sl st in any ch-3 space of Rnd 2.
• Rnd 3: In each ch-3 space, (ch 1, 5 dc, ch 1, sl st) forming the first layer of petals. Sl st into the base between petals to move to the next.
• Rnd 4: Working behind Rnd 3 petals, ch 5. Attach with sl st into the back of the sc from Rnd 1 between two petals. *Ch 5, sl st into the back of the next sc; repeat around. (8 ch-5 loops).
• Rnd 5: In each ch-5 loop, (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to first sc to finish. Fasten off.

Motif 2: Small Flower (Make 4-6 in PC, 4-6 in GC, some with bead centers)

• Center: With PC or GC, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring.
• Rnd 1: Ch 1, 6 sc into ring, sl st to first sc. (6 sc)
• Rnd 2: *Ch 2, dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in next st; repeat from * 5 more times. You will have 6 small petals. Fasten off. For bead centers, sew a small bead to the center after finishing.

Motif 3: Leaf (Make 6-8 in GC)

• With GC, ch 10.
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Ch 1, turn.
• Row 2: (Working along the other side of the starting chain) Sl st in first st, sc in next st, hdc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for joining.

Assembly and Filler Lace (Using MC)

• Arrange your motifs in a pleasing choker-like shape. The large flower should be central.
• Start by joining the main flower to a few small flowers and leaves using a simple filler lace technique.
• Filler Lace: The filler lace is created by chaining various lengths (ch 3 to ch 7 generally) and attaching them to the edges of your motifs using sl st or sc. Work around the motifs, connecting them with these chain spaces. You can create small loops or attach beads within these chain spaces for added texture and sparkle.
• Picot Joins: Occasionally, you can use a picot (ch 3, sl st in 1st ch) within your chain spaces for a more decorative join or to create a small point in the lace.
• Continuously build up the lace, attaching motifs where desired, until you achieve the desired choker length and width. Ensure the piece is relatively flat.
• Adding Beads: As you work the filler lace, string beads onto your working thread at strategic points. You can sc over a bead, or secure a bead with a sl st between chain stitches, or simply sew them on later. The clear/iridescent beads look great throughout the lace, and the green beads can highlight mint motifs.

Edging (Using MC)

• Once all motifs are joined and the desired shape is achieved, work an outer edge around the entire piece.
• Rnd 1 (Edge): Work a round of (sc, ch 3, sc) into each small loop or space around the edge, or (sc, picot, sc) to create a scalloped, picot edge. Adjust spacing to keep the edge flat and even.
• Rnd 2 (Optional for definition): Work another round of sl sts or scs into the stitches/spaces of Rnd 1 for a firmer edge.

Finishing

• Weave in all loose ends securely with a tapestry needle.
• Attach your chosen jewelry clasp to each end of the choker. Ensure it is secure.
• (Optional) Block your finished choker. Pin it to a blocking mat in the desired shape, spray with water or a fabric stiffener solution, and let it dry completely.