This motif pattern works in the round and forms a decorative wheel-like shape that you can use individually or join into larger projects (blankets, scarves, tops, runners, bags, etc.).

🧵 Materials

Light-to-medium weight yarn (e.g., DK / sport / cotton thread for a fine look)
Crochet hook sized to yarn (e.g., 3 mm–4.5 mm)
Scissors
Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Optional stitch marker

📌 Abbreviations (US Terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet
hdc	half-double crochet
dc	double crochet
tr	treble crochet
sp	space
st	stitch
rep	repeat

🟡 ROUND 1 — WORK THE WHEEL CENTER

Make a magic ring (adjustable loop).
This lets you pull the center tight so no hole is left.
Ch 3 — this counts as the first dc of this round.
Dc 11 into the magic ring.

Total at end of round: 12 dc including beginning ch-3.
Pull the tail of the magic ring to tighten the center completely.
Join with a sl st into the top of the beginning ch-3.

✔ Your center should now be a compact circle.

🟢 ROUND 2 — FORMING SPOKES

The goal here is to create the spoke division that will make the motif a “wheel.”

Ch 4 (counts as a tr).
Ch 1, skip 1 st, tr in next st — repeat around.
You should make a series of ch-1 spaces between treble stitches.
Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-4.

✔ Round 2 gives you open chain-1 gaps for spokes.

🔵 ROUND 3 — BUILDING THE WHEEL RIM

Ch 3 (counts as dc).
Dc into each tr and each ch-1 space around.
- This means: dc in tr, dc in chain-1 space, dc in next tr, etc.
Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

✔ The rounds begin looking like a wheel rim with spokes radiating from the center.

🟠 ROUND 4 — DECORATIVE ROUNDS

This round introduces open work for aesthetic flair.

Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
Sc in first dc.
Ch 3, skip next stitch.
Sc in next dc.
Repeat: ch 3, skip, sc all the way around.
Join with sl st to first sc.

✔ You now have airy chain-3 loops around the wheel.

🟣 ROUND 5 — EXPAND THE WHEEL

This round gives dimension to your motif by working into both dc and ch-3 spaces.

Sl st into first chain-3 space.
Ch 3 (counts as dc).
Dc 4 into the same ch-3 space.
Sc in next chain-3 space.
Dc 5 into the next ch-3 space.
Repeat these groups around.
Join with sl st at top of beginning ch-3.

✔ The motif gains beautiful height and decorative texture.

🟡 OPTIONAL ROUND 6 — LACY EXTENSION

Add an extra decorative round for more openwork:

Ch 3 (counts as dc).
Dc in next 4 stitches.
Ch 5, Sc in next group.
Ch 5, Dc in next 5 stitches.
Repeat all around.
Join with sl st.

✔ Chain-5 adds larger lace loops.

🟢 FINAL ROUND — PICOT EDGE (Optional)

This gives a pretty border that also makes joining motifs easier.

Ch 1.
Sc in next stitch.
Ch 3, sl st into 2nd ch from hook — this forms a picot.
Sl st in next stitch to anchor the picot.
Repeat: sc + picot + sc around the motif edge.
Join with sl st to first sc.

✔ This frame gives a neat, decorative edge.

🧵 WEAVING IN ENDS

Trim your yarn leaving a 6-8 cm tail.
Thread it through a tapestry needle.
Weave the yarn tail through stitches on the back to hide ends.

🧠 BLOCKING (Recommended)

Gently wet your motif with water or steam.
Pin it to a blocking mat so the edges are nice and even.
Allow it to dry completely.

🔹 Blocking opens up lace details and makes motifs consistent in size — especially useful if you plan to join multiple motifs together.

🪡 JOINING MOTIFS

To create larger projects like blankets, runners, shawls, or blouses:

Method 1 — Join-as-You-Go

Crochet final round of a new motif until the last few stitches.
When you reach the edge that should touch an existing motif:
- Instead of working normally, join with a sl st into the corresponding stitch of the adjacent motif.
- Continue until edges meet.

Method 2 — Sew Together

Lay motifs adjacent.
Use yarn and a tapestry needle to sew seams.
Weave the joining yarn through adjacent edges to secure.

🧶 USE IDEAS

✔ Throw blankets
✔ Table runners
✔ Shawls
✔ Vest or blouse panels
✔ Decorative wall hangings
✔ Tote bag panels

Wheel motifs are versatile and work really well in repeated panels or alternating patterns.

🧠 TECHNIQUE TIPS

✔ Maintain even tension — especially in chain spaces — so motifs lie flat.
✔ Stitch Markers can help you mark each round’s start/finish.
✔ If the motif cuves inward, loosen your tension or use a slightly larger hook.
✔ If it ripples, tighten your tension or remove a few chains in lace rounds.

📝 Final Pattern Summary (Rounds)

Center circle — 12 dc in magic ring
Spoke round — ch4 + tr repeats
Rim round — dc into all sts/spaces
Lace loop round — sc + ch3 repeat
Textured expansion — shells into ch3 spaces
Optional lace extension — dc and ch5 spaces
Picot border — sc + picot + sc

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