Designed by Lucia Dunn of Lucia's Fig Tree, hosted in our magazine!  

Part 4 is available in issue 30, which you can order here, or purchase the digital version here.  

Every issue, we are bringing you 2 squares to create your own beautiful and colourful sampler blanket, with each issue designed to challenge you with a new skill, and allow you to relax with, or build upon, a more familiar skill. This might be a stitch you are familiar with (such as regular double crochet), or it has you build on something you've done previously in the CAL.  

Because some squares are designed to challenge your skills, it does require some new techniques, so we hope this article will help you to understand some of the techniques needed, and every issue we will bring you blog posts and videos to help you! If you haven't already, make sure to join our Facebook group for helpful hints, support, and a great place to simply chat to other readers about how you are getting on with the CAL! And if you have a specific question about the CAL or the magazine, please email contact@crochetnow.co.uk and someone will get back to you.

Marvellous Mandala

This square is a little unusual in that we start working in the round, which then grows into a square shape, much like how a traditional granny square might start - however so far we have only worked in rows.  

If your square looks very round to you, don't worry! Once you reach Rnd 5, that's when the corner shaping starts to take place and pull it into the correct shape.  

If you need help with the Popcorn stitch and Cluster stitch, then take a look at this short video where Editor Jenny shows you the techniques you need to make a great mandala square!

Want to join in?

Join the conversation in our Official Facebook Group, and make sure to use the #riseandshinecal when sharing your pictures online so we can see how you are getting on.  

You can buy Crochet Now issue 27 (part 1), issue 28 (part 2), issue 29 (part 3) and issue 30 (part 4) online here, or subscribe digitally and never miss an issue here! And if you want to be the first to read Crochet Now, never miss an issue and always receive fabulous free gifts, why not subscribe today?

Rise & Shine crochet-along: Part 1

Rise & Shine crochet-along: Part 2

Rise & Shine crochet-along: Part 3