by That is a wonderful and resourceful request! Choosing a single motif pattern that works well for both a structural piece like a Runner and a flowing garment like a Blouse is key to versatility. The pattern needs to be relatively light and easy to join.
I will detail the pattern for the “Open Mesh Floral Square,” a design that uses small clusters and large chain spaces to achieve both lightness and structural integrity.
🌸 Open Mesh Floral Square Motif Tutorial
This square motif combines a dimensional center with an open, airy mesh frame, making it perfect for both lightweight drape (blouse) and geometric assembly (runner).
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: DK Weight (Size 3) or Sport Weight (Size 2) yarn (cotton or a blend is ideal for a blouse’s drape).
- Crochet Hook: The size appropriate for your yarn (e.g., 3.5 mm – 4.0 mm).
- Scissors, Tapestry Needle, Blocking Pins.
Key Crochet Terms
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| Shell | 5 dc worked into the same space |
| Cluster | 3 dc worked into the same space |
Part 1: Crocheting the Motif
Round 1: Foundation (Inner Disk)
- Start: Make a Magic Ring. ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 11 dc into the ring.
- Finish: Pull the tail tight. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3. (12 sts).
Round 2: Creating the First Points
- ch 1. Work sc in the same st.
- Point Loop: ch 4. Skip 1 stitch.
- Repeat: [sc in the next st, ch 4, skip 1 st] 5 more times.
- Finish: ch 4. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 ch-4 loops).
Round 3: Dimensional Shells
We work the Shells into the ch-4 spaces, starting the texture.
- sl st into the first ch-4 loop. ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 4 dc into the same ch-4 loop (First Shell).
- Anchor: Work sc into the next sc anchor.
- Repeat: Work [Shell (5 dc) into the next ch-4 loop, sc into the next sc anchor] 5 more times.
- Finish: Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. (6 Shells).
Round 4: Squaring the Shape
This critical round converts the 6-sided circle into a 4-sided square using strategically placed large chains.
- sl st over the first 2 dc of the shell to reach the center stitch. ch 1. Work sc in that center dc.
- First Side Mesh: ch 5. Work sc in the next sc anchor. ch 5.
- Corner Space: Work sc in the center dc of the next shell. ch 7.
- Anchor: Work sc in the center dc of the next shell.
- Repeat: Continue the sequence [ch 5, sc in sc anchor, ch 5, sc in center dc, ch 7 (Corner), sc in center dc] two more times.
- Finish: ch 5, sc in sc anchor, ch 5, sl st to the first sc to join. (4 ch-7 corners established).
Round 5: Final Edge (Joining Round)
This round stabilizes the edge with simple clusters for easy assembly.
- sl st into the ch-5 space. ch 3 (counts as dc). Work 2 dc into the same space.
- Side: Work ch 1, 3 dc into the next ch-5 space.
- Corner Shell: Work ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the ch-7 corner space. ch 1.
- Repeat: Continue the sequence [3 dc in ch-5 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-5 sp, ch 1, Corner Shell (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp, ch 1] 3 more times.
- Finish: Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3. Fasten off.
Part 2: Assembly Guide
1. Joining the Motifs
Use the Join-as-You-Go (JAYG) method while working the final Round 5 of the second motif.
- Side Join: Replace the
ch 1with asl stinto the corresponding ch-1 space of the finished motif. - Corner Join: Replace the
ch 2withch 1, sl st into the finished motif's ch-2 corner, ch 1.
2. Project Layouts
| Project | Shape/Layout | Customization Tips |
| Table Runner | Shape: A long, narrow rectangle (e.g., 2 motifs wide by 8–10 motifs long). | Edging: Add a continuous border (1-2 rounds of SC) around the perimeter to create a clean, straight edge. Blocking is essential for flatness. |
| Summer Blouse | Construction: Join motifs into two large rectangular panels (Front/Back). Join shoulders and partially join side seams. | Fit: Leave 1.5 to 2 motif widths open for the armholes and a wide gap for the neckline. The open mesh naturally provides great drape and breathability. |
3. Final Blocking (Essential)
Wet the finished item, pin all four corners sharply outward to define the square, and allow it to dry completely. This step is critical for opening the lace, defining the shape, and ensuring the final project lies flat and elegantly.
Would you like a tutorial on how to work a simple Picot trim around the edges of the blouse or runner?
Video tutorial:
