💕How to Crochet Motif Runner, Blouse, Shawl Pattern Tutorial😘

That’s a wonderfully versatile project idea! Mastering a single motif and applying it to a runner, a blouse, and a shawl is the perfect way for a beginner to see how basic crochet concepts can be scaled and adapted.

I will use the versatile Solid Granny Square Motif as our base, as it is a classic that provides a good mix of texture, structure, and lace.

The Versatile Solid Granny Square Motif

This motif builds upon the basics and forms a beautiful, substantial square.

Skill Level: Beginner/Easy

Yarn Recommendation:

• For Blouse/Shawl: DK or Sport Weight Cotton/Cotton Blend for drape.
• For Runner: Worsted Weight Cotton or Acrylic for structure and easy washing.Hook Recommendation: Use the hook size recommended for your yarn weight (e.g., 4.0mm – 5.0mm).Abbreviations:
• ch: chain
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sl st: slip stitch
• dc: double crochet
• sp: space
• MR: Magic Ring (or Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring)

Motif Pattern (Make Multiple)

Foundation: Start with a MR or Ch 4, sl st to first ch to join.

Round 1:

1. Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). Dc 2 more times into the ring. (This is your first 3-dc cluster).
2. Ch 3 (This forms the first corner).
3. Work (3 dc, ch 3) into the ring three more times.
4. Sl st to the top of the starting ch 3 to join. (You should have four 3-dc clusters and four ch-3 corners).

Round 2:

1. Sl st into the next 2 dc to move to the first ch-3 corner space.
2. Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). In the same ch-3 corner space, work (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc). (This is your first expanded corner).
3. Side: Ch 1.
4. Next Corner: In the next ch-3 corner space, work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 two more times.
6. Ch 1. Sl st to the top of the starting ch 3 to join.

Round 3:

1. Sl st into the next 2 dc to move to the first ch-1 space.
2. Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc). 2 dc in the same ch-1 space. (This is your first side cluster).
3. Corner: In the next ch-3 corner space, work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc).
4. Side: Ch 1. 3 dc in the next ch-1 space.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 around the square.
6. After the last corner, ch 1. Sl st to the top of the starting ch 3 to join.

Round 4 (Joining Round):

Continue the pattern of 3-dc clusters in the ch-1 spaces and (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the corners.

• When joining motifs, use a ch 1, sl st into the corresponding ch-1 sp of the adjacent motif, ch 1 instead of a regular ch 3 in the corners.
• On the sides, use a sl st into the corresponding ch-1 sp of the adjacent motif instead of a ch 1.

---

Project 1: Motif Table Runner Assembly

This is the most straightforward assembly.

Layout and Sizing:

• A standard runner is one motif wide and 4–7 motifs long. (e.g., Make 5 Motifs).
• Joining: Motifs are joined along one edge only.

Motif 1	Motif 2	Motif 3	Motif 4	Motif 5

Assembly Instructions (Join-As-You-Go):

1. Motif 1: Complete all 4 rounds. Fasten off.
2. Motif 2: Complete Rounds 1–3. Start Round 4.
3. Work two sides of Motif 2 normally (following the pattern of 3 dc clusters and ch 1 spaces).
4. Joining Side: When you reach the first corner that joins Motif 1:
   • Work 3 dc into the corner space.
   • Join Corner: Ch 1, sl st into the corner ch-3 space of Motif 1, ch 1.
   • Work 3 dc into the corner space of Motif 2.
   • Join Side: Sl st into the first ch-1 space of Motif 1, 3 dc into the next ch-1 space of Motif 2.
   • Repeat the Join Side process until the last ch-1 space before the next corner.
   • Work 3 dc into the corner space of Motif 2.
   • Join Corner: Ch 1, sl st into the corner ch-3 space of Motif 1, ch 1.
   • Work 3 dc into the corner space of Motif 2.
5. Finish the remaining sides of Motif 2 normally. Fasten off.
6. Repeat for subsequent motifs.

Finishing the Runner:

• Border: Work 1–2 rounds of single crochet (sc) or double crochet (dc) around the entire perimeter to create a clean, uniform edge.

---

Project 2: Motif Blouse/Simple Top Assembly

This project requires symmetrical joining for shape.

Layout and Sizing:

1. Measure: The circumference of the largest part of your bust/chest.
2. Calculate: Divide your circumference by the width of one motif, then round up to the nearest even number. This is the total number of motifs needed for the circumference.
   • Example: 12 motifs total (6 motifs across the front, 6 across the back).
3. Layout (Front/Back): $3 \times 4$ rectangles for both front and back (if 12 motifs are needed).
4. Motif Total: Make 24 Motifs ($3 \times 4 \times 2$).

Assembly Instructions:

1. Join Panels: Join the $3 \times 4$ motifs into two separate rectangles (Front and Back) using the Join-As-You-Go method, joining both the vertical and horizontal edges.
2. Shoulder Seams: Lay the panels flat, stacked one on top of the other.
   • Seam: Use a slip stitch seam or single crochet seam to join the top two edges, leaving an unseamed gap in the middle for the neck opening.
3. Side Seams:
   • Armhole: Leave the top one or two motif spaces unseamed for the armholes.
   • Seam: Starting from the bottom, join the side edges using a sl st or sc seam up to the armhole opening.

Finishing the Blouse:

• Edging: Work 1–2 rounds of single crochet (sc) or Moss Stitch (alternating sc and ch 1) around the Neckline, Armholes, and Bottom Hem for a clean finish.

---

Project 3: Motif Shawl Pattern (Triangular)

This project requires a decreasing assembly to form a triangular shape.

Layout and Sizing:

• A shawl is usually worked from the widest point down to a single corner.
• Example (Medium Size): Use a Base Row of 7 motifs, decreasing by one motif per row.
• Total Motifs: $7+6+5+4+3+2+1 = 28 Motifs

Row 1:	Motif 1	Motif 2	Motif 3	Motif 4	Motif 5	Motif 6	Motif 7
Row 2:		Motif 8	Motif 9	Motif 10	Motif 11	Motif 12
Row 3:			Motif 13	Motif 14	Motif 15
etc.				… down to Row 7: Motif 28

Assembly Instructions (Joining Along Two Sides):

1. Row 1 (Base): Join 7 motifs in a straight line, as you did for the runner.
2. Row 2 (Decreasing):
   • Motif 8: Join to the top edge of Motif 2 and the top edge of Motif 3. (This forms a corner where the 4 motifs meet).
   • Motif 9: Join to the top edge of Motif 3 and the top edge of Motif 4.
   • Continue joining motifs across Row 2, centered over the row below.
3. Subsequent Rows: Continue this pattern until you place the final motif in the center of the top row.

Finishing the Shawl:

• Edging/Fringe: This is crucial for a motif shawl.
  • Edging: Work 2–3 rounds of shell stitch or a simple picot stitch around the entire outer V-shaped edge.
  • Fringe (Optional): Attach fringe along the longest straight edge (Row 1) for a bohemian look.

Tip: For both the Blouse and the Shawl, using a lighter weight yarn and the Join-As-You-Go method will ensure a soft, drapable fabric that doesn’t feel stiff.

Video tutorial: