The Wheel of Fortune Motif is a visually striking design that moves from a circular, “spinning” center to a stable square frame. It is called a “Wheel of Fortune” because of the radiating spokes that create a sense of motion.
This pattern is “unique” because it utilizes Post Stitches to create 3D spokes that mimic the look of a real wheel. It is perfect for textured blankets, bohemian bags, or even circular coasters if you stop before the “squaring” rounds.
🎡 The Wheel of Fortune Design Guide
Materials & Tools
Item
Recommended
Why?
Yarn
2 Contrasting Colors (A and B)
Highlight the “spokes” against the “background.”
Hook
4.0 mm (G) or 5.0 mm (H)
Depends on your yarn weight (DK or Worsted).
Notions
Stitch markers
Crucial for keeping track of the “spoke” count.
Special Stitch: Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)
To create the “spokes,” you will work around the body of the stitch from the previous row rather than into the top loops. This makes the stitch stand out.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Round 1: The Hub (Color A)
Start: Make a Magic Ring.
Stitches: ch 3 (counts as dc), work 15 dc into the ring.
Join: sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Total: 16 dc.
Round 4: The Spokes (Color B)
Change to Color B for a high-contrast wheel.
Start: Join yarn in any dc. ch 3 (counts as dc).
The Pattern:fpdc around the same dc stitch you just joined into.
Repeat:[1 dc in the next stitch, 1 fpdc around that same stitch] 15 more times.
Join: sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Result: 32 stitches. You should now see 16 raised spokes radiating from the center.
Round 3: The Rim
Start: ch 3.
The Pattern: Work 1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the following stitch.
Repeat:[1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next] around.
Join: sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Result: This creates a flat, circular “tire” for your wheel.
Round 4: Squaring the Wheel
We now turn the circle into a square using different stitch heights.
First Corner: ch 4 (counts as treble crochet). In the same stitch, work (2 tr, ch 3, 3 tr).
Side: * ch 1, skip 2 stitches.
3 dc in next stitch.
ch 1, skip 2 stitches.
3 hdc in next stitch.
ch 1, skip 2 stitches.
3 dc in next stitch.
ch 1, skip 2 stitches.
Next Corner: In the next stitch, work (3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr).
Repeat: Follow this sequence around to create 4 corners.
Join: sl st to the top of ch 4.
Round 5: The Finishing Frame
sc in every stitch around.
Corners: Work (sc, ch 2, sc) in the ch-3 corner spaces.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
✨ Design Insights for a Unique Look
The “Motion” Effect: To make the wheel look like it’s actually spinning, use a variegated (multi-colored) yarn for Round 2. As you work the fpdc spokes, the colors will shift radially.
The “Antique” Style: Use a single color (Off-White or Linen) but use a much smaller hook ($3.0\text{ mm}$). This turns the “Wheel of Fortune” into a sophisticated Victorian-style lace motif.
Tension Note: Post stitches (fpdc) tend to be tighter than regular stitches. If your wheel is “cupping” (curling inward), try to pull your loops a little higher when making the fpdc to keep the work flat.
🛠 Multi-Purpose Applications
The Fortune Blanket: Create 20 wheels in various bright colors and join them with a solid black “border” round. The contrast makes the wheels appear to “pop” off the blanket.
The Boho Bag: Join 2 large wheels (stop at Round 3) back-to-back. Add a long strap and a zipper for a perfectly circular “canteen” style bag.
The Statement Blouse: Use these squares for the back panel of a denim jacket or the center of a crochet summer top.
Would you like me to suggest a “Color Melt” sequence using three specific shades to give this wheel a sunset effect?
by 
