Good Morning!
I hope you are all excited and ready for Part 3 of Sophie’s Universe. At the end of part 3, you will have a beautifully bright Mandala. This Mandala has its own Ravelry Page, so feel free to add your projects there as well.
Sophie’s Universe Part 3 {Photo Tutorial}
©Dedri Uys 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Special design credit to Chris Simon for allowing me to use a modified version of her Lace Petals flower.
Resources
- Add this CAL to your Ravelry Queue
- Sophie’s Universe CAL 2015 Information
- Use the Print-friendly button at the bottom (right) of this post to print/save this tutorial. Don’t know how? Find out HERE.
- **Part 3 VIDEO TUTORIAL** by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell
Translations
- Dutch Photo Tutorial by Dianne Baan
- German Translation by Gabriele Rogers
- Spanish Translation by Lynda Hernandez
- Danish Translation by Tina Poulsen
- Finnish Translation by Sari Åström
- French Translation by Sandra Larvin (with Video Tutorials by Géraldine Cymer)
- Russian Translation (with Video) by Natalie V. Alimpieva
- Swedish CAL Information by Emma Vingqvist, Agnetha Magnusson, Åza Karlsson, and Ulrika Larsson
- Arabic Video Tutorial by Banan Felimban
Materials
See the Information Post.
| Colours for Part 3 | |||
 |
 |
 |
|
| Cotton 8 | Softfun | Stonewashed XL | |
| Round 16 | Canary | Canary | Deep Amethyst |
| Round 17 | Light Pink | Light Rose | Deep Amethyst |
| Round 18 | Pink | Rose | Lemon Quartz |
| Round 19 | Fuchsia | Bordeaux | Lemon Quartz |
| Round 20 | Moors | Cyclamen | Green Agate |
| Round 21 | Light Green | Olive | Green Agate |
| Round 22 | Turquoise | Dark Turquoise | Amazonite |
| Round 23 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Amazonite |
| Round 24 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
| Round 25 | Light Turquoise | Light Blue | Moonstone |
Size
| Large | Medium | Small | |
| Sophie’s Universe (End of Part 3) | 50 cm (just under 20 “) | 40 cm (just under 16″) | 30 cm (just under 12″) |
Abbreviations
US Terminology used (US/UK comparison chart here)
- Ch – Chain
- Dc – Double crochet
- Fpdc – Front post double crochet
- Fpdtr – Front post double treble
- Fptr – Front post treble crochet
- Hdc – Half-double crochet
- Sc – Single crochet
- Sl st – Slip stitch
- St/st’s – Stitch/stitches
- * – Repeat instructions between asterisks the number of times specified. This is a hardcore repeat and will consist of multiple instructions.
- () – Repeat instructions between parentheses the number of times specified. This is a lower level repeat.
Special Stitches
- Cluster : Dc3tog – see this tutorial.
- Crab stitch: This stitch is also known as the reverse single crochet. See this tutorial.
- Popcorn stitch: Make 5 dc’s in the same stitch. Remove your hook from the last stitch. Insert your hook into the first dc of the 5 dc’s. Grab the last stitch with your hook and pull it through the first stitch. Ch 1. See this tutorial.
- Standing Stitches: Standing sc’s, hdc’s, and dc’s are stitches used to start the round without the need for the traditional beginning chain. Links to tutorials are supplied in each relevant round.
Invisible Join
If you would like to use the invisible join instead of the sl st join at the end of each round, you can find a step-by-step photo tutorial here. If you DO decide to use it, make very sure that you understand which stitch to join to and which stitch to start your new round in, otherwise, your mandala is going to come out all wonky!
Instructions
Rounds 1 – 15
You can find the links for Rounds 1 – 15 HERE.
Round 16
Hint: The hdc’s worked into the picots should fall in the 4th sc made into the ch-6 space.
- If you are going to use the same colour, sl st into the next st and then ch 2 (this counts as your first hdc). Hdc in the next 3 st’s.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing half-double crochet in the st after the sl st join. Hdc in the next 3 st’s {Photo 1}.
*Catch the picot by making a hdc through the picot from Round 13 and into the next st of Round 15 (so through both layers as before) – see Photo 2. Hdc in the next 5 st’s {Photo 3} and make a fptr around the post of the fpdc from Round 14 {Photo 4}. Skip the next st of Round 15 and Make 2 hdc’s in the next st {indicated with an arrow in Photo 5 and illustrated in Photo 6}. Fptr around the same fpdc from Round 14 {Photo 7}. Skip the next st of Round 15 and hdc in the next 4 st’s {Photo 8}.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 4 hdc’s on the last repeat {Photo 9}. Join to the top of the beginning ch-2 (or standing hdc) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 168 st’s {144 hdc’s and 24 fptr’s}
Round 17
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 1 and sc in the same st. Sc in the next 4 st’s {Photo 1}.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing single crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Sc in the next 4 st’s.
*Fpdc around the picot from Round 13 {indicated with an arrow in Photo 1 and illustrated in Photos 2 and 3}. Skip the next st from Round 16 and sc in the next 6 st’s {Photo 4}. Make 2 sc’s in the next st {Photo 5}. Sc in the next 6 st’s {Photo 6}.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 5 sc’s on the last repeat. Join to the top of the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 180 st’s {168 sc’s and 12 fpdc’s}
Note
In the next 3 rounds, Sophie has a tendency to buckle. This will correct itself in Rounds 21 and 22, so don’t worry about it. If your stitch count is spot on, you’ll be fine.
Round 18
Update: A few of you seem to be struggling with this round. I have now linked to a better tutorial (by Tamara from Moogly) to make it easier for you to understand how the popcorn should be made. Remember that the 5-dc popcorn stitch is closed with a ch st.
- If you are going to use the same colour, sl st into the next 3 st’s so that you end up in the second sc before the fpdc. Ch 2 (this counts as your first hdc). Hdc in the next st.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing half-double crochet in the second sc before any fpdc from the previous round. Hdc in the next st {Photo 1}.
*Make a popcorn stitch in the next st, which will be the fpdc {Photo 2}. Hdc in the next 4 st’s {Photo 3}. Fptr around the fptr from Round 16 {Photo 5}. Skip the next st of Round 17 {indicated with an arrow in Photo 5}. Hdc in the next 2 st’s. Make 2 hdc’s in the next st. Hdc in the next 2 st’s {Photo 6}. Fptr around the fptr from Round 16 {Photo 7}. Skip the next st of Round 17. Hdc in the next 3 st’s {Photo 8}.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 2 hdc’s on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-2 (or the standing hdc) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 192 st’s {156 hdc’s, 12 popcorns and 24 fptr’s}
Round 19
Identifying which “loops” to work into for the popcorn stitch: for the purposes of this pattern, the “top” of the popcorn stitch will be the first dc of the 5-dc’s used to create the popcorn. You will find the loops for this stitch immediately to the right and slightly behind the popcorn (to the left if you are left-handed) – see the arrow in Photo 2. When you work into the first dc of the 5-dc popcorn like this (Photo 2), you will skip the ch st on top of each popcorn (indicated with an arrow in Photo 1).
- If you are going to use the same colour, sl st to the popcorn stitch. Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc).
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in any popcorn stitch around {Photo 2}.
Dc in the next 15 st’s. *Dc in the next stitch, which should be the Popcorn Stitch. Dc in the next 15 st’s.* Repeat from * to * 10 more times. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing dc) with a sl st.
Photo 3 below shows the first dc after the Popcorn completed. Note the skipped ch st at the top of the Popcorn.
Stitch Count: 192 dc’s
Round 20
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). Dc in the next 3 st’s.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Dc in the next 3 st’s.
*Fpdtr around the fptr from Round 18 {Photo 1}. Skip the next st of Round 19 and dc in the next 10 st’s {Photo 2}. Fpdtr around the fptr from Round 18 {Photo 3}. Skip the next st of Round 19 and dc in the next 4 st’s {Photo 4}. The first dc should fall in the dc in the top of the popcorn stitch.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 4 dc’s on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 192 st’s {168 dc’s and 24 fpdtr’s}
Round 21
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). Dc in the next st.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Dc in the next st.
*Make 2 dc’s in the next st. Dc in the next 3 st’s. The last dc should fall in the dc after the fpdtr from the previous round {Photo 1}. (Ch 2 and make a cluster) three times {Photos 2 and 3}. Ch 2 and dc in the next 3 st’s {Photo 4}.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 2 dc’s on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 132 st’s and 48 ch-2 spaces {96 dc’s and 36 clusters }
Round 22
At this point, the “petals” formed by your front post stitches are almost complete. In this round, you will be forming the points of the petals.
Do not worry if your mandala starts to curl in this round, it will straighten out in the next round.
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 1 and sc in the same st. Sc in the next 2 st’s.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing single crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Sc in the next 2 st’s.
*Fpdtr around the fpdtr from Round 20 to the left of the popcorn stitch (right, if you are left-handed) – see Photo 1. Fpdtr around the fpdtr from Round 20 to the right of the popcorn stitch (left, if you are left-handed) – see Photo 2. Skip the next st of Round 21. Sc in the next 3 st’s {Photo 3}. (Make 2 sc’s in the next ch-2 space, sc in the top of the next cluster) three times. Make 2 sc’s in the last ch-2 space {Photo 4}. Sc in the next 4 st’s {Photo 5}.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 3 sc’s on the last repeat. Join to the first sc with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 240 st’s {216 sc’s and 24 fpdtr’s}
Round 23
Note: When working around the fpdtr’s from the previous round, you will make one fpdc around both posts (together) and skip the tops of these 2 st’s. The arrows in Photo 4 indicate the tops of the fpdtr’s that will be skipped.
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 3 (this counts as your first dc). Dc in the next 2 st’s.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Dc in the next 2 st’s {Photo 1}.
*Make a fpdc around the posts of both fpdtr’s from Round 22 {Photos 2 and 3}. See Note above if you need help with this. Dc in the next 18 sc’s {Photo 5}. Don’t accidentally skip the first sc after the fptr’s.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 3 dc’s on the last repeat. Join to the top of the beginning ch-3 (or the standing double crochet) with a sl st.
Stitch Count: 228 st’s {216 dc’s and 12 fpdc’s}
Round 24
In this round, you will be making increases by working into the loops (tops) of the fpdc’s AND around the posts.
- If you are going to use the same colour, ch 1 and sc in the same st. Sc in the next st.
- If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing single crochet in the same st as the sl st join. Sc in the next st.
*Hdc in the next 2 st’s. The last hdc should fall in the top of the fpdc from the previous round {Photo 1}. Fpdc around the post of the fpdc from the previous round {Photo 2}. Hdc in the next 2 st’s {Photo 3}. Sc in the next 15 st’s.* Repeat from * to * 11 more times, omitting the last 2 sc’s on the last repeat. Join to the first sc with a sl st. Fasten off and work away your tails of yarn.
Stitch Count: 240 st’s {180 sc’s, 48 hdc’s, and 12 fpdc’s}
Please Note: I have used Canary in the photos below to better illustrate the stitches, but I have used light turquoise in my final blanket.
Round 25 (Optional)
This round is optional. The crab stitch tends to make a lot of people “crabby”, but I quite like making it. Don’t worry if your mandala starts wobbling slightly when you make the crab stitch round. Once you’ve blocked it, it will be right as rain.
Start in any stitch around with a standing single crochet (Photo 1). Make a crab stitch in each st around (Photos 2 and 3).
If you are not familiar with the crab stitch, see this video tutorial. When you get to the end of the round, make a crab stitch in the same stitch as the standing single crochet. No need to join with a sl st. In fact, I’ll give you an apple if you manage to do it! Just fasten off and work away your tails of yarn.
Stitch Count: 240 crab stitches
See the “wobble” I was talking about? It looks a little bit worse in the photo than it actually was.
This is nothing to be alarmed about. It is caused by the fact that the crab stitch takes up more space and is denser than normal single crochet. Because of this, it stretches the last round slightly. Once your mandala is blocked it should be perfect!
If you are going to continue with the CAL there is no need to block at this point. We will square this mandala up next week and that will get rid of the “wobble”.
And now that we’ve gotten all the formalities out of the way I have a little mister who would like to say hello. Of the 3 blankets I am making, the Softfun seems to be his favourite.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Carol says
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have ordered the book because this will be my next blanket project!
Right now I’m making a pillow cover with a dk wool that will take me through part 3. I’m impressed with your thorough easy-to-follow directions with pictures. I doubted my ability to make this interesting pattern, but just follow along and trust the pattern and it turns out great. Thanks again!
Dedri Uys says
Ooh, have you shared any photos of your pillow cover? I would love to see it!
Leslie A Price says
I agree This has made me feel so capable. Dedri makes it possible by her thorough instruction. Thank you Dedri.
Dedri Uys says
Aww, thank you xx
Sara says
I’m on round 20 and having an issue. The written pattern calls for a fpdtr, but in the video on YouTube she uses a fptr. I waited to see if maybe she changed it before moving on to round 21, but it looks like she left the fptr. I can tell in the video that the fptr is too short and is really making her example buckle. Which one is right?
Dedri Uys says
Hi, it should be a fpdtr. There are notes with the vidoes that tell you where she made a mistake. It is always worth looking at those before starting a video. There aren’t many mistakes, but one or two did creep in. The written pattern has been thoroughly tested, so when in doubt, follow that :)
Stephanie M says
I also managed to join my cran stitch at the end. I’m eating a Honeycrisp now! Great pattern.
Dedri Uys says
Haha. Well done. Nomnom.
JeanM says
Hello, in the link to part three the rows stated are the same as the rows for part two. However, the link takes you to the correct part three. I thought I may bring it to your attention to avoid confusing the crocheters.
Thanks for a beautiful project, so well written and explained.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jean, I am not sure which link you are referring to. I have had a look at the information page and the link states Rounds 16 – 25, which is correct. Am I looking at the wrong link?
Kimberly Williams says
Hi Dedri
This is my first time attempting a mandala and I chose Sophie’s universe to challenge myself. I’m a fairly new of the intermediate level of crochet and I have a habit of not counting my rows after I complete them. I have managed to make it to part 3 and now I’m having problems. Once I made it to round 19 I had 209 stitches instead of 192. I took my work down to round 16 now but I see that even to round 8 my count is off. Any suggestions on correcting my work from round 16? I don’t want to start over or take anymore of my work down.
Hhhheeeellllpppp Ppppllleeeeaaasseeee!!!!
Thanks,
Kimberly
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kimberly. I am sorry to hear that you have had issues with your stitch counts. Unfortunately this pattern is heavily reliant on accurate stitch count and placement. If you have a photo, I can try to help you fudge round 16, but I think it is very important that you figure out why the stitch counts are going wrong so that you can address it and prevent it from happening again. This pattern is a wonderful vehicle for learning new techniques and expanding your knowledge (and comfort zone)… if you will let it. I used to hate counting and back post stitches, now they are my friends!
Dale says
If I may be so bold, I would like to offer a bit of advice! The pattern is divided into twelve equal portions. So when I begin each round, the first thing I do is look for some “landmarks” from the previous round. Then I read the pattern to determine what stitches should be placed between those landmarks.
For example, in round 16 I chose the FPDC stitches around the picots as my landmarks. Between those FPDCs I need to make 6 SCs, 2 SCs in one st, and 6 more SCs. When I have completed these 14 SCs I should be at my next picot and ready to make my next FPDC. If I don’t have my 14 sts between my landmarks then I know I need to rip and fudge.
This pattern is fantastic because it shows pictures of what the round should look like when it is done. So look at the photos and read the written instructions, and then work one section at a time to be sure you have the proper number of sts in each section.
Hope this was helpful!
Dale
Susanna says
Hi there, thanks for this beautiful pattern! Just to say, in round 22 I’m right handed and I find it easier to go into the fpdtr on the right of the popcorn stitch first, otherwise the raised petals look wonky!
Veneda Green says
So, when do I get my apple? LOL
Dedri Uys says
Erm…I accidentally ate it, sorry! But joking aside…did you really do it? I might have to crochet you a tiny apple if you did x
Valerie says
Hi, great pattern so far! Got stuck on round 23 though? I only have 15 sc instead of 18? Cannot see where I’ve gone wrong?
Dedri Uys says
Have you got a photo, Valerie?
Diane says
Same problem here. 18 previous row, 15 as plus 2 hdc on either side comes to 19
Row 24
Dedri Uys says
There are 19 sts per repeat in Round 23. In Round 24, you are increasing in each repeat, giving you a total of 20 sts per repeat. When you make the first 2 hdc, the last one will fall in the top of the FPdc from the previous round. The next FPdc is made around the post of that same FPdc, creating your increase. Please have a look at the video for that round as it explains it much better than I am able to with only words.
Good luck!
Rosalie says
In round 19 are you working in the last hdc of round 18 instead of the 1st dc of the popcorn stitch after the 15th stitch?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Rosalie, Each repeat starts with a dc in the Popcorn stitch, in other words, in the first dc of the 5-dc popcorn. That is followed by 15 dc’s. There are 12 repeats of 16 stitches, each starting in a popcorn stitch, and ending in the last stitch before the next popcorn. If you are having problems with this, have a look at the video tutorial for this part. Esther shows you exactly how to work into the popcorns.
I hope that helps,
Dedri
lillian says
hello!Dedri,
I would like to ask a question，The total number of stitches lap 19 it was 192 ?
I ‘ve skipped the popcorn needle , but the number of knitting needles out of 192 or not 180. correct?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lillian. It should be 192 stitches. You are not skipping the popcorn, you are just working into the first dc of the popcorn instead of into the ch-st that closes the popcorn.
Furrzanah Bassa says
Hi Dedri
I am fairly new to crochet having just started learning it via online classes. I did learn as a young girl how to chain stitch. Having seen Sophies Garden & Sophies universe i decided to give it a try. The pattern is absolutely amazing & I must say i am greatly encouraged by your tutorials. I have gotten to round 8 only but will definitely go further. Its absolutely gorgeous
You are amazing to make up something so beautiful & share it as well. I cant wait to carry on
Thanks a million
Furrzanah
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Furrzanah. I look forward to hearing how you progress!
Sara says
I am having trouble with round 20. The video doesn’t help I have a huge gab of stitches and the end of the round.
Dedri Uys says
Sara, have you got a photo?
Kaakeli says
Hello! Thank you so much about this gorgeus pattern!!! It is so well written and the pictures clearing me a rest that i don’ t quite understand from written part (i’m from finland). This is the perfect pattern for cheering up the winter time, this brings summer in my heart!
I can’t Thank you enough☺
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome. I am glad you are finding it ok to make!
Monique says
Absolutely <3 3 this pattern! Enormous kudos to you Dedri for sharing this fantastic pattern with its showcase of delightful stitches. I’ve also gotta say that your pattern has the best tips, directions, notes and helpful, close-up pics I’ve ever come across. What a joy to follow and discover!
Both my sister and I intended to start this project in Winter 2016-17 but it was simply too delightful to resist. I started mine 4 days ago and just finished the optional Row 25. You weren’t kidding when you said the crab stitch makes some people crabby. :-) Still, I’m glad it’s on because it sure is pretty.
Incidentally, my sister is about to start hers as well–no waiting till this fall for her either. Guess my blathering on and on about how fun and cheery its been to make was more than she could take.
Thanks again from the bottom of my cheered-in-the-middle-of-winter heart.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Monique.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful comment. I must be odd, because I quite like the crab stitch. Once you realize how to pull through (away from you, not sideways), it becomes much easier and quite soothing.
Enjoy doing this project with your sister!
Dedri
Lorna says
Started this a couple of days ago and just working my popcorn stitch row. Really enjoying how each row adds a new dimension to the blanket. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. Beautifully written pattern and very easy to follow, thank you.
Lorna
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lorna. Thank you so much :)
Fruzsina says
Hi Dedri, just found your website this week and started the mandala 2 days ago and I am about to finish it – a first of this kind of projects for me as so far I only did amigurumi and small ornaments (learnt to crochet about 2 years ago from the internet lol). I was afraid of bigger projects because of the lack of my experience and also getting bored with bigger pieces easily but not with his one – it is such a fun to make with all the color changes and each round brings something new and exiting. I got so confident yesterday – after completing the round with the popcorn stiches correctly for the first trial – that today I went out and bought some more yarn and will continue to expand the mandala into the garden (and then possibly even to universe, who knows). Thank you very much for this beautiful pattern and tutorial, kind regards from Austria
Dedri Uys says
Hi Fruzsina.
I am so excited to hear that your confidence is growing (and that you might continue on with the pattern). Please let me know how you get on :)
Glorie Kayhart says
Hi, my name is Glorie. I’m deaf and proud of it. I follow your video and read pattern same times. I’m on part 3 now, wow. Smile
Dedri Uys says
Part 3 already? That was quick!
Jan says
You mentioned squaring it up in the next week. Where is the directions for this and the squares to add on to? I want to finish this and it has really been fun, but want to continue the fun just a little bit longer.
Love this pattern! Thanks for all the help
!Jan
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jan. All the parts are listed in the information post HERE. Part 4 is the squaring up.
Kayla says
I am loving this! I was looking for a large center for some squares I crocheted for a blanket that needed some interest. (My daughters clicked this link through Pinterest while I wasn’t looking, & I fell in love). I haven’t crocheted since I was pregnant, & despite having to restart some rounds & make more corrections as I go, this is an absolutely gorgeous pattern, & its free! I’ve told my local yarn shop about this pattern, & I haven’t been back in since I started this, but I’d say they’re drooling over this too!
Dedri Uys says
I am so pleased that you like the pattern, Kayla. Let’s hope this is the start of a new crochet chapter in your life ;)
Louna says
Hi, is blocking a must? I don’t have the means to block right now and I’m wondering if my blanket won’t look as pretty? Can I block it when the entire thing is done and it look good?
Dedri Uys says
Louna, hi. You can block it when it’s all done, but blocking it at the end of part 7 will help you determine if you need to go up a hook size at the start of part 8. If you are not going to block, I suggest that you do go up at the start of part 8.