Petalique Make-A-Long: Final Hours for Discounted Patterns!
- Natalia Kononova
- 11 hours ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Image: Ruth Lambert (Yarn: Scheepjes Cotton Whirl 702 Cookies and Cream, Cotton Whirlette 806 Poppy Seed and 810 Cherry)
Hi everyone!
I wanted to say the MAL has ended, but it didn't, really—we continue as usual, except now we’ve become experts who can share our knowledge with others! We also snapped up patterns with a great discount that is going away tomorrow, July 30, so if you are new here, make sure to grab them while the deal lasts.
We will continue crocheting our Petaliques in the groups, and we are in for some awesome treats as finished blankets, bags, and pillows start popping up!
New milestones were reached this week: more finished projects and personal achievements. Let's dive in!
The MAL takes place in these Facebook groups:
OFFICIAL Scheepjes - International Group
OFFICIAL Scheepjes - Nederlandse Groep
Previous blog posts:
3 Patterns with 20% off until July 29 (last day):
Round Beginning Line - Can We Make It Invisible?
Q:
Fran Cine: I’ve already started on the bag back using two colors of Cotton Whirlette.
I feel the transition between the end and the start of the bag back side round is still too visible; the starting chain shows. I know, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but is there anything I can do—or avoid doing—to make that less noticeable?
I do pull both yarn strands tight when switching colors.
A: Fran's project looks absolutely great! The line where the round begins is visible, but it is difficult - or should I say impossible? - to make completely invisible. I honestly don't see what else can be done here to make it look any better.
I actually embrace minor imperfections in crochet because they show a piece was made by human hands. Especially now, when we see so much artificial, pixel-perfect content everywhere, seeing genuine handmade details feels like seeing a friend! We should just do our best - that's all we can really do.
The image on the left is Fran's, on the right is mine - the joining looks absolutely the same.
Loose Double Crochet Rounds
Q:
Fran Cine: I’ve noticed that the work gets looser during rounds 54–58, where you crochet entire rounds of single or double crochets. It’s probably partly due to the weight of the piece. Do others experience this? Do you switch to a hook that’s 0.25 or 0.5 mm smaller? I anchored all the double crochets in round 55, so it’s not as loose as it was before.
A: Indeed, when we make long double crochet rounds without any single crochet, they aren't bound to the previous row in the same way and can feel a bit loose. They will tighten up and behave as soon as you resume rounds with single crochet, but if it bothers you or occurs near the end of a project, try using a hook that's 0.25–0.5 mm smaller, working joined double crochets, or doing both.
Most asked question: Stitches after /2FPdtr in Rnds 30, 32, and 34
This relates to the stitches worked right after the two right-slanted front post double treble crochets (/2FPdtr). I marked the /FPdtr stitches in Rounds 30, 32, 34, and 41 in the photo below. This also applies to Rounds 102, 104, 106, and 113 of the blanket pattern.
My placement instructions could have been clearer here, so I updated the phrasing after seeing this question come up a few times.
How it was written originally (Rnds 30–34, 102–106):
sk 3dc, /2FPdtr, 5sc [or a different number of sc] (first 3 in dc and 2sc behind /FPdtr)
How it reads now:
sk 3dc, /2FPdtr, 5sc [or a different number of sc] (first 3 in 3rd skipped dc and 2sc behind /FPdtr)
I hope this cleared up any confusion! I didn't push a formal pattern update file since it wasn't technically an error, but I wanted to point out this little spot where several makers got tripped up.
Tip: A general rule to help identify stitch placement is to look for the 2 single crochets behind the /FPdtr first - the double crochet right before them is where you work your first single crochet. Tracing stitches backward almost always works!
Estimating Your Project's Final Size
This is especially important for a wall hanging since we usually work with a fixed frame size! We all crochet with different tensions, and even if you start with one tension, it can loosen up or tighten as you go - which is why we typically work on two sleeves simultaneously when making a sweater.
The good news? It’s easy to calculate your project's final size once you’ve completed a few rounds - and the further along you are, the more accurate your calculation will be.
Example:
I was making a wall hanging, and after Round 57, my piece measured 41.3 cm across the center. The full wall hanging design is 69 rounds total, and my target frame size was 50 cm.
To estimate the final size:
69 rounds x 41.3 cm / 57 rounds = 50 cm
So, I was right on the track!
If my piece had measured larger than target, I could simply skip the last few rounds of the border - the design looks complete and finished after almost any round. Our tester Karin Terpstra did just that, and it turned out beautifully!
Header: Pivot Time – Turning a Wall Hanging or Cushion into a Blanket mid-project?
When you’re deep into a project, love how it feels in your hands, and realize... “Wait, do I actually want this to be a whole blanket?”
Jacqueline Boivin hit that exact moment of reflection around Row 63!
Q: Jacqueline Boivin: Working on my 63rd row. Will have a moment of reflection to see if I will make the blanket. Love the drape! But that means purchasing another Whirl and a delay. Decided to work rows 57–68 in Cashew instead of Toffee. Any thoughts? Back of cushion will be in Cashew.
A: Jacqueline’s project looks absolutely stunning! Changing colorways mid-stream like this can yield fantastic results, but if you’re thinking about pivoting from the wall hanging/cushion track over to the blanket track after Round 56, there is an important pattern detail to keep in mind!
The blanket border branches off after Round 56:
It has 4 additional rounds - its border ends with Round 74, whereas the pillow/wall-hanging border ends at Round 69 (and skips the final double crochet round).
There are two reasons for this: I needed to fit the wall-hanging into a specific frame size, while the blanket required a higher stitch count to set up for Section 3.
If you find yourself in Jacqueline’s shoes and want to switch to the blanket path mid-way:
Option A (By the book): Frog back to Round 56 and follow the blanket instructions directly from there.
Option B (The shortcut): If you’ve already worked past Round 56 following the wall hanging/cushion instructions, you can add 4 extra rounds after your border to reach the required stitch count before starting Section 3 - though keep in mind that extra plain space might look a bit off visually!
So whether you decide to keep it as a cushion or grab another Whirl for a full blanket, you’ve got options!
🏆 The First Annual (and Entirely Imaginary) Petalique Awards
I guess the initial panic over new techniques and weird stitches has finally settled down into a peaceful collective groove, because the barrage of emergency questions has slowed to a gentle trickle! Since this is the last official week of the MAL, I decided it was time for some serious, highly official recognition.
So, grab your imaginary velvet cushions - it’s time to hand out the trophies!
🥇 The Ultimate Multitasker Award
Winner: Megan Edwards
I still cannot fully process this, but Megan crochets her Petalique exclusively while powering along on a treadmill at 7.5 km/h. When I first read her post, I assumed my brain was just skimming (as a one-person operation answering dozens of messages a day, I read diagonally - now you know why I’m so off sometimes; that and menopause).
I used to feel so accomplished crocheting at my standing desk! Well, right up until Megan entered the chat. The least she could have done was post a few wonky stitches to make the rest of us feel human. But no - she is power-walking and producing immaculate gauge. Oh, and she actually likes puff stitches too? Show-off! 😉
🥈 The "Living My Best Life" Outdoor Crocheter Award
Winners: Stephanie Dorgelo, Karin McKelvey, Ineke Laagland, and Fran Cine
We had a tight race for this category! I am green with envy over everyone crocheting in fresh air and sunshine. I would join you in a heartbeat if I weren't at risk of literally boiling alive the second I step outside into the heat and humidity. Bask in the breeze for the rest of us, please!
🥉 The Employee of the Month: Best Furry Assistant
Winners: Shanti Louise Shivaya Grafström, Fran Cine, and Birgit Vepsäläinen
These makers clearly know how to delegate! Having a fluffy supervisor on lap duty is essential for proper quality control. Extra applause for Fran Cine, who is double-dipping this week with trophies for both Outdoor Crocheting and Executive Pet Management! 🎉
✈️ The Professional Overpacker (Traveling Crocheter) Award
Winner: Jane Ross
Let’s review the non-negotiable rules of craft travel:
Bottom of suitcase: Backup project, just in case you finish the main one.
Top of suitcase: Main project - must be easily accessible at all times.
Carry-on: Basically a dedicated yarn tote for the plane (either your main project or a smaller sub-project if the main one has grown into a lap blanket).
If you’re traveling by car? All rules are off. When we went on a two-week road trip last winter, I packed three entire bags of yarn and projects because what if I wasn't in the mood for option B?!
Jane Ross gets this award for masterful packing efficiency: her project fits in a carry-on, has plenty of mileage left, and is currently enjoying the scenery in Ubud, Bali!
🎨 The "Rules Are Just Suggestions" Award
Winners: Connie Hans & Sandra van Dis
Some makers just refuse to follow the crowd, and we love them for it!
Connie Hans turned her panel into a clever envelope-style pillow! She used an acrylic baby yarn with a 2.5 mm hook, hit 20.5 inches wide, and decided: "Why stop here?" She wrapped it around the form, added buttonholes, and called it a masterpiece.
Sandra van Dis created a brilliantly framed wall hanging using Scheepjes Whirl (in Jumpin' Jaffa Pop) and Whirlette (in Bitter Coffee). Absolutely gorgeous custom styling!
👯 The Double Trouble (Two-at-a-Time) Award
Winners: Iris van Meer, Jo Dry & Femke van der Poll
Making one wasn't enough, so they decided to make two at the same time. This MAL was actually the first time I’d ever witnessed this phenomenon! At first I was bewildered, but then I realized it’s absolute genius: the muscle memory is fresh, the second piece goes twice as fast, and if you get tired of one colorway, you can just switch to the other without feeling guilty. High five to you!
Q:
Iris van Meer: Is there any difference between the patterns up until row 55 😁? Cause i love doing it this way, but comparing the lines one by one seems exhausting.... 🙈
A: Yes, the instructions are completely the same up to Round 55! :)
⭐ The Persistence Is Key (3rd Time's a Charm) Star
Winner: Lynn Garibay Cruz Daniels
How many frogging attempts are too many? According to Lynn, three is the magic number to get it perfect - and I applaud that level of sheer determination! Perseverance at its finest.
Lynn Garibay Cruz Daniels: This is my 3rd attempt using the helpful videos and two cakes of cotton whirl yarn - Scheepjes Cotton Whirl yarn 737 Teal Tempest & Scheepjes Cotton Whirl yarn 711 Sprinkles. I’m working on the Wall Hanging. I’m enjoying the process and watching the design development.
Finished MAL Projects
Our collection grew by one finished project from Connie Hans this week!
Connie Hans: Pillow made with non-Scheepjes yarn
Amber Sky: Bag made with Whirl in Shrinking Violet
Rineke Rottiné: Pillow made with Scheepjes Cotton Create.
Lida VanVliet: Bag made with Scheepje Whirlette Ice and Liquorice.
Sandra van Dis: 2 Wall-Hangings Set made with Scheepjes Whirl in 771 Jumpin' Jaffa Pop, Whirlette in 883 Bitter Coffee
Ineke Laagland: Bag made with Scheepje Whirlette Ice and Liquorice
What You’ve Been Up To This Week
Huge thank you for posting your progress photos! You’re not only making gorgeous things, but you’re also basically co-writing these weekly updates with all your great questions and ideas.
Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts
Thank you all so much for sharing your love for these patterns, along with the honest triumphs and challenges along the way!
They say we should probably only make things we actually have space for... but where's the fun in that? If room is the issue, we'd all much rather build bigger walls or start a strict seasonal art rotation! Renée Beumer-Fonteyne summed up all our craft-room struggles perfectly:
Renée Beumer-Fonteyne: I don't know yet what it will end up being - I already have so much hanging on the wall 🤭😉.
On that very relatable reality-check note, I’m wrapping up our official Petalique MAL blog post series!
Thank you so much for being such incredible sports, for cheering each other on, and for all your amazing support throughout this event. While the official blog series is ending, our crochet party doesn't stop here! We’ll keep hooking along together in the group. If you ever hit a roadblock or need a second set of eyes, just tag me (@Natalia Kononova) in your post!
If you’ve enjoyed this design journey and love mosaic crochet, I have an entire collection of patterns waiting for your next project (click any image below to check out the pattern page):
Happy crocheting, everyone!
Natalia