Sampler Square #8 - Katherine Wheel

Designed by Laurinda Reddig of ReCrochetions

Special Stitches:
Five Double Crochet Shell (5-dc shell): Work 5 dc in one stitch. For tops of Katherine Wheels, shells will be worked in the 1st ch following each Cluster so that all stitches are worked in the same space, forming a “wheel”.
Five Double Crochet Cluster (dc5tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 5 times; Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Three Double Crochet Cluster (dc3tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 3 times; Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Two Double Crochet Cluster (dc2tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times; Yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.


Pattern:This pattern is now exclusively available in the ReCrochetions Presents: Rowan’s Learn to Crochet Sampler Afghan Book. Available in Right and Left-handed Editions (see links -->). The book also contains 4 more simple baby blanket patterns and a newborn hat, and 30 complete step-by-step tutorial.

Notes: Clusters are formed by working the first part of a taller stitch like double crochet or treble in several stitches, leaving 1 loop from each stitch on the hook. Then all the loops are connected into 1 stitch by yarning over once more and pulling through all of the loops on your hook. Clusters can be used to decrease stitches as seen in the Chevrons in Square #6.

I know Katherine Wheels are generally spelled with a “C”, but I decided to name this square after my midwife and friend who helped me deliver both my girls, Rowan and Willow. Every year on Rowan's birthday, Katherine and her family have joined us to hike up the local mountain where we spread Rowan's ashes. Perhaps, after our hike this year, we will head to the local hospitals with loads of finished Sampler Afghans to donate to the families at the two local NICUs and bereavement departments where we have donated in the past.