Dive into the intricate beauty of the ‘Ocean Bloom’ Irish Lace Crochet Necklace. This stunning piece combines delicate crochet work with shimmering beads, creating a statement accessory reminiscent of a vibrant underwater garden. Perfect for experienced crocheters looking to craft a truly unique and elegant wearable art piece, this pattern guides you through creating a breathtaking floral medallion and elegant lace strap.
Craft Your Own Heirloom: The Art of Irish Crochet Jewelry
Beyond just a project, this pattern offers an opportunity to explore the rich tradition of Irish lace crochet. Each stitch is a testament to timeless craftsmanship, resulting in a wearable heirloom that will be cherished for years to come. The blend of vibrant blues and purples, accented with metallic gold and iridescent beads, ensures a luxurious finish that’s sure to turn heads.
Crochet Pattern: Exquisite “Ocean Bloom” Irish Lace Crochet Necklace Pattern
Materials
- Crochet thread size 10 in: Cream (MC), Light Blue (LB), Medium Blue (MB), Periwinkle Blue (PB), Lavender (LV), Deep Purple (DP)
- Metallic gold crochet thread size 10 (GT)
- Steel crochet hook 1.0mm (US size 12)
- Assorted seed beads (gold, iridescent blue, iridescent purple)
- Assorted glass/pearl beads (4mm, 6mm, 8mm in iridescent blue and purple)
- Jewelry clasp
- Jump rings
- Tapestry needle
- Small pliers (for jewelry assembly)
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- dtr: double treble crochet
- picot: ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp(s): space(s)
- rnd: round
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- tog: together
- MC: Main Color (Cream)
- LB: Light Blue
- MB: Medium Blue
- PB: Periwinkle Blue
- LV: Lavender
- DP: Deep Purple
- GT: Gold Thread
Instructions
Central Medallion (Start with Deep Purple – DP)
- Rnd 1: With DP, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 1, 8 sc into ring, sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 1, (sc in next st, ch 3, sk 1 st) 4 times. Sl st to first sc. (4 sc, 4 ch-3 sps)
- Rnd 3: With DP, ch 1, in each ch-3 sp: (sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to first sc. (4 petals)
- Rnd 4: Change to LB. Ch 1, working behind petals, sc in the sc between petals from Rnd 2. (Ch 4, sc in next sc between petals) 3 times. Ch 4, sl st to first sc. (4 ch-4 sps)
- Rnd 5: In each ch-4 sp: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to first sc. (4 petals)
- Rnd 6: Change to MB. Ch 1, working behind petals, sc in the sc between petals from Rnd 4. (Ch 5, sc in next sc between petals) 3 times. Ch 5, sl st to first sc. (4 ch-5 sps)
- Rnd 7: In each ch-5 sp: (sc, hdc, 4 dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to first sc. (4 petals)
- Rnd 8: Change to PB. Ch 1, working behind petals, sc in the sc between petals from Rnd 6. (Ch 6, sc in next sc between petals) 3 times. Ch 6, sl st to first sc. (4 ch-6 sps)
- Rnd 9: In each ch-6 sp: (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to first sc. (4 petals)
- Rnd 10: Change to LV. Ch 1, sc in each st around, making sure to work firmly around the previous petals. You’ll work into the tops of the previous round’s stitches and into the ‘spines’ of the petals. Aim for approximately 40-48 sc. Sl st to first sc.
- Rnd 11: With LV, ch 1, *sc in next 2 sts, picot, sc in next 2 sts*. Rep from * around. Sl st to first sc.
- Rnd 12: Change to MC. Ch 1, sc in each st around, working into the base of the picots. Approximately 48-56 sc. Sl st to first sc.
- Rnd 13: With MC, ch 1, *(sc in next 4 sts, picot), rep from * around. Sl st to first sc.
- Rnd 14: Change to GT. Ch 1, sc in each st around, working into the base of the picots. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off GT.
Small Flower Motifs (Make 6, 3 in DP, 3 in LB)
- Rnd 1: With chosen color (DP or LB), ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 9 hdc into ring, sl st to top of ch 2. (10 hdc)
- Rnd 2: *Ch 3, sk 1 st, sl st in next st*. Rep from * 4 times. (5 ch-3 sps for petals)
- Rnd 3: In each ch-3 sp: (sc, 2 dc, sc). Sl st to first sc. Fasten off, leave a tail for attaching.
Lace Rectangle Danglers (Make 4 in MC)
- Ch 9.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7 ch. Ch 1, turn. (8 sc)
- Row 2: Sc in first sc, *ch 3, sk 2 sts, sc in next st*. Rep from * once more. Ch 1, turn. (4 sc, 2 ch-3 sps)
- Row 3: Sc in first sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in last sc. Ch 1, turn. (9 sc)
- Row 4: Rep Row 2.
- Row 5: Rep Row 3.
- Row 6: Rep Row 2.
- Row 7: Rep Row 3.
- Edging: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire rectangle, making picots at each corner and mid-points on the long sides. Fasten off, leave a tail.
Necklace Straps (Make 2 in MC and GT)
This strap mimics a complex Irish crochet braid. Each strap should be approximately 8-10 inches long, or desired length for your necklace.
- With MC, ch 5.
- Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch. (4 sl sts)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sl st in each of the 4 sl sts.
- Rep Row 2 until strap reaches desired length. This forms a base cord.
- Now, working along one long edge of the base cord: With GT, attach to one end. Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in same sp, sk 1 sl st from cord, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next sl st, sk 1 sl st, dc in next sl st*. Rep * along the length of the strap. This creates a scalloped edge. Fasten off GT.
- Repeat the GT edging on the other long edge of the MC cord.
- Optional: Along the outer edge of the GT scallops, string small gold seed beads onto the GT, then use sl st or sc to attach them to the scallop points for extra sparkle.
Assembly
- Attach Danglers:
- Using GT and a tapestry needle, attach the 6 small flower motifs and 4 lace rectangle danglers to the bottom edge of the Central Medallion. Arrange them as seen in the image, with varying lengths.
- Use small jump rings and GT to connect larger iridescent beads to the bottom points of the danglers, and also between the flower motifs and rectangles. Mix sizes and colors of beads (blue, purple).
- Attach additional beads and shorter lengths of GT chains between some motifs to create a cascading effect.
- Attach Straps:
- Attach one end of each Necklace Strap to the upper-side edges of the Central Medallion using a few sl sts with MC and GT for a secure connection.
- At the other ends of the Necklace Straps, attach a jewelry clasp (one half to each strap) using jump rings.
- Weave in all ends securely.
Your “Ocean Bloom” Irish Lace Crochet Necklace is complete! Wear it with pride and enjoy the compliments.