Get inspired this Meditation Day to crochet the Manipura Shawl, an easy pattern inspired by a lotus flower

05/15/2023

Crochet is a therapeutic craft that has been practiced for centuries, dating back to ancient times. It’s much more than a hobby: it is a mindful practice that can enhance your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With each stitch, you can improve your focus and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase your sense of accomplishment. It is a creative form of meditation, providing a calming and centering effect on the mind and body. 

It’s important to find the time to restore peace and tranquility within your soul. Vanessa (@Desteje), a yoga teacher and self-proclaimed crochet addict, shares with us a therapeutic perspective to crochet. She has a passion for designing crochet patterns with a focus on self-love. Crochet has numerous benefits, including enhancing self-esteem and creativity, strengthening social connections, and promoting a sense of satisfaction. One of the most significant benefits of crochet is its ability to reduce stress of everyday life. In this blog post, Vanessa shares her knowledge of therapeutic crochet to create a relaxing and well-being centered environment.

Discover the Manipura Shawl

One of Vanessa's recent creations is the Manipura shawl, which is inspired by the third chakra, and is made with 5 balls of Katia SeaCell Cotton. The chakras, or energy vortexes, are located along the spine and work to energize the body, promoting physical, emotional, and mental health. Each chakra is associated with a color, and Manipura is represented by the lotus flower with 10 yellow petals.

The Manipura shawl carries a powerful message: "You have the power to choose." When the body is in a state of harmony, it can facilitate the expression of our talents and promote serenity and healthy relationships with others. To achieve this state of well-being, Vanessa recommends laying your hands on the solar plexus region (the stomach), taking three slow, deep breaths, and visualizing a radiant yellow sun inside you that fills you with warmth and light. While doing this, repeat the message in your mind, feeling it radiate from your heart: "I have the power to choose." Wearing the Manipura shawl during this visualization can serve as a reminder of this moment of well-being whenever you wear it.

How to Crochet the Manipura Shawl

We recommend using Katia SeaCell Cotton as it is the perfect texture for a timeless shawl, and can be worn year-round.

Measurements:

Width 12 5/8” (32 cm) x Length 69 1/4” (176 cm)

Materials: 

• 4 balls of Katia SeaCell Cotton col. 102 (or any color you prefer)
• 1 ball of Katia SeaCell Cotton col. 104  (or any color you prefer)
• Crochet hook: G6 (U.S.)/(4 mm)
• Wool sewing needle 
• Scissors

Abbreviations:

• ch st – chain stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• ss – slip stitch
• inc – increase: work two dc in the same stitch
• dec – decrease: work two dc together
• R(s) – row(s)
• rep – repeat
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Crochet for Beginners VIDEOS

Gauge: Using the size G6 hook in dc: 17 sts & 10 rows = 4×4” (10×10 cm)

Notes: the Manipura shawl is made in two parts, the main body part and the border. The shawl is worked flat in rows going back and forth. Turn the work at the end of each row and work 3 ch sts to raise up the work. The 3 ch sts count as one st.

Main body section

Using Katia SeaCell Cotton col. 102 (or any color you prefer), make a magic ring and fill it with 3 ch sts and 2 dc.

R1-50: work dc in each dc on the row below, 1 inc in the third ch st of the 3 that raise up the work. (Total: 52 dc at the end of R50).

R51-101: dc in each dc on the row below.

R102-150: dc in each dc on the row below, 1 dec in the third ch st of the 3 that raise up the work.

R151: finish with 3 dc.

Work the lower part of the shawl with the same color in the following manner: 2 sc in each ch st and dc at the side (306 sc in total), cut the yarn and fasten off.

Border edge

Using Katia SeaCell Cotton col. 104 (or any color you prefer), join the yarn to the lower edge of the shawl and work one row in sc.

Work 1 dc in the same ch st that raises up the work, 2 dc, 4 ch sts, turn work, ss in the third ch st that raises up the work, 3 ch sts, turn work, 6 dc in the 4 ch st gap.

* 4 dc, 4 ch sts, turn work, insert hook in the separation space of the 4 dc and draw it out through the 4 ch st gap of the previous wave, ss, 1 ch st, turn work, 7 dc in the 4 ch st gap*.

Repeat from * to * until there are a total of 76 waves.

Work 2 dc and 2 dc in the last sc, 4 ch sts, turn work, insert the hook in the separation space of the 4 dc and draw it out through the 4 ch st gap of the previous wave, ss, 1 ch st, turn work, 7 sc in the 4 ch st space. Cut the yarn and fasten off.

Explore a new side to the meditative practice of stitching with this pattern and share your creations with the people who matter most in your life. There is no better time to get started than now!

Want to explore more shawl ideas? Discover a whole host of pattern designs and crochet kits, perfect for year-round garments.