American Terms Used: sl st = slip stitch, sC = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, htr = half treble crochet, tr = triple or treble crochet, st = stitch, sts = stitches sk = skip, sc2tog = single crochet 2 sts together, sc3tog = single crochet 3 together, dc2tog = double crochet 2 togeher, PM = place removable marker in the loop, PU = pick up. Materials: 1 dark yarn and 1 light yarn and a 3rd yarn is optional. Sample in the photo above was made with size 3 thread, called sage, Paton's Grace in a color called ginger, and a size 5 DMC variegated thread. Hook used: size E and B for the size 5 thread. Pattern notes: Work in the back loops (WIBL) after row 1. Right side will be facing at all times. 1. With color 1, Ch 15, in 2nd ch from the hook, {sc3tog} twice, {sc2tog} across rest of stitches. PM. Drop color 1. 2. Add color 2 and work in the loops on the outside edge, 2 sc in the next st, {2 hdc in the next st} 3 times, {3 dc in the next st} 4 times, {2htr} in last 6 sts. PM. 30 sts. 3. PU color 1, WIBL, 1 sc in first 5 sts, 2 sc in each st around. 55 sts 4. PU color 2, WIBL, sk 5 sts, sl st in next st, sc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, (3 hdc in next st) 3 times, 3 dc in next st, (1 dc in next, 2 dc in next 3 dc in next) 5 times, 1htr in next, 2 htr in next, 3 htr in next, (1 tr in next, 2 tr in next, 3 tr in next) twice, 1 htr in next, 2 htr in next, 3 htr in next, (1 dc in next, 2 dc in next 3 dc in next), twice, (2 hdc in next st) 7 times, sc in the last 2 sts. PM. 98 sts 5. PU color 1, WIBL, sl st in next st, sc in the next 5 sts, hdc in the next 3 or 4. From here on you will alternate sc and hdc at random. Also add some dc, and some dc2tog, followed by a dc and hdc. Over the tr section, work an htr2tog, followed by 2 tr, followed by htr2tog. The decreases will create some random points, and create a tear drop, just like in the nature. NOTE: When you get back to the beginning, PU both loops of both colors, ch 1, and sl st around the post of color 1 about 4 or 5 sts in or do an invisible join. Clip and weave in the ends. Everyone's stitch count will be different due to the nature of this row. You don't have too, but I secured the center of the spiral with a French knot.
Coleus Leaf Spiral By Melba Vincent
6. Optional: Working in the available front loops, add some surface crochet. I used slip stitches and started at the center, but you can start where you left off. This is where I used a size 5 DMC thread and a B hook.
This motif was created for the CAL/KAL held in the International Freeform Forum Group on Ravelry. If your stitch count doesn't come out exactly like mine, don't stress about it. Just make a couple of adjustments and continue on and call it a design element! Enjoy.
This version doesn't have round 6 or the French Knot.
