Easy Lacy Shamrock Pattern

Wow, this crochet shamrock pattern suddenly appeared as I was trying to make some lacy leaves the other evening. Good job it's not quite St Patrick's day! It's a real quickie, and you can either make an individual shamrock or join them together on a chain for a garland.

We'll start with the written instructions, then further down the page you can find

• the photo tutorial

• two suggestions for finishing off your shamrock

• how to make a garland

Written pattern

US Terms:

Start with a slip knot.

Round 1: ch 2.

In 2nd chain from hook, work the following: 1 sc, ch 7; 2 sc, ch 7; 2 sc, ch 7; 1 sc.

Join with a slip stitch into first sc. You can stitch mark the slip stitch you make if you like - this is the stitch we will work our last stitch into.

Round 2:

Around first leaf:  *ch 7, 1 sc into loop (I work this around the top center of the loop) ch 7, miss first sc between this loop and the next, ss into next sc*

Around second leaf: Repeat from * to *

Around third leaf: ch 7, 1 sc into loop, ch 7, miss sc after loop, ss into joining ss from last round (which we stitch marked!)

To finish with a stem, ch 7 and tie off. Pull the final tail end to really tighten up that last stitch, then snip the end off, leaving just a tiny bit sticking out of the bottom :)

See more about finishing below.

UK Terms:

Start with a slip knot.

Round 1: ch 2.

In 2nd chain from hook, work the following: 1 dc, ch 7; 2 dc, ch 7; 2 dc, ch 7; 1 dc.

Join with a slip stitch into first dc. You can stitch mark the slip stitch you make if you like - this is the stitch we will work our last stitch into.

Round 2:

Around first leaf:  *ch 7, 1 dc into loop (I work this around the top center of the loop) ch 7, miss first dc between this loop and the next, ss into next dc*

Around second leaf: Repeat from * to *

Around third leaf: ch 7, 1 dc into loop, ch 7, miss dc after loop, ss into joining ss from last round (which we stitch marked!)

To finish with a stem, ch 7 and tie off. Pull the final tail end to really tighten up that last stitch, then snip the end off, leaving just a tiny bit sticking out of the bottom :)

See more about finishing below.

Crocheted shamrock - Round 1:

Round 2:

Now work around the next loop in exactly the same way, working from * to * as described in the previous two photos.

Now for the last loop:

How to finish your shamrock

I tried various ways to finish this piece. There are two options, I think.

First, the method I think works best:

4. Then weave in your other end around the back center.

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Or try this method - also very effective, depending on your yarn:

Start your stem by taking hold of both tail ends.

Ch 2, pulling the two threads through each chain as you work.

Snip working end and pull both tail ends through loop. Tighten the knot.

Trim the ends evenly to an appropriate length:

Obviously, if your yarn frays a lot, you'd be better with the first method ;)

How to make the garland

Crochet a set of shamrocks.

Then make 17 chain for the 17th March :)

Take your first shamrock and, with the right side of the shamrock facing you, make a slip stitch into the sc (UK dc) that sits at the top of the middle leaf.

Ch 17, then join your next shamrock.

You can make shorter or longer lengths of chain, of course, to suit:

Enjoy making your shamrocks - and these three-leaf clovers make a fun little project at any time of year!

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