Mosaic Crochet Creations
Get Yer Hook On
The Kelpies
The Kelpies is a design I’ve wanted to create for a long time.
They’re not far from where I live, and I’ve always thought these magnificent horses would make a wonderful mosaic crochet blanket.
Scottish sculptor Andy Scott created the sculptures, which stand beside the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk.
Their name comes from the water horses of Scottish folklore, while the two heads were modelled on real Clydesdales, Duke and Baron, celebrating the working horses that played such an important part in Scotland’s industrial past.
I love the connection between the horses and the canal beside them. Horses once walked these towpaths pulling barges, and now these two enormous heads stand overlooking the water. There’s something really lovely about bringing that history together with the mythical water horses of Scottish folklore. It gave me plenty to think about as I worked on the design.
Because they’re works of art in their own right, I felt it was important to get permission before turning them into a crochet design. I contacted Andy, which led to some lovely conversations with him and his wife, Hanneke, and I was absolutely delighted to be given permission to go ahead.
I’m so happy with how this one turned out. Photographing the finished blankets at The Kelpies, including inside Duke, made it even more special.
This pattern includes all the charts and written instructions you need to complete the blanket, with US and UK versions for both right- and left-handed crocheters. Full charts compatible with Knit Companion are also included.
The blanket is worked in the overlay mosaic crochet technique, with instructions for two- and three-colour versions and a double border.
You can use any yarn and corresponding hook you like; just remember that high-contrast colours work best for mosaic crochet. The examples shown use Yarnsmiths Create DK and Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK Prints, and each colourway is detailed within the pattern.
Using DK yarn and a 4mm hook, with a 3mm hook for the double border, the finished blanket measures approximately 104 × 134cm (41” × 53”).
This pattern does not include instructions or yarn quantities for tapestry mosaic crochet.
Yarn Packs
Yarn packs for each colourway are available from Wool Warehouse. Check them out here.
A Wee Bit of Scotland
If you’re ever visiting Scotland, I’d really encourage you to see The Kelpies for yourself. They’re absolutely magnificent, and photographs really don’t do justice to their size.
You can find out more about the sculptures and plan your visit at www.thehelix.co.uk.
I hope you enjoy creating your own Kelpies blanket.
Please share your creations online and tag @getyerhookon and #kelpiescrochet.
Happy Crocheting!
Abi x