Welcome back to the Bohemian Vibes Crochet Along! This week, we’re using advanced crochet techniques and adding more drama and texture to our mandala blanket with rows 8 and 9. I’ve chosen rich, warm colors—bronze for row 8 and plum for row 9—to deepen the visual impact of the piece, and I’m introducing an advanced technique: the 5HDC cluster. This stitch creates lovely dimensionality and sets the tone for the evolving design.

Row 8: Building Star Points with Bronze

In row 8, we join the yarn in any single crochet stitch, working 3 single crochets, then a single crochet around the 6-chains from row 7. This pattern repeats all the way around, forming 12 sc in each 6-chain loop and totaling 36 sc. The star-like points add a touch of whimsy to the design, giving a beautiful, lacy quality.

Row 9: Adding Texture with Plum and the 5HDC Cluster Advanced Crochet Techniques

In row 9, I introduce the 5HDC cluster stitch, a technique that’s a little more advanced but absolutely worth it! To start, join in any single crochet around a 6-ch loop with a standing single crochet, then 1 sc in next st. (5HDC cluster in the next st. End with 3 sc in the next 3 st.) This is repeated all the way around, resulting in 12 hdc clusters and 36 single crochets. The combination of plum and bronze makes these rows pop, adding warmth and a striking contrast to the overall design.

The Center Takes Shape

With the completion of rows 8 and 9, you’ll start to see the center really taking shape, with the warm colors providing depth and drama. If you’re following along, I’d love to see your progress! Share your photos and tag me on Instagram for a feature, or check out my Pinterest page for inspiration and more crochet ideas.

Directions

Row 8 (Bronze):

1. Join bronze yarn in any single crochet (sc) from the previous row.

2. 3 sc in next 3 st, 1 sc around the next 6-ch loop from row 7.

3. Repeat from * to * around, working 3 sc in each sc and 1 sc around each 6-ch loop.

4. You should have a total of 36 sc and 12 sc in each 6-ch loop by the end of the row.

5. Slip stitch to the first sc to join.

Row 9 (Plum):

1. Join plum yarn with a standing single crochet (standing sc) in any sc around a 6-ch loop.

2. 1 sc in the next sc, 5HDC cluster in the next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sc.

3. Repeat from * to * around, creating a total of 12 5hdc clusters and 36 sc.

4. Slip stitch to the first sc to join.

5HDC Cluster (5hdc-cl) Stitch Instructions:

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Repeat this process 4 more times, so you have 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops to complete the cluster.

Video Tutorial

For those who prefer a visual guide, I’ve created a video tutorial that takes you step-by-step through rows 8 and 9. Whether you’re mastering the 5HDC cluster or just love watching the blanket come together, this video has you covered.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! Let’s keep crocheting and bringing the Bohemian Vibes mandala to life.