Rudra Vij Napkin

A personalized, custom-designed crochet napkin featuring a name, perfect for elegant table settings or a unique gift.

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📦 Materials

• Yarn: DK (Category 3 Light Worsted) cotton yarn, approximately 150 yards (137 meters) for main color (MC) and 20 yards (18 meters) each for accent colors (AC1, AC2, AC3 for the name). Suggested fiber: 100% Mercerized Cotton for crisp stitch definition.
• Hook/Needle: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape.
• Gauge: 20 sc x 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet.
• Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) square, unblocked.

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📖 Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• MC = Main Color
• AC1, AC2, AC3 = Accent Colors (for the name)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• YO = yarn over
• RS = Right Side
• WS = Wrong Side
• [ ] = repeat instructions in brackets as indicated
• ( ) = notes or stitch counts

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📝 Special Stitches

Color Change: To change color, work the last stitch of the current color until there are two loops on your hook. Drop the current color, pick up the new color, and yarn over with the new color, pulling it through the remaining two loops on the hook to complete the stitch. This ensures the top "V" of the stitch is in the new color for a clean transition.

Tapestry Crochet Technique: When working with multiple colors for the name, carry the unused yarn color(s) by laying them across the top of the previous row's stitches and crocheting over them. This encases the unused yarn within the stitches, creating a denser fabric and hiding the carried yarn.

• Why it works: Carrying the yarn completely fills the interior of the working stitches with additional fiber, physically increasing the mass per square inch and reducing the fabric's flexibility. It also makes the fabric opaque and prevents "ghosting" (the previous color showing through).
• Gauge shift: Be aware that carrying yarn will make your fabric denser and potentially smaller than plain single crochet with the same hook size. Always re-swatch to check gauge when switching to tapestry crochet for colorwork.

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🪡 Pattern Instructions

This napkin is worked in rows, primarily in single crochet. The name "Rudra Vij" will be incorporated using the tapestry crochet technique. The color chart for the name is provided below. You will want to have bobbins for each accent color.

Color Chart Key:

• MC: Main Color (white in diagram)
• A: AC1 (Accent Color 1)
• B: AC2 (Accent Color 2)
• C: AC3 (Accent Color 3)

Name Color Chart (Read all RS rows right to left, WS rows left to right): (This chart is a simplified representation. Each square represents one single crochet stitch.)

Row 1 (MC border): MC x 46 Row 2 (MC border): MC x 46 Row 3 (R): MC x 7, A x 4, MC x 35 Row 4 (R): MC x 7, A x 4, MC x 35 Row 5 (R): MC x 7, A x 4, MC x 35 Row 6 (R): MC x 7, A x 4, MC x 35 Row 7 (R): MC x 7, A x 4, MC x 35 Row 8 (U): MC x 12, B x 4, MC x 30 Row 9 (U): MC x 12, B x 4, MC x 30 Row 10 (U): MC x 12, B x 4, MC x 30 Row 11 (U): MC x 12, B x 4, MC x 30 Row 12 (U): MC x 12, B x 4, MC x 30 Row 13 (D): MC x 17, C x 4, MC x 25 Row 14 (D): MC x 17, C x 4, MC x 25 Row 15 (D): MC x 17, C x 4, MC x 25 Row 16 (D): MC x 17, C x 4, MC x 25 Row 17 (D): MC x 17, C x 4, MC x 25 Row 18 (R): MC x 22, A x 4, MC x 20 Row 19 (R): MC x 22, A x 4, MC x 20 Row 20 (R): MC x 22, A x 4, MC x 20 Row 21 (R): MC x 22, A x 4, MC x 20 Row 22 (R): MC x 22, A x 4, MC x 20 Row 23 (A): MC x 27, B x 4, MC x 15 Row 24 (A): MC x 27, B x 4, MC x 15 Row 25 (A): MC x 27, B x 4, MC x 15 Row 26 (A): MC x 27, B x 4, MC x 15 Row 27 (A): MC x 27, B x 4, MC x 15

Row 28 (V): MC x 32, C x 4, MC x 10 Row 29 (V): MC x 32, C x 4, MC x 10 Row 30 (V): MC x 32, C x 4, MC x 10 Row 31 (V): MC x 32, C x 4, MC x 10 Row 32 (V): MC x 32, C x 4, MC x 10 Row 33 (I): MC x 37, A x 4, MC x 5 Row 34 (I): MC x 37, A x 4, MC x 5 Row 35 (I): MC x 37, A x 4, MC x 5 Row 36 (I): MC x 37, A x 4, MC x 5 Row 37 (I): MC x 37, A x 4, MC x 5 Row 38 (J): MC x 42, B x 4, MC x 0 Row 39 (J): MC x 42, B x 4, MC x 0 Row 40 (J): MC x 42, B x 4, MC x 0 Row 41 (J): MC x 42, B x 4, MC x 0 Row 42 (J): MC x 42, B x 4, MC x 0

Row 43 (MC border): MC x 46 Row 44 (MC border): MC x 46

(Adjust number of MC stitches between letters and at ends of rows to center the name if you desire more space. This chart assumes 1 stitch width for spacing between letters. Ensure you carry colors for the entire name section, dropping and picking up as needed.)

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Foundation

With MC, ch 47.

Body

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (46 sc)

Row 2 (WS): Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (46 sc)

Row 3 - Row 44: Follow the color chart above. Remember to carry unused yarn colors beneath your stitches when working the name.

• Why carry yarn: This ensures the name's colors are readily available for the next stitch or row, preventing long, loose floats on the back of the work. For tapestry crochet, carrying the yarn inside the stitches also contributes to a denser, more opaque fabric.
• Reading the chart: For RS rows (odd-numbered rows), read the chart from right to left. For WS rows (even-numbered rows), read the chart from left to right. This ensures the correct letter formation on the RS of the work.

Final Row (Row 45): With MC, sc in each st across. Do not ch 1. (46 sc)

Finishing

1. Edging: With MC, turn your work so the right side is facing. Ch 1, then work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire napkin.
   • Work 1 sc in the side of each sc row along the sides of the napkin.
   • Work 3 sc in each corner stitch (1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc in corner for a sharper point, if preferred).
   • Work 1 sc in each foundation chain and each top stitch.
   • Join with a sl st to the first sc.
2. Fasten off. Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle. For tapestry crochet, ensure all carried yarn ends are neatly tucked and secured within the fabric.
3. Blocking: Wet block the napkin to achieve a crisp, even shape and enhance stitch definition.
   • Why wet block cotton: Cotton, being a cellulose fiber, has no fiber memory like wool. It will not "set" permanently like wool, but wet blocking will open up the stitches, allow them to relax into their intended shape, and provide a much neater, crisper finish that holds its shape better after drying. It also helps to square up the piece. Submerge the napkin in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess water, then lay it flat on a towel or blocking mat, pinning it to the desired square dimensions. Allow to air dry completely.

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💡 Pro Tips

1. Consistent Tension: Maintaining even tension is crucial for tapestry crochet, especially when carrying yarn. If your tension is too loose, the carried yarn may "ghost" through your working stitches. If it's too tight, your fabric will pucker. Practice a few rows to find your rhythm.
2. Bobbin Management: Use small bobbins for each accent color. This prevents tangles and makes it easier to pick up and drop colors as needed, especially when working across multiple letters. Don't pull the bobbins too tight when changing colors to avoid puckering.
3. Color Placement Check: Regularly lay your work flat and step back to check your progress against the color chart. It's much easier to correct a mistake after a few stitches than after several rows.

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Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com