This mandala is my first exploration in optical art crochet and it is interesting that I was able to write the instructions for the whole pattern BEFORE working a single stitch. The pattern as I worked it from the instructions worked perfectly first time. It turns out crochet really IS very mathematical.

The design is beginner friendly. You will use double crochet for most of the design with just a couple of single crochets and half doubles thrown in. This pattern is also good for practicing surface crochet techniques since the black spiral line is worked from the middle out using surface crochet.

The finished mandala reminds me of the time tunnel run-in from the old TV show, or a psychedelic experiment.

I will share the step by step creation of this work in this pattern, offer some ways to play with the design, and also explain the mathematics.

I have used acrylic DK 8 ply yarn and a 5mm hook. Tension is not important for this pattern.

Pictures 4 and 5 are playing with colour and size!