About This Cherry Blossom Pattern
This pattern creates a richly textured Cherry Blossom mandala square worked in DK weight yarn with multiple color changes and decorative puff and petal stitches. You will make layered petals, puff clusters and chains to form a dimensional floral motif that blocks to a 33 x 33 cm square after finishing. The pattern includes written instructions and video references for each round to help you follow along with confidence.
Designed for DK yarn (Stylecraft Special and Batik), the pattern is written in US terms and shows exact stitch replacements for the first stitch of each round. Detailed photos accompany the rounds so you can check your shaping as you work.
Why You'll Love This Cherry Blossom Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it layers texture and color in a way that feels both delicate and bold. The combination of puff stitches and petals creates a tactile blossom that really pops when blocked. I enjoy how each round builds on the last, revealing new details as you go — it makes the project feel like a series of small victories. I also appreciate that the pattern comes with video support and clear photos, which makes learning the special stitches much more approachable.
Switch Things Up
I love changing the color play in this pattern to create different moods — try a soft pastel palette for a spring look or saturated jewel tones for a bold accent.
You can make the motif bigger or smaller by swapping yarn weight and hook size; bulky yarn with a larger hook will give you a chunky, cozy square while fingering weight and a smaller hook will produce a delicate mini motif.
I often substitute the Batik color for a variegated yarn to create subtle streaks across the puffs — it adds depth without extra work.
Try swapping the order of color rounds (for example, use Indigo earlier) to change how the petals contrast with the background for a fresh visual effect.
For texture lovers, experiment with different puff sizes (puff3 vs puff4) or replace some puffs with popcorns to vary the relief across the square.
I sometimes embroider a tiny French knot or two in the centre for extra definition and a handmade touch that personalizes the motif.
If making a blanket, alternate this blossom with plain squares or granny squares for breathability and a balanced composition.
Want a reversible look? Use mirror-color placement and flatter joins so the back side is nearly as neat as the front for blankets or scarves.
I also like adding a simple crocheted border in a contrasting color to frame the motif — try 2 rounds of sc followed by a decorative picot round for a finished edge.
Finally, play with placement of eye-catching colors: moving the Gold or Indigo to inner rounds will pull the eye to the center, while placing them on outer rounds makes the motif pop from a distance.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not checking tension before starting can give you a square that is too large or too small; make a 10cm gauge swatch (20 sc x 22 rows or 20 dc x 8 rows) and adjust your hook size accordingly.
✗ Skipping the instruction to lift two loops of the triples when working into previous triples will cause petals to sit incorrectly; always lift the specified loops to create the correct texture and placement.
✗ Missing chain counts in petal and puff rounds will distort the motif shape; count your chains and stitches at the end of each round and mark repeat boundaries with a stitch marker.
✗ Working puff and petal stitches too tightly will make the fabric stiff and bulky; keep a relaxed tension on these stitches so they sit soft and open when blocked.
✗ Failing to pass long chain loops behind petals (as instructed) will hide the decorative effect; follow the instruction to pass chains behind the petals for the intended look.
