The Kelpies | Overlay Mosaic Crochet Pattern

The Kelpies is a design I’ve wanted to create for a long time. These magnificent sculptures are close to home for me, and I loved the idea of recreating them in mosaic crochet.

Created by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, Duke and Baron stand beside the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk. They bring together so many things I love about Scotland: folklore, water, Clydesdales, canals, art and history.

Their name comes from the water horses of Scottish folklore, while the sculptures themselves celebrate the strength and endurance of the working horses that helped shape Scotland’s industrial past.

Because they’re works of art in their own right, I really wanted permission before turning them into a crochet design. I had some lovely conversations with Andy and his wife, Hanneke, and was absolutely delighted to be given permission to go ahead.

Mosaic crochet designs are my way of painting with yarn, and it’s been an absolute joy to bring this one to life. Photographing the finished blankets at The Kelpies, including inside Duke, made it even more special.

If you get the chance, I’d really encourage you to visit. Photographs don’t do justice to their sheer size!

You can find out more and plan your visit at www.thehelix.co.uk.

---

This pattern has all the charts and written instructions you need to complete the blanket.

Versions are available in:

• US terms, right-handed
• US terms, left-handed
• UK terms, right-handed
• UK terms, left-handed

Full charts for use with Knit Companion are also included.

It is your responsibility to use the correct PDF for your needs.

The main instructions include easy-to-read charts with Xs marking the mosaic stitches, alongside corresponding written instructions.

Use any yarn and the corresponding hook for this pattern; high-contrast colours work best for mosaic crochet.

Instructions are included for both two-colour and three-colour blankets. Each colourway is detailed within the pattern PDF, or you can choose your own colours.

Please note that this pattern does not give instructions or yarn stats for tapestry mosaic crochet.

---

For the two-colour blanket in DK weight yarn, we used approximately:

• Colour A – 1467 metres / 1604 yards
• Colour B – 905 metres / 990 yards
• Double border in Colour B – 432 metres / 472 yards

These are the amounts used, so please allow a wee bit extra for tension differences. Yarn requirements for the three colour versions are detailed within the pattern.

For the examples, we used Yarnsmiths Create DK and Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK Prints.

Shopping:

For a two-colour blanket, including the double border, you will need:

• Colour A – 4 × 150g balls of Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK Prints
• Colour B – 5 × 100g balls of Yarnsmiths Create DK

For the three-colour versions, the recommended quantities are:

• Colour A – 2 × 150g balls of Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK Prints
• Colour B – 5 × 100g balls of Yarnsmiths Create DK
• Colour C – 3 × 150g balls of Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK Prints

Yarn Packs

Wool Warehouse offers yarn packs for each colourway, with everything you need to crochet your own Kelpies blanket.

The pattern PDF details each colourway to help you choose your favourite.

https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/packs/abigail-mcintyre-ge...

Tools:

• 4mm hook for the main blanket
• 3mm hook for the double border
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Size:

• 229 rows tall, plus the double border
• The finished blanket with a double border measures approximately 104cm wide × 134cm tall (41” × 53”)

Gauge:

• 18 stitches and 18 rows for a 10 × 10cm tension square using a 4mm hook

---

A Wee Bit of Scotland

If you’re ever visiting Scotland, I’d really encourage you to visit The Kelpies for yourself. They’re absolutely magnificent, and photographs really don’t do justice to their sheer size.

You’ll find them at The Helix in Falkirk. Standing beneath them, and then seeing inside Duke during our photoshoot, made this whole project even more special for me.

You can find out more and plan your visit at www.thehelix.co.uk.

A huge thank you to my wonderful testers for all their time, care and beautiful blankets, and to Andy and Hanneke for their kindness and permission to create this design.

I hope you enjoy creating your own Kelpies blanket.

Please do share your creations online and tag @getyerhookon, #getyerhookon and #kelpiescrochet.

Happy Crocheting
Abi
x