Some time ago I wrote two articles – one was about Harlequin Stitch, and the second explored Bavarian Stitch. I thought back then that these two are so similar to each other! Until I’ve found Catherine’s Wheel…
Sometimes stitches are so alike, that it causes confusion among crocheters. Techniques differ in details and it’s often hard to know which one’s which. Well, here I come, diffusing any confusion on the topic! 🙂 Today’s hero is easy, sweet and creates lovely circular motifs, in which one row fits perfectly into the next.
Looking good? Great, let’s start our explorations!
Fun and versatile
This lovely stitch is perfect for baby blankets, because of the fun pattern it creates, but it will look nice in bigger projects, too. Try it for afghans, throws or crochet bedspreads. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful winter accessories, such as cowls, scarves or beanies using this technique, so it’s worth consideration. In addition, many designers come up with their own variations.
Materials
talking about stitches…
Our growing website and library of free crochet patterns has some projects that might interest you, too. On top of that, my list of Stitch Series is still growing! For example, check out my article on Fantastic Harlequin Stitch Ideas!
→ Yes! Take me to this article! ←
or…
Explore the article I wrote about Elegant Jasmine Stitch Ideas, because it’s full of free resources!
→ Yes! Take me to this article! ←
crochet roundup!
Research for today’s theme was a true pleasure. I think I’ve managed to find really beautiful realizations for you, so I hope that you will be inspired just as much as I am.
Read carefully for free crochet patterns and tutorials.
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Classic Catherine Wheel Stitch Projects
Classic Crochet Catherine’s Wheel Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts
Always start with classics, especially if you are a beginner. After you’ve made a swatch or two, choose your colors and make a proper Catherine’s Wheel Blanket! It will look stunning in modern nursery.

- photos by Daisy Farm Crafts (daisyfarmcrafts.com)
Free crochet pattern is available on daisyfarmcrafts.com.
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Catherine Wheel Stitch by Emily of creating_crochet_
This set of colors is especially caught my eye immediately, because it’s delicate, yet earthly. It reminds me both of autumn and spring – it’s light and faded at the same time. If you like such combinations, be sure to save it for later, because Emily did a fantastic job here! Just take a look at the photos below and admire her lovely palette.
- photos by @creating_crochet_ on Instagram: top, bottom
You may also like this tutorial: How To Crochet Granny Stripe Stitch
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Catherine Wheel Stitch Tutorial by Hopeful Honey
If you are looking for a good video tutorial, check this one by Olivia from Hopeful Honey, because she is great at what she does! Her stitch series are very informative and easy to learn. For this particular swatch, as you can see below, she chose stark contrast of white and blue. It’s eye-catching, but also nicely shows which row is which.
- photos by Hopeful Honey / top photo: Instagram; bottom photo: hopefulhoney.com
Check out this free crochet tutorial on hopefulhoney.com.
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Baby Wheels Blanket by CherryHeart
Sandra is a master crocheter, so I’m always very excited to look at and share her beautiful creations. Her version of the Catherine’s Wheel stitch is no exception, because the palette she chose is just lovely. Deep burgundy, dusty blues and grey go great together, and the bright accent of cream ties it all together. Check it in the photos below!
- photos by CherryHeart on Ravelry
You may also like this article: Classic Gingham Crochet
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Catherine’s Wheel Blanket by Dear To My Art Creations
Go for bolder colors if you don’t like candy-sweet designs, because it’s your crochet work and your rules! This palette will look perfect in boys’ room, as a rug or incorporated in winter accessories.

- photo by Dear To My Art Creations (@deartomyartcreations)
If you would like to make a nice accessory using this technique, try this free crochet pattern for Catherine’s Wheel Envelope Purse by Gootie (Agat Rottman).
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Catherine’s Wheel Blanket by Sunshineyalex
Vibrant and juicy colors bring back memories of summer days. Keep them forever with this lovely blanket. It works perfectly well as a stash buster, because you can make each row of circles from another color!
- photos by Alex (@sunshineyalex)
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Catherine’s Wheel Stitch by Saturdayquilter and Julescrochettreasures
Combination of two-three colors and simple white is a great idea, if you don’t like overly vibrant pieces. Just a little bit of color is enough to elevate a design from plain to cute.
- photos by Dorothy Vaughan (@saturdayquilter) and Julescrochettreasures (@julescrochettreasures)
You may also like this tutorial: How to Crochet Alpine Stitch
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Catherine’s Wheel Stitch by SewHappyCreative
Introducing multicolored artisan yarn can be an experiment worth a try! Pair it with neutrals and see how the rainbow unfolds. Stunning!
- photos by SewHappyCreative (@sewhappycreativ)
Looking for a gift idea? Try fun home decor incorporating this stitch – free crochet pattern for Catherine Wheel Tissue Box Cover by Kool Stitch will be a great choice.
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Catherine Wheel Blanket by Joanne Johncey
Colors of the ocean always work, so go for this palette if you are not sure about your choices. Simple border will finish it up beautifully.
- photos by Joanne Johncey (Ravelry)
You can purchase this pattern on Ravelry or Etsy.
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Unusual Versions of Catherine Wheel Stitch
Modified Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts
As I mentioned earlier, some designers modify classic stitches and come up with fresh designs. This is a great example of such process, and look how stunning it is! The wheels are now separated by wavy stripes of double crochet stitches.
- photos by Daisy Farm Crafts / daisyfarmcrafts.com
Check out this free crochet pattern on daisyfarmcrafts.com.
You may also like this article: Nature’s Walk CAL Ideas
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Catherine Wheel Blanket by mummys_crochet_boutique
Now look at this beauty! Isn’t this baby blanket just perfect? This palette is definitely gender-neutral, so go for it if you don’t know yet if you are making it for a girl, or a boy. Thin white wavy lines that divide the colors are great for the eye, because they make the design lighter. It’s a fantastic trick, if you are not sure if your colors look good side by side.
- photos by @mummys_crochet_boutique on Instagram: top, bottom
This is a further modified version of Daisy Farm Crafts’ Modified Catherine Wheel Blanket – you can see the original linked in the project above!
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Modified Catherine’s Wheel Blanket Versions by Athomewithhayley and Hayley.stinelogie.crafts
Pink and purple is a lovely combo, especially when paired with white. This color scheme typically remind us of little baby girls, so if you are not eager to try bold combinations, just go for a classic.
- photos by Hayley B. (@athomewithhayley) and Hayley (@hayley.stinelogie.crafts)
This blanket is a version of Modified Catherine’s Wheel Stitch Baby Blanket mentioned above.
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Crochet Catherine’s Wheel Waves Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts
Let me show you another beautiful version that uses Catherine’s Wheel Stitch, because this time circles are divided by even more wavy rows. You can plan another color to pop up there, just like white is breaking up peachy hues in this blanket.
- photos by Daisy Farm Crafts / daisyfarmcrafts.com
This particular stitch combo is available as free crochet pattern here.
You may also like this free pattern: Sapphire Puff Shawl – Free Crochet Pattern
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Crochet Catherine’s Wheel Waves Blanket Version by Craft Confessions
Deep blues and white go hand in hand. One more thing that is fantastic here is a stunning border. Have you seen these corners? Mindblowing!
- photos by Craft Confessions (@craftconfessions)
This blanket is a version of Catherine’s Wheel Waves Blanket mentioned above.
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Catherine Wheel Stitch by Schweri
This version of our hero stitch is a bit unusual, because its author Schweri added two tweaks to her creation. One is a hole in the wheel center, and the other is using the back loop only method, which adds three-dimensional effect. Just take a look at the picture below and tell me – doesn’t it look like waves coming and going?
- photos by Schweri on Ravelry
You may also like this article: African Flowers Crochet Ideas
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Catherine’s Wave Stitch Blanket by Failicha
Well, this blanket is not a classic Catherine’s Wheel Stitch, but nonetheless I decided to show it to you, because it uses the basic premise. It’s made with half-circles flowing from one row to another and creating beautiful pattern. And this border is to die for!
- photos by Ebtehal AlFailakawi (@failicha)
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That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with much more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!
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You may also like: Vibrant Clamshell Stitch Ideas
I just love your designs and color combinations. I always have trouble putting colors together so I really appreciate your creations, they are absolutely beautiful!
Thank you, Nancy! I’m very happy that you like my selection, but one thing needs clarification – these are not my designs! Please take a look at other fantastic creations of these talented makers. Each project is credited and links to their websites and Instagram pages are given – check them out!
I have a question….I had a stroke and loss use of my left arm. I love to crochet but can not figure out how to do it one handed. Any suggestions would be greatly helpful. Thanks in advance
Hi Paula, what a question! Sorry to hear about your arm, but I’m sure it’s possible to do it. Donna Wolfe from Naztazia did a tutorial on this, so check it out: https://youtu.be/4-7zRyKqlqk
Hope it helps!
I would love to have this pattern. If you could send it so that I can save it to my computer I would appreciate it. I use to know how to do that but now I can’t remember how. Darn it. N
Hi Nancy, unfortunately I don’t have any PDF files with this stitch, but you can ask the authors of the tutorials I linked.
You can always bookmark the page you like, or right click the web page and save it as a “.html” document, so that you have access to it when offline (it doesn’t save the pictures, though).
Hi,
What brand is the gold/green/blue/cranberry yarn in the blanket Catherine’s Wheel Stitch by SewHappyCreative????
Hi Tina! I’m not sure, but it looks like some hand-dyed yarn. I linked author’s page under the picture, so you can ask them directly!
Can you please tell me if you have the pattern for Catherine’s Wave Stitch Blanket by Failicha? I am not on facebook or instagram.
Thank you so much,
Donna
Hi Donna, there’s no pattern for this project. My articles are meant to be inspirational, so I sometimes share projects that don’t have patterns.
Ok thank you so much for your response.