Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

FRACTAL CROCHET?? What’s Cauliflower Got To Do With It?

by

What does cauliflower have to do with crochet?  Not much.  This is just an example of an everyday fractal.  Fractals are amazing mathematical shapes first described by Gaston Julia and Benoit Mandelbrot.  You can google those guys and read til the end of the internet – and if I did that, I still wouldn’t understand the math.  But, I do know what I like when I see it.  This stuff is truly amazing.  So, go do some research.  I’ll wait……

Above is a 3-D fractal ‘cube’.  Does it remind you of anything?

This image of a Herrschner’s Tumbling Blocks afghan could certainly be adapted to more closely resemble the Fractal image above.

The Sierpinski Sieve is the simplest (not to crochet but to visualize) crocheted fractal.  Here’s a schematic:

Not too hard to figure out how we can use this fractal in crochet.  My friend Ronnie crocheted a lovely (if tedious to complete) Sierpinski Sieve Shawl using two strands of a thread about size 10.  It is a dazzling work of art.  Not that you’ll see me making one anytime soon!

I am no mathematician.  Math was always my worst subject in school.  But, I have an instinctive appreciation of the pristine nature of numbers.  The numbers that I can comprehend, and the theories regarding them, are black and white.  The answer to a problem is either right or wrong.  There is something elegant about that.

So, starting with the humble image of a slice of cauliflower, we see how the smallest component of a thing is the same shape as the thing overall.  Look at the veins of a leaf on a tree and you’ll see the shape of the entire tree.  How cool is that??  Same works for coastlines around the world, for snowflakes, for bacteria, for lots of stuff.  That’s fractals.  Show me how we can apply this to crochet.  Please!

Comments

  1. I caught the PBS program on NOVA about fractals. Very interesting…as far as how it applies…give me some time…

  2. I left an astronomy planning meeting for the Intl Year of Astronomy 2009 yesterday. An astrophysicist was sitting outside crocheting and talking about the connection between it and fractals. If you want me to connect you to her, send me an email. She often crochets at sci fi meetings and explains the concept.

  3. Boy, I’d love to meet this crocheter! I’d love to hear her explanation of the concepts. There is more on this sort of thing online. Google
    math + crochet and you’ll find more.
    jd

Have you read?

Red Panda Crochet Patterns For Cute Woodland Amigurumi Projects

Let’s be honest, red pandas already look like they were designed by someone with a yarn stash — rusty orange fur, tiny masked faces, fluffy striped tails, and just enough mischief to make them irresistible.

If you love woodland amigurumi, animal crochet patterns, or quick crochet gifts for kids and animal lovers, a red panda crochet pattern is such a sweet project to add to your list. Most of these designs use simple amigurumi shaping, with the real personality coming from the colour changes, face details, and that very important fluffy tail.

I’ve gathered together a mix of free red panda crochet patterns and paid PDF patterns, including beginner-friendly plushies, mini keychains, chubby no-sew styles, and more realistic designs for makers who like a bit of detail.

Red Panda Crochet Patterns To Try

Red Panda Amigurumi – Free Crochet Pattern
 This free red panda amigurumi pattern from StringyDingDing is a lovely starting point if you want a classic stuffed animal style. The design uses medium-weight yarn and has that sweet rounded amigurumi look that works well for gifts, nursery décor, or a handmade animal collection. StringyDingDing also notes that their site offers hundreds of free amigurumi patterns, which makes it a useful source for crochet toy makers.

Rumi the Red Panda
 Rumi is especially nice for newer amigurumi makers because the pattern uses basic stitches such as single crochet, increases, decreases, and the magic ring. The finished red panda has a soft, gentle look rather than a highly detailed realistic style, which makes it a cute choice for beginners who still want something with personality.

Flynn & Rumi – The Tale of a Fox and Red Panda
 This is a sweet two-animal option if you like themed makes or want matching woodland toys. The red panda and fox patterns are described as beginner-friendly and use basic amigurumi techniques, so this would be lovely for a gift set or a woodland nursery shelf.

Free Red Panda Crochet Pattern
 This mini red panda keychain from DIY Fluffies is a great scrap-yarn project. It is designed as a small amigurumi keychain and the designer says it can be made in about an hour, so it’s perfect for market prep, stocking fillers, or those “I need a quick cute thing” moments.

Adzuki the Chubby Red Panda
 Adzuki has that wonderfully round, squishy look that makes chubby amigurumi so appealing. The pattern description highlights the spherical shape and small limbs, making it a good pick if you prefer cute and simplified rather than realistic.

Tashi Realistic Crochet Red Panda Pattern
 This one is better for crocheters who enjoy detail. Tashi is a more realistic red panda design made with fuzzy wool yarn, and the designer notes that the finished animal measures about 6 inches from nose to bottom. This would be a beautiful choice for someone who likes their amigurumi to look more like a collectible handmade animal.

Roxy Red Panda Crochet Pattern
 This paid Etsy PDF pattern includes detailed instructions, materials, and step-by-step photos, according to the listing. It is a good option to include if you want a polished paid pattern alongside the free designs.

Crochet Red Panda Patterns On Etsy
 Etsy has a wide range of red panda crochet patterns, from plush chenille toys and loveys to low-sew amigurumi and keychain-style designs. It’s worth browsing if you want paid PDF patterns with a very specific style, such as chunky plush, baby-safe lovey, realistic red panda, or no-sew market make.