We recently moved into a new home and I wanted to make something special for it! I have always admired Tibetan Prayer Flags, so I decided to research more about them and see if I could make some of my own. The literal translation of the Tibetan word for the prayer flags is “windhorse”. The Tibetans believe that the wind carries prayers and positive energy from the flags. What a beautiful way to set good intentions for a new space!
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Tibetan prayer flags have 5 different colors. They are traditionally strung in groups of 10, with each of the 5 colors represented twice. Tibetans actually encourage and approve of people from all walks of life using flags of their own creation. I went traditional with the colors and created simple symbols that were meaningful to me using filet crochet.
First is the color blue which symbolizes space/sky. The intentions that I wanted to set with my blue flag were unity and compromise so I made a swirl pattern.
The second color is the color white which symbolizes air/wind. I used straight horizontal lines to depict the wind. The intentions that I wanted to set with my white flag were consistency and communication.
The third color is the color red which symbolizes fire. I used wavy vertical lines to show the dance of the flames. This color to me sets the intentions of love and protectiveness.
The fourth color is the color green which symbolizes water. I used wavy vertical lines to mimic the flow of a river. I like to think of life and leisure when I think about this flag.
The last color is the color yellow which symbolizes the earth. I used stacked chevrons in my yellow flag to depict the earth’s structure and strength.
I encourage you to make your own set! This quick project encourages mindfulness and meditation. Perfect for a break between big projects or the first project after a long hiatus.
If you are new to filet crochet, these flags make great little practice squares. Here are a couple tutorials I like to help you out:
The Spruce Crafts – The Basics of Filet Crochet
Interweave – How to Read Filet Crochet Charts
The Crochet Crowd – Filet Crochet (Video)
Materials
Worsted Weight 4 Cotton Yarn (I used Paintbox Cotton)
-50 yards Blue
-50 yards White
-50 yards Red
-50 yards Green
-50 yards Yellow
*You will also need a few yards of extra yarn to string your flags up*
3.5 mm crochet hook
Skill Level
Easy
Finished Measurements
5 x 5 inches (13 x 13 cm)
Notes
Make two of each square. When you complete the final row of a graph, continue to work around the square without cutting your yarn to make the border. To attach the flags to your hanging string, simply weave the string in and out of the border. Tie slip knots at either end of your hanging string so you can adjust it to your liking.
Border
Chain 4, skip two stitches and slip stitch in the next stitch. Repeat until you have gone all the way around your square.
Blue Square
White Square
Red Square
Green Square
Yellow Square
Copyright © 2019-2024 Nine Inspired. All rights reserved. Please do not redistribute this pattern as your own, but feel free to sell finished items made from this pattern as long as you credit Nine Inspired as the designer. I would love to see your work on social media! Tag me @nineinspired