For this months pattern, I decided to make a particularly witchy tool. I’ve been thinking of them for a while now and I’m so happy to be able to share them with you. Crochet witch’s runes!
Before I get into the pattern I thought I’d give you some information about how these runes work and how I came to make them.
I have never really heard of these witches runes before. I found them by accident and felt moved to try my hand at making crochet versions of them. Runes are traditionally made on wood or bone of some kind. However, I felt that fiber had a similar bounce to those materials. So, I decided to try it out.
The 13 witch’s runes
No one is sure where theses witches runes came from. Or even when these runes first appeared. They seem to be modern, in that they are not an old written language. The names of the symbols are all in English. Unlike the Elder Futhark, that are Norse runes that were also an alphabet. Like the Elder Futhark, each of the witch’s runes have a different meaning.
There are other versions of witch’s runes with a different number of rune but these are the ones I liked best.
Many consider the witches rune to be easier to read, compared to other runes. Since there are only 13 symbols and they are easily distinguishable from each other. The runes names being in English is a plus since that means you don’t have to learn a different language to understand them if you are an English speaking person. I imagine that you could easily translate the names into any language though since the names are star, eye, sun, wind. Etc. (I have no experience with this, English is my first language and crochet is my second)
There are different ways to cast and use the runes, but the basics are that when cast, you read the ones that are face up.
There are a couple of runes that have meanings that help clarify the reading.
When the eye is face up, it means pay attention. Make sure to look at the rune the eye it looking at. If there is a rune in front of the eye, that is the one you must pay the most heed to.
When the star rune is present, it generally means go for it. To find out what its referring to, look at the rune closest to it.
Supplies
- I Love This Yarn in Greybeard and Just Yarn Worsted in Eggplant
- Or any 2 different colored yarns both in a (4) medium weight yarn
- Hook: F/3.75mm
- Snips
- Yarn Needle
- Dimensional fabric paint (optional)
Abbreviation
- Mc = Magic circle
- sc = single crochet
- slst = slip stitch
- st = stitch
- * * = repeat the instructions between the stars/asterisk
- < > = the total number of stitches in the round
Crochet witch’s runes pattern
I used the locking magic circle for this pattern, if you need a reminder, or an alternative, check out my tutorial: How To: Make A Magic Circle Crochet Tutorial (Or An Alternative).
Round 1. 8 scs in a locking Mc, slst to join. <8>
Round 2. Ch 1, 1 sc in the same st, 2 scs in the next st, *1sc in the next st, 2 scs in the st after,* repeat from *-*, slst to join. <12>
Round 3. Ch 1, 1 sc in the same st, 1 sc in the next st, 3 scs in the st after, *1sc in each of the next 2 sts, 3 scs in the st after,* repeat from *-*, slst to join. <20>
Snip your yarn and finish off your tail. You don’t have to weave in your ends just set this piece aside.
Use your darker yarn color for this side of your rune.
Round 1. 8 scs in a locking Mc, slst to join. <8>
Round 2. Ch 1, 1 sc in the same st, 2 scs in the next st, *1sc in the next st, 2 scs in the st after,* repeat from *-*, slst to join. <12>
Round 3. Ch 1, 1 sc in the same st, 1 sc in the next st, 3 scs in the st after, *1sc in each of the next 2 sts, 3 scs in the st after,* repeat from *-*, slst to join. <20>
Put the wrong side to the wrong side and crochet through both layers of fabric for this round. Make sure that the stitch you go through in the lighter square you made first has 3 stitch until you reach the center st of the 3 scs in the corner.
Round 4. Ch 1, 1 sc in the same st, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 3 scs in the st after, *1sc in each of the next 4 sts, 3 scs in the st after,* repeat from *-*
until you come to the last st of the round, you will have one sc after the 4th 3 scs in one st, make sure you have 28 sts before you slst to join. <28>
Tie off and weave in the end as shown. If you would like a full tutorial on how I weave in the ends then I have one right here: The Crochet Basics: How To Weave In Ends.
Adding The Runes
I embroidered the Runes the first time, but I’m far more comfortable drawing than embroidering. So, for this set I chose to use dimensional fabric paint. I feel like I can get more detail this way. You can of course do whatever you feel most comfortable with. As long as you can distinguish between them that’s all that matters.
Note: If you want to embroider the runes, then you might want to make these with a G/4.mm or G+/4.5mm hook. I made them smaller because I liked it better.
These runes just happens to fit inside the collection pouch pattern from last month. So, they have a convenient home in your home. Do you think you’ll try making these witches runes?? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!
This written pattern and all its photos are copyrighted by Becka Hons. Please do not sell my pattern or its photos on any platform. You can sell the finished work, but please give me credit as the designer. And link back to me if someone asks for the pattern.
I hope you liked this Crochet Witches Runes Pattern and found it easy to use! If it was, please show your support by liking this post and following my blog, so you’re alerted whenever I make a new one. Thank you for being a part of my newsletter!
