Continue until you reach your desired kerchief depth. The pattern calls for approximately 18 rows to achieve the 48 cm depth, but you can adjust based on your gauge or preference.
Tension tip: Keep your tension even throughout so those shell fans remain crisp and uniform. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up a hook size. If you crochet loosely, try a smaller hook. Your shells should fan out nicely without bunching or gaping.
Picot Border Instructions
Once your main triangle is complete, you will add a delicate picot border around all three edges. This gives the kerchief a finished look and adds a bit of texture.
Round 1: Foundation Edging
Work sc evenly around all three edges of the kerchief. Try to space them so your edge lies flat without puckering or ruffling. Work 3 sc into each corner point to help it turn smoothly.
Round 2: Picot Edging
Sc, ch 3, sl st into the first chain (this creates your picot). Skip 1 or 2 stitches as needed, then repeat the sc and picot sequence around the entire border.
The picots create those tiny decorative bumps you see along the edge. They look fancy but are actually quite simple once you get into the rhythm.
Bluebell Flower Motifs
This is where the magic happens. You will make approximately 10 to 14 flowers depending on how generously you want to decorate your kerchief. Each flower has three parts: the bell, the stamens, and the leaves.
Flower Bell
With periwinkle yarn, create a magic ring.
Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed.
Round 2: Ch 2, work 3 dc into each stitch around. This creates those lovely curled bell petals. (18 dc total)
Round 3: Add a soft curled rim by working slip stitches and small chain loops around the edge. This gives the flower its dimensional, bell-like shape.
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.
Stamens
Attach ivory yarn to the center of your flower.
Make 3 small chain strands (about 4 to 6 chains each), ending each with a tiny knot. You can create the knot by making a slip stitch into the first chain, then pulling tight. These represent the stamens peeking out from inside the bluebell.
Leaves
With eucalyptus green yarn:
Chain 7.
Work sc and hdc along the chain to form a narrow pointed leaf shape. Work down one side of the chain, then rotate and work back up the other side if desired for a fuller leaf.
Sew two leaves beneath each flower before attaching to the kerchief.
Flower Placement and Assembly
Attach your completed flowers along both diagonal edges of the kerchief. Space them evenly, starting from near the crown and working down toward the center point. You want them to cascade down the edges like real bluebells hanging from a stem.
Add flower-tipped ties at the lower corners for extra charm.
Cord Bow and Ties
The pattern includes decorative cord ties at the center point.
Make two cotton cords using a simple chain stitch foundation. Chain until you have the desired length for your ties, about 15 to 20 cm each works nicely.
Attach one cord at the center point of the kerchief. Tie the cords into a small blue bow.
Add one bluebell flower and leaf cluster to each dangling cord end. This finishing touch makes the kerchief look professionally designed.
Finishing Your Kerchief
Almost there! These final steps make all the difference in how polished your finished piece looks.
Weave in all ends securely using your tapestry needle. Take your time with this step, especially around the flowers where you have multiple yarn tails.
Block your kerchief by lightly steaming or wet blocking. Lay it flat on a blocking mat, spray lightly with water, and use blocking pins to stretch the shell fans gently into shape. Pin out each shell so the fans open up beautifully.
Allow to dry completely before wearing. Cotton holds water, so give it plenty of time.
Care Instructions for Your Finished Kerchief
Your beautiful lace kerchief deserves gentle care to keep it looking lovely for years.
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
Lay flat to dry on a clean towel. You can reshape while damp if needed.
Store folded in a drawer or box to protect the lace openings and those precious floral details. Avoid hanging, which can stretch the delicate cotton over time.
Pattern Notes and Tips for Success
A few final thoughts to help you along:
Keep your tension even throughout the project. Inconsistent tension will show in lace work more than in other types of crochet. The shell fans should all look similar in size.
Use smooth cotton yarn, not mercerized cotton with a sheen unless you want a more formal look. The smooth fiber shows stitch definition beautifully and gives you that lightweight drape perfect for a hair kerchief.
If you are new to making three-dimensional flowers, practice a couple of bluebells with scrap yarn before using your periwinkle. It only takes a few minutes and helps you get the hang of shaping the bells.
Mark your center spine with a stitch marker if you find yourself losing track. That teardrop pattern needs to stay centered for the kerchief to be symmetrical.
I hope you love making this Bluebell Shell Lace Hair Kerchief as much as I enjoyed designing it all those years ago. If you give it a try, please save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again easily. And I would absolutely love to see your finished kerchief, so drop a comment below or tag me when you share your photos!
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