Looking for a quick, joyful project that practically dances in the breeze? This Wind Spinner is exactly that. It starts as a simple chain and grows, row by row, into a colorful spiral that twists and spins the moment a little wind catches it. It’s the kind of make that feels almost magical when it comes together, and yet it’s simple enough for a beginner crocheter to tackle with confidence.
The complicated looking spiral shape actually takes from, naturally! Each row adds more stitches than the one before, and if you’ve ever started a foundation too tightly or accidently added too many stitches before, you know that this can create a spiral! Hang one by a window, on a porch, or out in the garden, and watch it catch the wind as it turns. I think you’re going to love how something so simple can be so mesmerizing.
Gauge
This pattern uses 4 weight yarn and a 5mm hook. Gauge truly does not matter for this project, you could even mix yarn weights to a degree. So long as each row of the project contains more stitches than the last, the spiral pattern will emerge.
Sizing
The length is entirely up to you, since you begin by chaining your spinner to whatever length you like. Mine measured about 23″ (60cm) long from the top of the hanging strand to the bottom of the tassels and I started with 70 chains. Your starting chain will be the length of your spinner minus how many chains you leave to be the hanging strand.
Skill Level
This pattern is written for beginners and up. If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you already have everything you need. The only slightly unusual part is that you’ll fasten off and rejoin a new color several times, which is a great low-stakes way to practice attaching yarn. There’s no shaping to worry about and no stitch counts to stress over, which makes this a wonderfully relaxing make.
Materials
- Small amounts of worsted (or any) weight yarn. This project is a great scrap buster!
- 5mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Optional tapestry needle, if that’s how you prefer to weave in your ends
- Something to wrap yarn around for the tassle (like a book)
A Few Notes Before You Begin
The color changes are worth noting since it’s a bit unusual for crochet patterns. You fasten off and rejoin at the beginning of each new row, so you get crisp bands of color with no carrying yarn up the side. This is done so that the stitches of each row are facing the same direction.
One thing to know going in: this project gets its spiral from all those increases packed into each row, and the fabric will look a bit wild and ruffly and wild before you shape it.
Abbreviations
- Ch: chain stitch
- Sc: single crochet
- Dc: double crochet
- St: stitch
- Sl st: slip stitch
- Prev: previous
Downloadable PDF
An ad-free pdf will be available to purchase soon! I wanted to get this pattern up in time for Memorial Day and I was in a bit of a rush. The PDF version will be available as soon as I finish it!
Pattern Directions
Set Up Chain
Ch as many chains as you’d like your spinner to be long. Mine was about 70 chains. There’s no need to count precisely, just chain until it feels like a good length.
Row 1
Skip about the first 10 chains (these will become the hanging string that your spinner hangs from), then, fasten on a new color and work 1 sc in each remaining chain to the end.
Fasten off row 1 color.
Row 2
Rejoin a new color back at the very beginning, at the first sc of the previous row. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), then work 2 dc in each st from the previous row to the end.
Fasten off row 2 color.
Row 3
Once more, rejoin a new color back at the start, at the top of your starting ch3 of the previous row. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), then work 3 dc in each st from the previous row to the end.
Fasten off row 3 color.
This third row is what really packs in the fabric and creates the spiral. Don’t be alarmed if it’s looking quite ruffly and chaotic at this stage, that’s the spinner doing exactly what it should.
Optional Border
If you’d like to add a border, rejoin one more color at the start of the third row and work along that final edge. I like to make it the same color as my starting chain. As far as the border goes, you have a few options here:
If you work 1sc in each stitch from row 3, you’ll get a straight edge like mine that curls up slightly.
For a flatter spinner that splays out more dramatically, work sc, ch1 in each stitch of row 3.
For more advanced and decorative options, consider adding a picot or shell edge. Any crochet blanket edge tutorial will work!
Then fasten off that optional border color.
Add Tassels
Finally, add a few short pieces of yarn as fringe at the bottom. I just cut a few extra strands and attached them latch-hook style. You could also make and attach a separate tassle.
Shaping Your Spinner
Here’s the step that brings it all together. Gently work the spinner through your hands, coaxing the stitches to lay in an even spiral all the way down. The fabric wants to twist, so you’re really just encouraging it and smoothing it into a consistent swirl.
This part reminded me of fixing one of my kids’ Slinkys, gently running it through your hands, untwisting the bits that bunched, until the whole thing settles into a happy, even coil. Take your time with it. Once it’s shaped, your spinner will hold that spiral and spin beautifully.
Additional Ideas
If you’d like to make the pattern your own, here are a few ideas:
Play with length. A long starting chain gives you a dramatic, sweeping spiral, while a shorter one makes a sweet mini spinner. Try making a few in different lengths and hanging them together as a set.
Go bold with color. Since each row is its own color, this is the perfect project for using up scraps or experimenting with a fun gradient. A rainbow version is always a crowd-pleaser, and seasonal palettes are lovely too. Mine has patriotic flair with a red-white-and blue color scheme. I love hanging it out on the patio during Memorial Day and The 4th of July!
Add some sparkle or weight. Stringing a few beads onto your tassels adds a little extra movement and shine, and a touch of weight at the bottom can help the spinner hang nice and straight.
If you make this pattern, I would love to see it! Feel free to share your finished spinner and tag me, it makes my day to see what you all create.
Keep the Crafting Delightful!
