This Is Not a Christmas Angel!

Elegant Crocheted Angel from McCall’s Needlework & Crafts, Nov/Dec 1983

Okay, this is a Christmas Angel.

But do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a Retro Knit or Crochet pattern commemorating the Islamic New Year? If only I hadn’t missed Eid. Next year, you’re all getting an adorable lamb!

However, today is the new Hijri year, or Al-Hijra. So, in the spirit of good will and friendship, I am offering you this crocheted angel pattern. After all, belief in angels is one of the six pillars of faith!

And if you use assorted coloured threads, instead of plain white, your angel will look more like this vintage Persian miniature of Jibril (Gabriel)! After all, regardless of your faith or lack thereof, wouldn’t you prefer an angel that is sumptious rather than spine-chilling?

Fans of the Constantine movie, I’m not counting your votes.

For the complete pattern (and more angels!):

ELEGANT CROCHETED ANGEL

SIZE: 10’’ tall.

Yikes! This angel has no eyes!

Besides adding colour, you might also want to consider a little embroidery, too. Otherwise, your angel may be more reminiscent of this unfortunate fellow:

MATERIALS: Cebelia Crochet Cottom size 30, 1 50-gram ball. Steel crochet hook No. 10 or 11. Elmer’s glue. Absorbent cotton.

The absorbent cotton is obviously for drying your children’s tears after they catch sight of this faceless angel.

The Elmer’s Glue Angel is a lot more child friendly – if a wee bit bovine.

GAUGE: 12 sc = 1’’; 14 rnds = 1’’.

ANGEL: Beg at top of head, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join rnds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around – 12 sc.
Rnd 3: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times – 18 sc.
Rnd 4: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 5: (Sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times – 24 sc.
Rnd 6: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 7: (Sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times – 30 sc.
Rnd 8: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 9: (Sc in 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times – 36 sc.
Rnds 10-12: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 13: (Sc in 4 sc, pull up a loop in each of next 2 sc, yo and through three lps on hook) 6 times – 30 sc.
Rnd 14: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 15: (Sc in 3 sc, dec over next 2 sts) 6 times – 24 sc.
Rnd 16: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 17: (Sc in 2 sc, dec over next 2 sts) 6 times – 18 sc.
Rnd 18: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 19: (Sc in next sc, dec over next 2 sts) 6 times – 12 sc. Stuff head firmly with cotton.

Oh, so that’s what the cotton is for! I still don’t know why it needs to be absorbent.

Are we supposed to use this angel to mop up spills? If so, that’s an overly literal interpretation of the angelic job of maintaining order in the universe.

Rnds 20-26: Repeat rnds 3-9 – 36 sc.
Rnd 27: Sc in 8 sc, (2 sc in next sc) twice, sc in 16 sc, (2 sc in next sc) twice, sc in 8 sc. Mark ends of rnds. Incs are at sides of angel – 40 sc.
Rnd 28: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 29: Sc in 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in 16 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in 8 sc – 44 sc.
Rnds 30-36: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 37: (Sc in 9 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 4 times – 40 sc.
Rnds 38-40: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 41: (Sc in 8 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 4 times – 36 sc.
Rnds 42 and 43: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 44: (Sc in 7 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 4 times – 32 sc.
Rnds 45 and 46: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 47: (Sc in 6 sc, dec over next 2 sc) 4 times – 28 sc.
Rnds 48 and 49: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 50: Sc around, dec 1 st in round – 27 sc. Sl st in first sc.
Skirt: Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 2 sc, (ch 1, dc in next 3 sc) 8 times, ch 1, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 8 times, ch 1, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc) 8 times, ch 1, join.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in 4 dc, (ch 1, dc in 5 dc) 8 times, ch 1, join.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, (ch 1, dc in 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc) 8 times, ch 1, join.
Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in 5 dc, (ch 1, dc in 6 dc) 8 times, ch 2, join.
Rnd 7: Ch 3, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc) 8 times, ch 3, join.
Rnd 8: Ch 3, (work next 2 dc tog) twice, (ch 2, dc in ch-3 lp, ch 2, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog twice) 8 times, ch 2, dc in last ch-3 lp, ch 2, join.
Rnd 9: Ch 3, work next 2 dc tog, (ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog) 8 times, ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, join.

I should have warned you that the long and complicated process of making this angel may also be terrifying.

Rnd 10: Ch 2, dc in next dc (counts as 1 st), (ch 2, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, work next 2 dc tog) 8 times, ch 2, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, join.
Rnd 11: Ch 5, (dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, dc in joined dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 3, join in 3rd ch of ch 5.
Rnd 12: Ch 5, (dc in 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, dc in next dc, ch 2) 8 times, dc in 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, join in 3rd ch of ch 5.
Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in same place as sl st, (ch 2, dc in 2 dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next dc) 8 times, ch 2, dc in 2 dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 14: Ch 3, dc in same place as sl st, dc in next dc, (ch 2, dc in next dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 8 times, ch 2, dc in next dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 15: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 2, dc in next dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 8 times, ch 2, dc in next dc, dec over next 2 dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 16: Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc (ch 3, work next 3 dc tog, ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 8 times, ch 3, work next 3 dc tog, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 17: Ch 3, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc (ch 4, dc in joined dc, ch 4, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc) 8 times, ch 4, dc in joined dc, ch 4, sl st in top of ch 3.

Sure, crocheting angels should be a labour of love, but this pattern might be taking the labour part a bit too far.

Rnd 18: Ch 3, dc in 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 4, dc in same dc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 2 dc) 8 times, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 4, dc in same dc, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 19: Ch 3, dc in 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 3 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next ch-4 lp, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 3 dc) 8 times, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in ch-4 lp, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 20: Ch 3, dc in 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 3 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2, dc in same dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in 3 dc) 8 times, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 21: Ch 3, dc in 3 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 5, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in 4 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc) 8 times, (ch 3, dc in next dc) twice, ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 3) twice, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 22: Ch 3, dc in 2 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in ch-5 lp, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in 3 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 3 dc) 8 times, (ch 3, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, dc in ch-5 lp, (ch 3, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 23: Ch 3, dc in 2 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 2 dc (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in same dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in 3 dc, work next 2 dc tog, dc in 2 dc) 8 times, (ch 3, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc (ch 3, dc in next dc) twice, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.

I make no promises as to whether or not I’ve managed to transcribe everything without error. This pattern is an exercise in handcrafted sadism. If your angel ends up with four arms, green tentacles, or a candy cane growing out of its forehead, don’t blame me!

Rnd 24: Ch 3, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in 2 dc, * (ch 3, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, dc in 2 dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in 2 dc, repeat from * around, end (ch 3, dc in next dc) 6 times, ch 3, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 25: Ch 3, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, * ch 4, (dc in next dc, ch 3) 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 4, dc in 2 dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, repeat from * around, end ch 4, (dc in next dc, ch 3) 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 4, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 26: Ch 3, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, * ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 3) 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 5, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, repeat from * around, end ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 3) 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 5, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 27: Ch 2, work 2 dc tog, * ch 6, (dc in next dc, ch 3) twice, dc in next dc, ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 3) twice, dc in next dc, ch 6, work 3 dc tog, repeat from * around, end last repeat ch 6, sl st in top of 1st st.
Rnd 28: Ch 9, * (dc in next dc, ch 3) 3 times, dc in ch-5 lp, (ch 3, dc in next dc) 3 times, ch 6, dc in st worked tog, repeat from * around, end ch 6, sl st in 3rd ch of ch 9.
Rnd 29: Ch 6, dc in same place as sl st, * ch 5, (dc in next dc, ch 3) 3 times, (dc, ch 5, dc) in next dc, (ch 3, dc in next dc) 3 times, ch 5, (dc, ch 3, dc) in next dc, * repeat from * around, end last repeat, ch 5, sl st in 3rd ch of ch 6. End off. Stuff body firmly to waist.

Hurray, you’ve made it to the end of the body! Now all you have to do is make the angel’s arms, wings, sleeves and hair.

Why are you crying? There’s no crying in crochet!

ARMS (make 2): Beg at top, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join each rnd.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each sc around.
Rnd 3: Work in dc, inc 2 dc in rnd. Work even on 8 dc until arm is 2 1/4’’ long.
Next Rnd: Work in sc, dec 2 sts in rnd – 6 sc.
Next Rnd: Sc in each sc around.
Next Rnd: Dec 1 sc each side – 4 sc. End off. Stuff arms lightly, then sew ends closed to form hand.

You heard me. Wipe those tears with the angel’s head, and get back to work!

SLEEVES: Beg at top, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join each rnd.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around – 12 sc.
Rnd 3: (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) 6 times – 18 sc.
Rnd 4: (Sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times – 24 sc.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in each sc around – 24 sc.
Rnds 6 – 10: Ch 3, dc in 2 dc, (ch 1, dc in 3 dc) 5 times, ch 1, join to top of ch 3.
Rnd 11: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, (ch 1, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 5 times, ch 1, join.
Rnds 12 and 13: Ch 3, dc in 3 dc, (ch 1, dc in 4 dc) 5 times, ch 1, join.
Rnd 14: Ch 3, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, (ch 3, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog, dc in next dc) 5 times, ch 3, join.

Cool fact: In many religions (including both Islam and Catholicism) angels are neither male or female. So feel free to completely ignore this angel’s somewhat feminine appearance.

Rnd 15: Ch 3, work 2 dc tog, (ch 1, dc in ch-3 lp, ch 1, dc in next dc, work 2 dc tog) 5 times, ch 1, dc in ch-3 lp, ch 1, join.
Rnd 16: Ch 2, dc in next st, (ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, work 2 dc tog) 5 times, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, join.

Even cooler Cool Fact: Every person has two angels who accompany him wherever he goes. One angel writes down his good deeds, while the other writes down his bad deeds.

Yes, Islam has shoulder angels!

Although, they rarely manifest as delicious flying donuts.

Rnd 17: Ch 6, 2dc in next st, (ch 3, dc in joined dc, ch 3, 2 dc in next dc) 5 times, ch 3, dc in joined dc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of ch 6.
Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in same place as sl st, (ch 5, sc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 5, sc in next dc) 5 times, ch 5, sc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 5, sl st in first sc. End off. Work 2nd sleeve the same. Place an arm inside sleeve; sew sleeve to arm at top. Sew sleeves to side of angel at top. Bring hands tog in prayer position and tack.

You could put her hands together in prayer position if you wanted, but there are lots of other positions you could arrange them in as well.

Constantine fans, I’ve already warned you! No homicidal angels for Christmas... I mean, for Al Hijra!

WINGS: Ch 24.
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in 21 ch, 3 sc in last ch; working back on opposite side of starting ch, sc in 19 ch, ch 10; turn.
Row 2: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc iin 8 ch, sc in 19 sc, 2 hdc in each of next 3 sc, sc in 12 sc, ch 4; turn.
Row 3: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch, sc in 6 sc, hdc in 6 sc, 2 dc in next hdc, 2 tr in each of next 4 hdc, 2 dc in next hdc, hdc in next 14 sc, sc in each sc to end of wing. Turn.
Row 4: Sl st in 8 sc, sc in each st around wing, working 2 sc in 1 tr at top point, end in sc in each of 6 hdc, sl st in next sc. End off. Make 2nd wing the same. Sew wings 1/2’’ apart to back, sewing only 1/2’’ along shorter edge of wing to angel.

HAIR: Cut 40 strands of cotton 6’’ long. Place strands over head from forehead back for 3/4’’, centering strands. Take a long stitch over center of strands through head for hair “part” and to hold strands in place. Form chignon at back of neck.

Hair like Jesus wore it! Hallelujah, I adore it!

Ahem, sorry. I was so distracted by this angel’s long, beautiful, down-to-there hair that I forgot I was writing an Al-Hijra post. Again.

Still, that’s no reason to feel obliged to tie our angel’s back into a chignon. Feel free to let your angel’s hair fly in the breeze and get caught in the trees, whether they be Christmas trees, Hanukah bushes, or even one of these.

FINISHING: Using 1 part glue and 1 part water, stiffen all parts of angel. Press face and body a bit from back to front to flatten face and figure. Place figure over a cone shape to hold in place. Pin out points of skirt. Stiffen all parts of angel again. Let dry before removing pins.

I don’t know about you, but I find this last set of instructions terrifyingly vague. Are we to dip the angel in the glue and water mixture? Or paint her with it? What sort of “cone shape” should we use? I suspect a paper cone would stick to her gluey skirt, while an ice cream cone would transform her into a dog treat. Perhaps a tinfoil cone might work best?

And how exactly are we to “stiffen all parts of angel again”? Everybody knows, angels don’t have parts!

I sense disaster. Gluey, sticky, disaster.

But hey, at the very least, your stiff angel will have great posture.

Click here for the printable pattern.