This crochet art nouveau dragonfly window panel is an elegant Art Nouveau window panel with a large turquoise dragonfly, amber and plum stained-glass wing sections, black surface-crochet leading, curling ivory filet vines, and a delicate beaded-look picot edge. The construction is designed specifically for the named project rather than adapted from a generic template.
The ivory filet panel is worked bottom-up across 73 stitches. Tapestry sections color the dragonfly wings while open and filled meshes form curling vines; black surface crochet outlines the insect and a narrow picot frame supports a dowel casing at the top.
Why You’ll Love This Project
The filet mesh, tapestry colorwork, surface crochet, picot edging create a distinct window panel with clear checkpoints, practical structure, and strong handmade texture.
Materials
- Approximately 620 yards ivory sport-weight mercerized cotton
- Approximately 180 yards deep-turquoise sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 110 yards amber sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 90 yards plum sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 130 yards black sport-weight cotton
- One 18-inch wooden dowel and hanging cord
- Sixteen locking stitch markers
- 2.75 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Gauge, Measurements, and Planning
Make a generous swatch in the main stitch. The target gauge is 16 double crochet stitches and 9 rows = 4 inches; change hook size if needed before beginning the full runner.
Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
- yo: yarn over
Special stitch guidance: Open mesh: double crochet, chain 2, skip 2. Filled mesh: work three double crochets across one mesh block. Surface leading: slip stitch loosely along the front of marked mesh lines. Picot bead: chain 3 and slip stitch in the first chain.
Before You Begin
- Maintain the stated 73-stitch construction count at every checkpoint.
- Beginning chains count only where explicitly stated.
- Block components before final assembly or border work.
- Use US crochet terminology throughout.
Instructions
Establish the Ivory Filet Frame
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Foundation Row: Ch 76. Dc in the fourth chain from the hook and across. (73 sts)
- Rows 2–10: Establish twenty-four open mesh blocks between solid three-stitch side borders.
- Mark the vertical center and both outer vine columns.
Chart the Dragonfly Wings
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Rows 11–52: Follow the symmetrical chart, filling the dragonfly body in turquoise and introducing amber and plum tapestry sections in the four wings.
- Keep the curling ivory vines open by carrying colors only through filled meshes.
- Check the panel against the 18-inch width every ten rows.
Outline the Art Nouveau Motif
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Rows 53–64: Complete the upper wing tips and return to ivory open mesh.
- With black, surface-slip-stitch the dragonfly body, wing veins, and the two main vine curves.
- Work loosely enough that the panel remains flat and translucent.
Frame and Hang the Panel
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Work one ivory single-crochet round followed by evenly spaced picot beads around all four sides.
- Rows 65–72: Form a solid top casing and fold it around the wooden dowel.
- Steam-block to 18 by 32 inches before inserting the dowel and hanging cord.
Assembly and Shaping
Follow the project-specific assembly sequence for rectangular art nouveau dragonfly window panel. Pin or mark every component before joining and keep the finished layout balanced.
Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.
Finishing
- Weave every tail through matching stitches and reverse direction once.
- Inspect all joins, motif anchors, and border corners.
- Block to 18 inches wide by 32 inches long.
- Allow the runner to dry completely before styling.
For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.
Helpful Tips
- Use locking markers at every construction checkpoint.
- Record row and motif counts as you work.
- Keep joins and color changes relaxed enough to lie flat.
- Photograph the complete layout before final assembly.
Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work this in one color?
Yes. Use ivory for the panel and a contrasting outline color for a classic silhouette.
Can I omit the dowel?
Yes. Add three reinforced hanging loops across the top edge instead.
How do I keep the window panel square?
Use blocking wires along all four edges and verify both diagonals match before drying.
Conclusion
The finished crochet art nouveau dragonfly window panel showcases filet mesh, tapestry colorwork, surface crochet, picot edging in a construction that matches the project from foundation through finishing.
Printable Crochet Pattern Card
Project: Crochet Art Nouveau Dragonfly Window Panel
Skill level: Intermediate Hook: 2.75 mm Yarn: Sport
Finished size: Approximately 18 inches wide by 32 inches long
Card Materials
- Approximately 620 yards ivory sport-weight mercerized cotton
- Approximately 180 yards deep-turquoise sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 110 yards amber sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 90 yards plum sport-weight cotton
- Approximately 130 yards black sport-weight cotton
- One 18-inch wooden dowel and hanging cord
- Sixteen locking stitch markers
- 2.75 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Card Instructions
- Establish the Ivory Filet Frame: Foundation Row: Ch 76. Dc in the fourth chain from the hook and across. (73 sts) Rows 2–10: Establish twenty-four open mesh blocks between solid three-stitch side borders. Mark the vertical center and both outer vine columns.
- Chart the Dragonfly Wings: Rows 11–52: Follow the symmetrical chart, filling the dragonfly body in turquoise and introducing amber and plum tapestry sections in the four wings. Keep the curling ivory vines open by carrying colors only through filled meshes. Check the panel against the 18-inch width every ten rows.
- Outline the Art Nouveau Motif: Rows 53–64: Complete the upper wing tips and return to ivory open mesh. With black, surface-slip-stitch the dragonfly body, wing veins, and the two main vine curves. Work loosely enough that the panel remains flat and translucent.
- Frame and Hang the Panel: Work one ivory single-crochet round followed by evenly spaced picot beads around all four sides. Rows 65–72: Form a solid top casing and fold it around the wooden dowel. Steam-block to 18 by 32 inches before inserting the dowel and hanging cord.
Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.
