Materials
DK cotton or weather-resistant acrylic yarn in 2 to 4 colors per spinner.
3.5 mm crochet hook.
Tapestry needle and scissors.
Small metal ring, swivel or S-hook for hanging.
Optional clear fishing line for a nearly invisible suspension.
Finished Size
Approx. 45 to 65 cm long and 10 to 14 cm wide after shaping.
Abbreviations
MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
dec = single crochet 2 stitches together
BLO = back loop only
FLO = front loop only
st / sts = stitch / stitches
R / Rd = row / round
Pattern Notes
For outdoor use choose washable synthetic yarn and bring the spinners inside during severe weather. The instructions below make one spinner; repeat in other colors.
Method
The spinner begins as a narrow top point, widens into a flat strip, stays at full width through the center, then narrows again. A contrasting border is added. The finished strip is twisted around its center line into repeated open diamond turns.
Formation
Top point narrows to 1 stitch.
Body widens gradually to 13 stitches.
Center remains the same width for the main length.
Bottom tapers back to 1 stitch.
A firm border helps the edges hold the twisted shape.
Full Pattern
1. Main Tapered Strip
R1: ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook = 1.
R2: ch 1, turn, 3 sc in the stitch = 3.
R3: ch 1, turn, inc, sc, inc = 5.
R4: ch 1, turn, inc, sc in each st to last st, inc = 7.
Repeat the R4 increase method every row until you have 13 sts.
Work 13 sc for 54 rows or until the straight section measures about 38 to 42 cm.
Begin taper: ch 1, turn, dec, sc across to last 2 sts, dec.
Repeat the decrease row until 3 sts remain.
Next row: sc3tog or dec across to 1 st. Fasten off.
2. Gradient Color Placement
Orange version: begin yellow, change to orange, finish red.
Pink version: begin magenta, change purple, finish deep violet.
Green version: begin lime, change green, finish aqua.
Blue version: begin turquoise, change royal blue, finish violet.
Make color changes at the edge. Carry no more than one unused color; otherwise cut and weave ends.
3. Firm Edge
Join contrasting yarn at the top point.
Work sc evenly down the first side, placing 1 sc in each row end.
Work 3 sc in the bottom point.
Work sc evenly up the second side and 3 sc at the top point.
Join with sl st. For a stronger outline, work one more round of reverse sc or regular sc.
4. Hanging Loop
At the top point, ch 18 to 24.
Sl st back into the same top point to form a loop.
Fasten off and reinforce with the yarn tail.
5. Shaping the Spiral
Dampen the finished strip and lay flat.
Hold the top point fixed. Twist the lower point clockwise 5 to 7 full turns.
While keeping the twist, spread the edges so each turn opens into a soft diamond shape.
Pin the top, middle and bottom to a blocking mat and let dry completely.
If the spinner relaxes too much, repeat with one extra twist or add a very thin nylon line through the center.