Africa Hanging Map

Africa Hanging Map Crochet Wall Decoration

What Is Being Made

The Africa Hanging Map is a decorative wall hanging featuring a crochet map of the African continent rendered in Montessori colors. This square-shaped decoration measures approximately 35x35 cm (14"x14") with additional 10 cm (4") fringe elements and 4 cm (1.5") loops at the top for hanging. The design combines educational appeal with functional home décor, making it suitable for children's rooms, classrooms, or spaces celebrating African geography and culture.

Techniques and Construction Method

This intermediate-level crochet project is worked from the top down, utilizing a straightforward construction approach that builds the wall hanging progressively. The piece incorporates hanging loops at the top for mounting on a stick, with fringed edges at the bottom that add visual interest and movement to the finished piece. The top-down construction method allows crafters to easily adjust the final size if needed and provides a logical progression through the pattern.

Stitches Used

The Africa Hanging Map employs fundamental crochet stitches suitable for intermediate crafters:

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch forming the dense, structured base of the wall hanging
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for creating the foundation and decorative elements
• Slip stitch (sl st) – employed for joining rounds and securing stitches

These core stitches work together to create a fabric with good stitch definition, allowing the Montessori color blocks of the African continent to display clearly and distinctly.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for 100% cotton yarn in two colors, chosen specifically for their Montessori color palette representation:

• Color A (Blue) – Originally specified as Katia Funny Rainbow 104, a sport weight yarn (630 m/688 yds per 150 g/5.3 oz skein). The pattern requires approximately 40 g (1.5 oz) of this color. Since this yarn has been discontinued, the designer recommends substituting any sport weight yarn in blue shades that matches the specified gauge.
• Color B (Apple Green) – Drops Safran apple green 31, a 5 ply/sport weight cotton yarn (160 m/175 yds per 50 g/1.8 oz skein). The project requires approximately 30 g (1 oz) of this color.

Additional materials include a US D-3 (3 mm) crochet hook, a stick approximately 50 cm (20") long for hanging, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 single crochet stitches by 23 rows over 10 cm (4"), which is important to achieve for proper finished dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

This pattern is designed for intermediate crocheters and works with sport weight and 4 ply/5 ply cotton yarns. The combination of these lighter yarn weights with a small crochet hook creates a tightly-worked, detailed fabric ideal for displaying the distinct color blocks of the continental map. Intermediate crafters will appreciate the straightforward stitch work while managing the color changes and shaping required to create the recognizable Africa silhouette.