Taurus the Bull

Taurus the Bull Crochet Panel by Frances Powell

What is Being Made

Taurus the Bull is a decorative crochet panel designed as home décor suitable for blankets, throws, and cushions. This 16-inch (40 cm) square filet crochet design features an astrological zodiac motif depicting the bull symbol of Taurus. The finished piece works as a standalone decorative element or can be incorporated into larger textile projects.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses crochet as the primary construction method. The design employs filet crochet, a technique that creates an openwork mesh fabric with solid areas filled in to form a picture or pattern. Filet crochet is worked from a chart, reading right to left on odd-numbered rows and left to right on even-numbered rows. This structured approach allows crafters to follow a visual pattern guide to build the detailed Taurus image.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create the foundation chain of 245 stitches that begins the project
• Treble crochet (tr): The primary stitch forming the mesh structure of the filet pattern
• Double crochet (dc): Used within the chart pattern to create solid areas that form the bull design
• Slip stitch (sl): Used for joining and finishing
• Mesh construction: Created by alternating chains and trebles to form open squares that are either left empty or filled with double crochet to create the image

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires 0.75 mm crochet hook and No. 20 crochet thread in a single 50-gram ball. The use of fine thread and small hook creates delicate, detailed work. The gauge is 5 mesh per 1 inch (2.5 cm) horizontally, with rows 1-2 measuring approximately ½ inch (1.25 cm) vertically, producing the precise 16-inch square finished size.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty. While filet crochet is a relatively straightforward technique once mastered, this project requires the ability to read and follow a detailed chart accurately over 80 rows, maintain consistent tension with fine thread, and understand how to work the foundation chain and mesh structure properly.

Pattern Details

The pattern begins with a foundation chain of 245 stitches, which creates 80 mesh squares across the first row. The crafter then works 80 rows following the provided chart, building the Taurus bull image row by row. The chart is oriented sideways to fit on the printed pattern page, and crafters must read the chart carefully, working from right to left on odd rows and left to right on even rows—a standard filet crochet convention. Once complete, loose ends are sewn in to finish the panel.