May Roses

This is my pattern for these adorable May Roses, a sweet little floral decoration for all sorts of prettifying projects. Make them into brooches, attach them to hats, bags, hair slides, cardigans. Assemble a whole bunch of them to prettify a tea cosy, a bag, a cushion. String them together to make a pretty floral garland. Stitch them to crochet triangles to make some pretty rosy bunting. Glue them to a twiggy wreath to make a gorgeous decoration for your home.......ahhh so many fun possibilities!

Before we begin, a little summary of the basic stitches. I'm writing using UK crochet terms ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)

htr [half treble]:: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

To begin, chain 26.

:: Row 1 :: Start in the 2nd chain from hook (as shown above with my needle) and work a row of double crochet. You should count 25 stitches altogether. Turn the work.

:: Row 2 :: Start in 2nd chain from hook (as shown above with my needle)....

....work 5 treble stitches (as above) into the same stitch.

Slip stitch into next stitch (as above). This is your first large petal made.

*Work 5 tr's into next st, sl st into next st* (2nd large petal made)

Repeat between ** 3 more times until you have 5 large petals (as above)

*Work 5 htr's into next st, sl st into next st* (1st medium petal made)

Repeat between ** 3 more times until you have 4 medium petals.

*work 5 dc's into next st, sl st into next st (1st small petal made)

Repeat between ** twice more until you have 3 small petals.

Fasten off leaving a 20cm tail end for stitching up.

You should have what looks like a curly-wurly row of 12 petals (5 large, 4 medium and 3 small). It should already be naturally curling itself round to form the rosy shape so don't expect it to lie flat.

:: Stitching :: first of all, darn in the short tail end from the beginning of the foundation chain.

Now thread the long tail end onto a darning needle, and begin by tightly curling the small petals around in a spiral (as above)

Turn the rose over so that you are looking at the back of the petals with the straight line of the foundation chain nearest to you. As you curl and roll the small petals round in a spiral, begin to make small stitches through the layers of the foundation chain to hold the petals in place.

Keep gently rolling the petals around the centre, securing them with stitches as you go.

You'll need to regularly turn the rose over to check that it's forming well. It shouldn't be too tight and scrunched up, but not too loose and open either. You're aiming for quite a neat, compact spiral shape. Don't worry too much about how you are making the stitches either, it really doesn't matter. So long as they are holding all the petals securely in place that's ok as you will not see them.

When you come round to stitching the large outer petals, you should be aiming to create a neat five-petal flower shape, as shown above. When it's all stitched securely in place, fasten off.

You should find that once you've made one and got a hang of the stitching up bit (which is harder than the actual crochet bit I think), the second one will be a complete doddle. You will be so happy when you breeze through the second one that you will need to make many more instantly. You will start searching frantically through your stash, dragging out every shade of red-pink-purple that you can lay your hands on. Just a gentle warning....these are super addictive!

Want to find some green yarn and try a few leaves now??

:: To begin :: chain 8.

   Start in the 2nd chain from hook (as shown above with my needle) and work the following...

dc, htr, tr, 2tr's, tr, htr, dc. That's the first side of your leaf made.

Now you are going to make the pointy end bit, so chain 2, then insert hook through the 1st chain (see where I've put my needle in the above pic). Yarn over and work a slip stitch by pulling the yarn through the chain, then through the stitch on the hook.

This forms your "picot point".

Now for the second side of the leaf. You'll be working out of the single loops of the foundation chain, as shown with my needle in the above picture. You should be able to clearly count 7 single loops altogether. Work the following, to mirror the first side...

dc, htr, tr, 2tr's, tr, htr, dc.

Slip stitch into end of leaf and fasten off, leaving a tail end long enough to darn in.

You should end up with a really sweet little pointy leaf shape, the perfect accompaniment for the roses.

You might need to give your picot pointy end a little tweak to get it to sit flat and straight, as sometimes they curl a little.

Ahhhhhhhhhh what rosy gorgeousness!

I want to just add a little note about yarn and hook size. So from left to right.........

1. Large May Rose made by using two strands of dk weight merino yarn on a 5mm hook.

2. Medium May Rose made using dk weight merino yarn on a 3.5mm hook.

3. Slightly smaller May Rose made using a crochet cotton on a 3mm hook.

4. Dinky May Rose made using a fine mercerised crochet cotton on a 2.5mm hook.

I do particularly like the large double-colour rose, it was a bit of an experiment and came out much better than I expected. I think it would make a lovely brooch with a couple of leaves added....

So pretty!!!!

I hope you enjoy having a go with these lovely little blooms, they are so quick and easy to do. Perfect for using up scraps of yarn, perfect for whizzing up in any spare moment. Once you've made one, you will soon have a whole rose garden blooming before your eyes, I guarantee it. Have fun!

Oh....before I dash off to my yarn stash, I'm just going to write out the patterns for you in brief so you can copy/paste/print if you wish.......

May Rose
chain 26.
Start in 2nd ch from hook, dc to the end (25 stitches).
Turn the work.
Skip 1 st, * 5tr's into next st, sl st into next st *
Repeat between ** 4 more times (five large petal shells made)
*5 htr's into next st, sl st into next st *
Repeat between ** 3 more times (four medium petal shells made)
*5 dc's into next st, sl st into next st *
Repeat between ** twice more (three small petal shells made.
fasten off, leaving long tail end for sewing up flower.

Darn in short tail end from beginning of foundation chain.
Thread long tail end onto needle and begin by curling the small petals round in a circle. With bottom straight edge uppermost, make small stitches to secure petals in place. Keep winding petals round, securing with stitches on reverse as you go. Keep checking on right side that the flower is forming nicely, not too scrunched up, not too loose.
You should end up with a rose that roughly has five petals around the outside, then twirls inwards to a tightly curled centre.

Rose Leaf

Chain 8.

Start in 2nd chain from hook and work the following ::

dc, htr, tr, 2tr's, tr, htr, dc.

Chain 2, sl st in 2nd chain from hook (picot point made).

Now work back along the bottom of the foundation chain, in the single loops of the chain ::

dc, htr, tr, 2tr's, tr, htr, dc.

Sl st into end of leaf and fasten off leaving a tail end long enough to darn in.

♥

As with all my patterns, I totally love creating them and get a huge buzz out of sharing and inspiring. I am happy to give them for free, but I'm sure you can appreciate it does take a lot of time and effort to create this sort of picture-heavy tutorial.  I hope that if you've been inspired to give these sweet roses a go, that you might consider making a small donation to help support what I do here in the Attic. Thank you as always for your hooky love, it's very, very much appreciated.

 

♥ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx♥

 

 

Comments

[quirky-vintage]

Oh wow, these are perfect! I've been googling patterns for these type of roses but I just can't follow the patterns and I gave up after about 5 attempts at different ones. I love how simple this is. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!

[Denise Best]

Just Beautiful! I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you.
Denise

[Lisa Minton]

I can't wait to try these! Although i am currently working on your granny garden square pattern for a blanket adn also a ripple lap throw.... I may have to fit a few of these in though especially because it is such a portable project as you say. It's hard to bring along all my stuff for the granny square (5 yarn colors etc.) and the ripple is getting too big to fit in my bag for on the go. I was just thinking your should write a book because your instructions are soooo easy and simple to follow. But i like your blog even better than a book. I plan to give you a donation next paycheck.....thank you SO much!!!

[Maggie]

Really really beautiful, I can't wait to make some and use them everywhere. Thank you Lucy xxx

[Jan Marchant]

Have a bottle of wine for the Bank Holiday Lucy!

[Troubledee]

Wicked!!!

Luv Jane XX

[Louise]

You ROCK! Another perfect pattern and tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[Michele]

Hello Lucy, earlier this week I discovered your blog, and have been so incredibly impressed with your wonderful sense of style and color - thank you for sharing your passions with everyone.

My mother taught me to crochet many, many years ago, and now that my children have launched, I discovered that crochet has morphed in some incredible ways, and I have been relearning for the past few months. I absolutely fell in love with these flowers you posted earlier this week, and cannot wait to get started to make a couple.

Many thanks!
Michele

[Liz]

I just made them, and they are really lovely!
Thank you!!!!
Love, Liz (Belgium).

[angela-southern USA]

You're so generous Lucy,with your time and talent,it's much appreciated.Lovely,lovely roses,very similar to a pattern I have.Working on a granny square throw right now for my porch swing,for those late nights out listening to the night birds and frogs.Hope you have a lovely weekend.

P.S.
You really need to write that book;)I'm sure it would sell out.

[Sarah west mids uk]

Dear Lucy I'm thinking a Rosy wreath would be great to go with my Spring wreath! Thank you.xx

[Joanne Buckley]

Lovely flowers Lucy, have tried one didnt quite look like yours, will keep trying with them many thanks

[Lynn]

Oh my, another thing added to my 'must make' list! A lovely 3D shape. Already brewing an idea for these beauties! Thank you. Lxxx

[Megan]

I think I will have to attempt these. I have always been a knitter but you inspire me so much-must branch out a bit. Thanks as always Lucy- You Rock!!

[Rebecca]

Thanks so much, Lucy! The tutorial is super easy to follow and results in the sweetest little flowers.

[Purple Princess]

Loving your work Lucy! Such pretty roses and I love that the secret is in the sewing up! By the way, we've just bought a caravan...I blame you ;o)

[Elisa]

Dear Lucy, just made one and you pattern is simply the best among the tons I've tried. Thanks, I really enjoy your blog, a lot!
Ciao ciao
Elisa, italian crochet addicted mom living in the Netherlands :)

[Karen]

These are so pretty! I'm saving the tutorial for later use! Thanks!

Karen

[maureen]

I love your roses and you did a great job showing the steps clearly. Thanks :)

[Maddie Himmel]

Beautiful..thank you for sharing.

Maddie
Florida, USA

[Tammy]

Ooooo! I can't wait to try them! Thanks so much for sharing your incredible talent with us! I think I need to make a Rosy Wreath for my front door!

[Meta Karcher]

Really beautiful! I enjoy your blog so much and like to watch it every day. Your pictures make me always very happy and I love the colorful things you make. I am looking forward for the next pictures.

Thank you very much and have a nice weekend.

Meta from Germany

[Nanita]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial, I'm off to make some little roses and leaves right now! Thank you, Lucy!!! :-) xxxx

[Bev]

Yes these are lovely. Also very pretty for little girls hair ties with matching brooch.
Very much enjoying reading your blog all the way from Australia. Am at present in the middle of hooking up a storm trying my hand at your Summer garden throw. My how I love joining squares as I go but sewing in all those loose ends is a real battle.
Thank you for much pleasurable reading and viewing. Happy days and nights to you.

[Lucía]

Hello Lucy, i've been following your blog for some months and it's amazing how creative and colourful you are. I'm Spanish and I'm an English teacher so I have the idea to follow some English blogs to keep on improving my English and because I like decoration and crochet I love your blog. The way you write and the way you explain things so keenly and happyly. Than you for everything and best wishes for you and for all your family!