There are many gorgeous Spring flowers that inspire a little bit of floral hooky, but I'm especially fond of these Japanese Quince flowers. They aren't deadly accurate, but a pretty good representation and well, they are good enough for me at any rate!
Here is a picture of the real thing.....
...so pretty!
My crochet version is very, very easy to make. Constructed in the same way as my May Rose, it is worked up in two rows, then curled and stitched into place.
First of all, 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)
:: Row 1 ::
Chain 14, then beginning in 2nd chain from hook, work a row of dc (13 stitches). Turn.
:: Row 2 ::
skip 1 stitch, *work 6 tr's in next st, sl st in next st*, repeat between ** five more times. Fasten off, leaving a long tail end for sewing up.
And that's it! You will end up with a row of 6 scallopy petals which curl round on themselves, as in the above picture.
:: To stitch up :: Thread the tail end of yarn onto a darning needle, and roll the first two petals in between your thumb and finger so that they curl quite tightly together. Turn the flower 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 petals round in a spiral, begin to make small
stitches through the layers of the foundation chain to hold the petals
in place, as above.
Turn the flower over as you stitch your way round to make sure it's looking ok. The petals should be rolled quite tightly so that you make a neat little cupped flower shape.
When the flower is all stitched up, use some yellow yarn to make the little sticky-up bits in the centre (I'm sorry I don't know what the technical term for them is?!). Thread a darning needle, and secure the yellow yarn at the back of the flower. bring your needle up through the centre, then back down again, leaving a loop on the front side (as above)
Do this two or three more times so that you have 3 or 4 little loops of yarn sitting in the centre of your flower. Turn over to the back and fasten off securely, making sure not to pull your loops.
Now simply snip the loops with sharp scissors and trim the ends if necessary.
You may feel the need (like I did) to immediately make a few more. I think they look much better in little clusters, just as they do in real life. And maybe a little greenery too? Ok, lets make some leafage.....
Chain 4, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc), then work 5 dc into the ring. Sl st into top of ch-2 to close, then chain 6 (as above)
Beginning in 2nd chain form hook, work the following stitches ::
dc, dc, 2htr, 2tr, tr (as above)
Skip 1 dc, then sl st into next dc to anchor the leaf.
*Chain 6 (as above), then begin in 2nd chain from hook and work the following ::
dc, dc, 2htr, 2tr, tr.
Skip 1 dc, then sl st into next dc to anchor the leaf*
Repeat between ** once more so that you've made three leaves in total...
...it looks a bit weird on it's own, not very leaf like! But the idea is that you can use it as a base to stitch on your plump little quince flowers, and just the ends of the leaves will show.....
See? Sweet eh?!
You can use these little clusters for any number of decorative projects :: a brooch perhaps or a hair accessory, maybe use to adorn a hat or bag, or add to the centre of a circular cushion. Or maybe make a whole gang of them and make a Spring Wreath (they go beautifully with the daffodils)
Here is the pattern in brief, for you to copy/paste/print....
JAPANESE QUINCE FLOWER
chain 14, 2nd chain from hook, work dc along (13 stitches).Turn.
skip 1 stitch, *work 6 tr's in next st, sl st in next st*, repeat between ** five more times. Fasten off, leaving a long tail end for sewing up.
CIRCULAR LEAVES
Chain 4, join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Ch 2, then work 5dc into ring. Join with a slip stitch to top of ch-2 to close the round.
*Chain 6. starting in 2nd chain from hook, work the following :: dc, dc, 2htr, 2tr, tr. Skip one dc, then sl st in next dc to anchor leaf.*
Repeat between ** twice more, fasten off.
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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 hope that if you've been inspired to give these sweet flowers 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.
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