This is my design for a decorative flower worked up in three layers. I used a DK weight merino yarn and a 3.5mm hook, and they ended up measuring approximately 8cm across.
I originally designed the flower to add some decoration to my hat, you can read more about that here. But this flower is beautifully versatile I think...it would make a super corsage/brooch, or could be applied to crochet bags, cushions, hair bands etc. It will provide lots of colourful flowery goodness, that's for sure!
So 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)
dtr [double treble] :: yarn over TWICE, insert hook, yarn over, pull loop back through stitch (four loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two loops (three loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops (2 loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US tr stitch)
OK.............here we go...........................................
:: Flower Centre ::
To start :: chain 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring. You'll be working out of the ring for the first round.:: Round 1 ::
Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc), then work 6 dc's into ring. Join with a sl st to top of ch-2 to close round. You should clearly be able to see 7 stitches that you'll be working out of for the next round (as above):: Round 2 ::
Slip stitch into first stitch of previous round so that you're beginning round 2 in the right place.
Chain 2 (counts as 1dc), then 1dc into same stitch (as above)
Work 2 dc's into each of next 6 stitches, then sl st into top of ch-2 to close round. Fasten off.
You should now have 14 stitches to work out of for the next round (as above)
:: First Petal Layer ::
Begin by inserting hook into first stitch and hooking through a new colour. You can knot it to the tail end of the old colour if you like, but I find it gives a neater finish if you just hold onto the tail end at first and then crochet over it to anchor.
Into the next stitch, work 4 tr's, remembering to crochet over your ends as you work.
Slip stitch into next stitch. First petal made.
*work 4tr's into next stitch, sl st into next stitch*.
Repeat between ** until you have made 6 petals. You should have one last stitch left, so work 4 tr's into that stitch, then end the round by slip stitching into the very first stitch. Fasten off.
:: Second Petal Layer ::
This layer is made up in two parts. The first part involves creating a series of chain loops, and the second part involves creating the petals out of the chain loops. Sorry if it sounds confusing, it's quite straight forward I promise!
Firstly, choose your new colour and make a slip knot on the hook, as in the above picture.
What you're going to do is to anchor the new yarn into the back of the petals of the previous round. You'll be picking up two loops from the centre-back of each petal. See where I've put my needle? Those are the middle two loops that will provide the anchor. So.....
...keep the slipknot on the hook. Hold the flower so that it's upright with the right side facing you. Use the hook to pick up those two loops at the back of the first petal, but keep the flower's right side facing you (as above)
Now work a slip stitch through those two loops....in other words, yarn over then pull the yarn through the two back-petal loops, then through the slip stitch already on your hook. You are now anchored in place and ready to start making chain loops (as above)
Now get ready to anchor again...keep the right side of the flower facing you and pick up two loops at the back of the next petal to the left. Slip Stitch as you did before (yarn over, pull yarn through the two loops and through the loop on your hook)
You should now have a chain-loop anchored at each end to the back of two petals (as above). Remember to keep the front of the flower facing you, and that you are working from right to left.
*Chain 3, then make a slip stitch anchor through the two loops in the centre of the next petal.*
Repeat between ** 6 more times until you have 7 chain-loops in total.
Your last slip stitch will be made right back at the beginning, you need to slip stitch into the very first slip stitch you made, if that makes sense?! (a slip stitch into a slip stitch! see above). DON'T FASTEN OFF.
With same colour, you're now going to work the petals around the chain-loops you created. Begin by slip stitching underneath the first chain loop. Now work 6 tr's arounf the chain-loop, then slip stitch again to complete the first petal (as above). A reminder that you are continuing to work with the front of the flower facing you. You may find it easier to bend the first round of petals forwards so you can get to the chain loops more easily.
Slip stitch into the next chain loop, then work 6 tr's and a slip stitch into the chain loop. Second petal made (as above)
This is what it should look like on the reverse...you can see the first two petals and the remaining five chain loops waiting for petals.
Continue working the petals :: into each chain-loop you work sl st, 6 tr's, sl st. After the final petal has been made, close the round by slip stitching into the very first slip stitch of the first petal. Fasten off.
:: Third Petal Layer ::
Take your new colour and make a slip stitch on the hook. You will be working this round in pretty much the same way as the previous round. So to begin, use your hook to pick up two loops at the back of the petal, and slip stitch to anchor.
As before, hold the flower upright with the front facing you and work from right to left. Pick up two loops from the back of the next petal and make a slip stitch.
Chain 4, then pick up two loops from the back of the next petal and slip stitch.
Continue in this way until all 7 chain loops have been made. Finish by slip stitching into the first slip stitch, DO NOT FASTEN OFF>
With same colour, you're now going to work the petals around the
chain-loops you created. Begin by slip stitching underneath the first
chain loop. Now work 7 tr's around the chain-loop, then slip stitch under the chain-loop to complete the first petal (as above).
Continue working the petals :: into each chain-loop you work sl st, 7
tr's, sl st. After the final petal has been made, close the round by
slip stitching into the very first slip stitch of the first petal.
Fasten off.
The final part of the flower is to work an edging in a contrasting colour.
Work through BACK LOOPS ONLY for this, starting with the first stitch of the first petal, as shown by my needle above.
Pull a new colour through to the front of the first stitch, then work 1 dc into same stitch.
Work 1 dc (Back Loops only) into each of the next 7 stitches, which should take you around the first petal edge (as above)
Now you're going to make a Long Slip Stitch. What you need to do is hold the flower upright with right side facing you, and fold down the previous (pink) round of petals. Can you see the two little (pink) loops that you picked up in the previous round? See where my needle is? Well you're going to make a Long Slip Stitch down in there......
....stick your hook in between those two little loops, yarn over, then pull the loop through to the front and through the loop on your hook....
...keep your tension quite loose and allow your hook to gently pull the stitch right up level with the edging row (as above)
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 8 stitches (back loops only, as above)
Make another Long Slip Stitch into the little gap between the anchor-loops in the previous row below. Pull the slip stitch loop gently up so it's level with the edging row.*
Repeat between ** 5 more times until you are back to the beginning.
After the last Long Slip Stitch, close the round by slip stitching into the first stitch. Fasten off.
Awwww so pretty! And pretty addictive too.
I made this lovely flower some leaves...the pattern is a little fiddly, but I'll do my best to explain it to you.
First make the central stem. Chain 10, then begin in 2nd chain from hook and slip stitch into each stitch along (9 sts). Fasten off.
This first side of the leaf is effectively worked out of the foundation chain loops. Hold your leaf stem so that the tail ends are hanging off to the right as you will be starting at this end. Begin by inserting your hook into the first stitch and pulling though your new colour (as above)
Work 1dc into the first stitch, then 1 tr into the next stitch (as above)
Work 1 dtr into each of the next 4 stitches. A quick reminder, dtr = Double Treble, plain English instructions for this stitch as follows ::
yarn over TWICE, insert hook, yarn over, pull loop
back through stitch (four loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through two
loops (three loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops
(2 loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US tr stitch)
Now work 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc. You should be at the end of the foundation chain/first side (as above)
There should be a stitch sitting at the end of your central stem...use it to make a picot point, as follows :: 1 tr, chain 2, sl st into 2nd chain from hook, 1 tr (as above)
Now work out of BACK LOOPS ONLY down the second side, as follows:
Now work 1 dtr into each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 tr.
You should have one remaining stitch left, so put 1 dc and 1 slip stitch into that last stitch.
Chain 1, then slip stitch into beginning stitch to finish.
Fasten off and darn ends in on reverse (if you darn the ends up and down the centre, it strengthens the leaf and stops it from being too floppy and curly)
So there you have it...I'm sorry if my tutorials seem overly long and complex, but I do try my best to explain everything as if you were sitting right next to me and we were hooking along together.
I really hope you enjoy giving this a go and making up some colourful pretties to decorate and adorn. They are lots of fun to make, and invite lots of scummy colour play!
Do you know, I really LOVE making these tutorials and sharing my passion with you, even though they are extremely time consuming to produce. I hope that if you've been inspired to give this little decorative project a go, that you might consider making a small donation to help support what I do here in the Attic.♥
xx Thank you so much as always for your support and hooky love, it's very, very much appreciated. Wishing you many happy, blissful hours of joy with hook and yarn xx
♥
Thank you very much for your amazing leaf tutorial.
Posted by: Susi Messenger | May 29, 2017 at 03:30 AM
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! Once I copied the US equivalent for the different stitches I was on my way! It was a lot easier than I had anticipated!! Your instructions are very easy to follow!!
Posted by: Nancy Gagne | April 17, 2017 at 09:54 PM
Can I have instruction in itly please?thanks
Posted by: Margherita | April 17, 2017 at 08:09 PM
ur my fav! can tell ur work from everyones i just made a crochet flower wreath with colorful flowers all over..put some sparkly jewelry in some centers'''when daughter saw it..she said i want one just like it..she repeated that ''emphatic she was..other daughter wants flowers around bottom half.....im 76 at an assisted living facility...i crochet all the time'''no sitting without being busy! thank u for sharing and being an outstanding crocheter..ive made many stripy blankets for family..large family...i love to make them..
Posted by: Mamadof6 McCormick | March 28, 2017 at 12:27 AM
This picture tutorial is fantastic. It is the best that I have ever seen. I love what you have made. I love flowers and animals especially. Thank you for posting this.
Posted by: Zaneta Grauzz | March 21, 2017 at 06:38 PM
Thank you for sharing. You do beautiful work
Posted by: Debbie | March 15, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Lucy-
Your tutorials and pictures were so helpful!!! THANK YOU!!! I've been searching high and low for a decent and easy flower patter. I made my first flower today!
Posted by: Karin Johnson | October 14, 2016 at 04:51 PM
çok güzel akıllıca ve şık bir çalışma sizi tebrik ediyorum özellikle yapraklar benim için de yol gösterici oldu kolaylıklar diliyorum çalışmalarınızda teşekkürler paylaşımlarınız için
Posted by: Nadide ÇELİK | October 14, 2016 at 07:58 AM
That k so much for sharing this with us. The flowers look gorgeous
Posted by: Donna lane | October 02, 2016 at 02:05 AM
Thank you
Posted by: nieshang | September 11, 2016 at 07:44 AM
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for the tutorial and pattern. Do we need to block the flowers? If yes how do I block this flower ?
Thanks,
Mamatha
Posted by: Mamatha nagilla | July 29, 2016 at 10:42 AM
I am going to like too make this flower too surprise someone special !
Thank you for sharing this pattern!
Posted by: Cindy | June 26, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Thank you! These are beautiful! I am a beginning crocheter, and I get frustrated easily at times, so I'm trying to start with small things with really awesome instructions! :-) <3
Posted by: Wendy Clements | June 20, 2016 at 03:42 AM
Hi Do you have the pattern without the photo's please? So I can print it out... Thanks :)
Posted by: Anne | June 15, 2016 at 03:01 PM
Please could you tell me how i get the patterns and how much they are please
Posted by: Christine halton | April 22, 2016 at 01:20 PM
Thank you for sharing. I have used part of your pattern (the leaf) for my amigurumi. I have put the link on my blog.
Regards
http://tamknitting.blogspot.com.es/2016/04/como-componer-un-amigurumi-sin-patron.html
Posted by: Tamknitting | April 19, 2016 at 09:19 AM
would love a printed version this flower I am a first timer making the wreaths and would love the pattern for this flower to put on mine. if you could send me a copy I would love it. Very pretty flower..
Posted by: Gwen Haney | March 23, 2016 at 01:56 PM
it is wonderful, thanks for the tutorial, it is very easy to follow.
Posted by: Edna Siu | March 16, 2016 at 01:34 AM
Hi, Lucy, I love the flower and look forward to making it. I have admired the things you have made. May I suggest that you provide a print friendly version of this pattern as well as the very thorough and well composed tutorial? I really wanted this pattern so I laboriously copied and pasted the text. I kept trying to persuade myself to give up and look for another pattern but kept going since I'd gotten through half. It took WAY too much time. Thank you. Alison--keep up with your totally brilliant designing!
Posted by: Alison Hutchins | March 02, 2016 at 04:46 PM
This tutorial is easy to understand, thank you so much 😀
Posted by: Rhona | February 07, 2016 at 08:57 PM
Is there possibly a PDF version of this Gorgeous Crocheted Flower is there?
Posted by: CrochetingMomJo | January 16, 2016 at 07:21 AM
this is the most helpfull tutorial thank you
Posted by: Pinar Sondal | January 11, 2016 at 02:32 PM
Hi! I love the easy to follow instructions! The pictures are very helpful. You helped me make cute, beautiful flowers. I've followed other patternso and some how they never end up the same as the foto. Your pattern works for me. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Ana Ramirez | December 07, 2015 at 09:52 PM
Really this is amazing..I wants to learn from where I can?? I wants to learn and makes different types of crochet design.help me please
Posted by: Urmil Negi | November 18, 2015 at 04:39 AM
Your leaf is one of the loveliest and most realistic I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing it!
Posted by: Marcia | November 17, 2015 at 08:13 PM