Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a flat, 2D strawberry applique suitable for beginners. To achieve the iconic tapered shape, I will use a top-down construction method using basic UK double crochet (dc) stitches and simple decreases (dc2tog). The "seeds" will be added via simple embroidery to keep the crochet portion uncomplicated.
2. **Construction Plan**:
- **Body**: Worked in flat rows from the widest part (top) down to the point.
- **Calyx (Leaves)**: Worked directly into the foundation edge of the body to minimize sewing.
- **Finishing**: Surface embroidery for seeds and an optional hanging loop.
3. **Quality Assurance**: I have ensured the use of UK terminology (dc = US sc). A common pitfall for beginners is losing track of the first/last stitch when decreasing; I will include stitch counts at the end of every row for verification.
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Starting width: 8 stitches (~4.5 cm).
- Rows: 8 rows (~4 cm).
- Total height including leaves: ~6 cm.
- Tension: 18 dc x 20 rows = 10 cm².
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: All sections (Yarn weight, Specs, Terminology, Instructions) are present.
2. **Consistency**: Stitch counts decrement logically (8 to 6 to 4 to 2 to 1).
3. **Constraints**: UK English (colour, tension) and UK stitch names (dc, htr) are applied. Metric measurements are primary.
4. **Safety**: Math verified: Row 3 (8 - 2 = 6), Row 5 (6 - 2 = 4), Row 7 (4 - 2 = 2), Row 8 (2 - 1 = 1).
Pattern
# 2D Strawberry Applique
This beginner-friendly pattern creates a flat strawberry perfect for embellishing garments, making bunting, or using as a keychain.
### Yarn & Materials
* **Yarn**: Worsted weight (10-ply) acrylic or cotton yarn.
* **Colour A**: Red (approx. 10 metres).
* **Colour B**: Green (approx. 5 metres).
* **Colour C**: Yellow or White for seeds (approx. 1 metre).
* **Hook**: 4.0mm (G/6) metric hook.
* **Notions**: Tapestry needle, scissors.
### Specifications
* **Tension (Gauge)**: 18 dc and 20 rows to 10cm (4") using a 4.0mm hook. Precise tension is not critical for this project, but stitches should be firm to maintain shape.
* **Finished Size**: Approximately 5cm (2") wide and 6cm (2.4") tall.
### Terminology (UK English)
* **ch**: chain
* **dc**: double crochet (US single crochet)
* **htr**: half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
* **tr**: treble crochet (US double crochet)
* **dc2tog**: double crochet two together (decrease)
* **ss**: slip stitch
* **st(s)**: stitch(es)
---
### Instructions
#### 1. The Berry (Body)
Using **Colour A (Red)**, ch 9.
**Row 1**: Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
*(8 sts: 9 ch - 1 turning ch = 8)*
**Row 2**: Ch 1 (does not count as a st here or throughout), dc in each st across. Turn.
*(8 sts)*
**Row 3**: Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog. Turn.
*(6 sts: 8 - 2 decreases = 6)*
**Row 4**: Ch 1, dc in each st across. Turn.
*(6 sts)*
**Row 5**: Ch 1, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog. Turn.
*(4 sts: 6 - 2 decreases = 4)*
**Row 6**: Ch 1, dc in each st across. Turn.
*(4 sts)*
**Row 7**: Ch 1, [dc2tog] twice. Turn.
*(2 sts: 4 / 2 = 2)*
**Row 8**: Ch 1, dc2tog.
*(1 st)*
Fasten off and weave in ends.
---
#### 2. The Calyx (Leaves)
Hold the strawberry with the wide edge (foundation ch) at the top. Join **Colour B (Green)** with a ss to the first foundation chain on the right-hand side.
**Leaf 1**: Ch 4, ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, htr in last ch. Ss back into the same foundation ch of the berry.
**Leaf 2**: Ss in next 3 sts of the berry top. Ch 5, ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, tr in next 2 chs. Ss back into the same foundation ch of the berry.
**Leaf 3**: Ss in next 3 sts of the berry top. Ch 4, ss in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, htr in last ch. Ss back into the last foundation ch of the berry.
*Optional Hanging Loop*: Ch 10, ss back into the same base st.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
---
#### 3. Finishing (Seeds)
Thread your tapestry needle with **Colour C (Yellow/White)**.
1. Using small straight stitches (approx. 2mm long), embroider "V" shapes or simple lines randomly across the front of the red berry.
2. Ensure you do not pull the stitches too tight, or the 2D shape will pucker.
3. Secure the yarn on the back and trim.
**Technical Editor's Note**: To ensure a professional finish, steam block the applique lightly under a damp cloth to flatten the edges.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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