purlJam

# Beginner Crochet Rose

A sweet and simple rose perfect for beginners! This easy pattern uses basic stitches to create a realistic-looking bloom. Great for embellishments, decorations, or gift toppers.

## Materials

- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn in rose color of choice
  - Main Color (MC): Red, pink, yellow, white, or any rose color (~30 yards)
  - Optional Green (for leaves/stem): (~15 yards)
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) - use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends for tight amigurumi fabric
- **Other Supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing (small amount for center only)
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
  - Stitch marker
  - Scissors
  - Optional: Floral wire for stem support

## Gauge

18-20 sts × 20 rows = 4" (10cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but working tightly creates a neater finished rose.*

## Finished Size

Approximately 3-4" (7.5-10cm) diameter rose bloom
Optional stem adds 4-5" (10-12.5cm) length

## Abbreviations

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- sl st = slip stitch
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round/row

## Notes

- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted (do not join or turn)
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- The center bud is stuffed; petals remain flat
- Petal strip is worked in rows, then coiled around center
- Work tightly for clean, professional appearance
- Invisible decrease creates smoothest fabric for center bud

## Pattern

### CENTER BUD (Rose Core)

The small sphere that forms the heart of your rose.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Math check: 6 sc created*

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 inc = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 18 sts*

**Rnd 4-5**: sc in each st around [18]
- *2 rounds of even stitches*

**Rnd 6**: (sc, dec) around [12]
- *Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 12 sts*

**Stuff firmly** with fiberfill. The bud should feel solid but not overstuffed.

**Rnd 7**: dec around [6]
- *Math check: 6 dec = 6 sts*

Fasten off, leaving 8" tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely. Set aside.

### PETAL STRIP (Main Rose Layer)

This strip creates the beautiful layered petals when coiled around the center.

**Ch 51** (or any odd number between 45-55 for size variation)

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [50]
- *Math check: 51 ch - 1 = 50 sc*
- Turn after this and every row

**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st across [50]

**Row 3 (Scallop Edge)**: Ch 1, *skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st; repeat from * across [12 scallops + 2 edge sts]
- *Math check: Pattern repeat = 4 sts, 50 sts ÷ 4 = 12.5 repeats (end may vary slightly)*
- This creates the ruffled petal edge

Fasten off, leaving 18" tail for assembly.

### OPTIONAL: CALYX (Green Base)

Adds realism to your rose.

**Rnd 1**: With green yarn, 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]

**Rnd 4**: sc in each st around [18]

Fasten off, leaving 12" tail. Do not stuff. This will cup the bottom of your rose.

### OPTIONAL: LEAVES (Make 2)

Simple oval-shaped leaves.

**Ch 7**

**Rnd 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, 3 sc in last ch (working around to other side of chain), sc in next 4 ch, 2 sc in same ch as first sc, sl st to first sc [14]

**Rnd 2**: Ch 1, sc in same st, inc, sc 3, inc × 3, sc 3, inc × 2, sl st to first sc [20]

Fasten off, leaving 10" tail. Do not stuff. Leaves remain flat.

### OPTIONAL: STEM

**Rnd 1**: With green yarn, 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: sc in back loops only in each st around [6]
- This creates the ridged texture of a stem

**Rnd 3-20**: sc in each st around [6]
- Work 18 rounds, or desired length (approximately 4-5")
- Optional: Insert floral wire before closing for poseable stem

**Rnd 21**: dec around [3]

Fasten off. Stuff lightly. Weave end through remaining sts and close.

## Assembly

### Basic Rose (Center + Petals):

1. **Position the strip**: Hold center bud in one hand with closed end at bottom. Hold petal strip with scalloped edge (Row 3) facing outward and upward.

2. **Begin coiling**: Place the straight edge (Row 1) of petal strip against the bottom of center bud. The scallops should face up and out.

3. **First wrap**: Using the long tail and yarn needle, sew the first 2" of petal strip base to the bottom of center bud, wrapping around the bud. Keep scallops facing outward.

4. **Continue coiling**: Wrap petal strip around the growing rose, spiraling outward and slightly downward. Each layer should sit just below the previous layer.

5. **Secure as you go**: Every 3-4" of strip, pause and sew the base to the layer beneath it with small stitches. This prevents gaps.

6. **Final wrap**: When you reach the end of strip, tuck the raw edge underneath and secure with several stitches.

7. **Reinforce base**: Make several stitches across the entire base to lock all layers together. Weave in end.

### With Optional Calyx:

1. Complete basic rose assembly above.

2. Position calyx cup at base of rose with right side facing out.

3. Sew calyx edge to rose base with whip stitch, tucking any messy edges inside.

### With Optional Stem:

1. Complete rose with calyx.

2. Position closed end of stem at center of rose base.

3. Sew stem securely to base and calyx with several stitches through all layers.

### With Optional Leaves:

1. Position leaves at base of rose or partway down stem.

2. Sew base of each leaf to rose or stem with 3-4 small stitches.

3. Leaves can be positioned at different angles for natural look.

## Finishing

- Weave in all remaining ends
- Gently shape petals by coaxing scallops outward with fingers
- Steam lightly with iron on low (hover 1" above) to set shape if desired
- Trim any loose yarn tails

## Variations

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller rose (2-3")**: Use DK weight yarn, smaller hook, ch 35-40 for petal strip
- **Larger rose (5-6")**: Add Rnd 4 to center bud: (2 sc, inc) around [24], work 2 more even rounds; ch 65-70 for petal strip

**Color Ideas:**
- Classic red with green stem/leaves
- Romantic pink
- Sunny yellow
- Pure white for weddings
- Ombre: change colors every few rows in petal strip
- Variegated yarn creates multi-toned petals

**Style Variations:**
- **Tight Rosebud**: Use shorter petal strip (ch 35-40), wrap very tightly
- **Open Bloom**: Use longer strip (ch 60-70), wrap more loosely
- **Wild Rose**: Work only 3-4 dc in scallops instead of 5 for flatter petals
- **Pin/Brooch**: Sew pin back to bottom of calyx
- **Headband**: Make 2-3 roses, attach to plain headband
- **Gift Topper**: Skip stem, add small loop at back for tying to ribbon

## Uses

- Brooches and pins
- Hair accessories
- Gift decorations
- Home decor accents
- Embellish bags or hats
- Bouquets (make multiples!)
- Appliqués for garments
- Valentine's Day gifts
- Wedding decorations

## Care Instructions

- Spot clean only
- Do not machine wash
- Reshape petals after cleaning if needed
- Store flat or in box to protect shape

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**Pattern designed for beginners using basic stitches and simple construction. Enjoy your beautiful handmade rose!**

*Questions? Remember: Crochet should be fun! If something doesn't look perfect the first time, that's okay—roses in nature are all unique too!*