purlJam

# Cornflower Crochet Pattern

A beautiful, botanically-inspired cornflower worked in multiple layers for a realistic three-dimensional effect. This intermediate project creates a lovely embellishment approximately 10-11 cm in diameter that can be used as a brooch, hair accessory, appliqué, or part of a floral arrangement.

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (Aran) yarn in the following colours:
  - Cornflower blue: 15 g (approximately 30 m)
  - Dark blue or purple: 5 g (for centre, approximately 10 m)
  - Green: 10 g (for stem and leaves, approximately 20 m)

**Hook:** 
- 4.0 mm (UK 8, US G/6) for main work
- 3.5 mm (UK 9, US E/4) for stem (optional, for tighter tension)

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch markers
- Polyester fibrefill or cotton wool for stuffing centre (small amount)
- Floral wire 20-22 gauge, 20 cm length (optional, for stem support)
- Pin back, hair clip, or other fastening as desired
- Wire cutters (if using floral wire)

## Tension

18 sts and 10 rows = 10 cm in treble crochet using 4.0 mm hook

Tension is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size. A tighter tension will create a smaller, firmer flower.

## Finished Measurements

- Flower diameter: approximately 10-11 cm
- Centre disc: approximately 2.5 cm diameter
- Stem length: 15-20 cm (adjustable to preference)

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet (US single crochet)
- htr = half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
- tr = treble crochet (US double crochet)
- dtr = double treble crochet (US treble crochet)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- beg = beginning
- sp = space
- [ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row/round

## Pattern Notes

1. The flower is constructed in four separate components: centre disc, inner petal layer, outer petal layer, and stem with leaves. All pieces are worked separately and then assembled.

2. The centre disc is worked in continuous rounds (do not join). Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

3. Both petal layers are worked in joined rounds, with each petal formed individually.

4. The petals are intentionally worked loosely to create the characteristic ragged edge of cornflowers.

5. Stitch counts are provided at the end of each round in parentheses.

6. When working petal layers, count each petal foundation chain space as part of the round structure, not individual petal stitches.

## Instructions

### Centre Disc (Dark Blue or Purple)

Using 4.0 mm hook and dark blue/purple yarn:

**Round 1:** Make a magic ring, 6 dc into ring, pull tail to tighten (do not join, work in continuous rounds). (6 sts)

**Round 2:** 2 dc in each st around. (12 sts)

**Round 3:** [1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] rep around. (18 sts)

**Round 4:** 1 dc in each st around. (18 sts)

**Round 5:** 1 dc in each st around. (18 sts)

Sl st to next st to finish. Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail for sewing.

Before fastening off completely, stuff centre disc lightly with small amount of fibrefill to create a slightly domed shape. The centre should be firm but not bulging.

### Inner Petal Layer (Cornflower Blue)

Using 4.0 mm hook and cornflower blue yarn:

**Round 1 (Foundation):** Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as first tr), 17 tr into ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. Pull tail to tighten ring. (18 sts)

**Round 2 (Petal Base):** Ch 1, 1 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, [ch 5, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts] 5 times, ch 5, sl st to first dc to join. (6 groups of 3 dc with 6 ch-5 spaces between)

**Round 3 (Petals):** Sl st into first ch-5 sp, work each petal as follows:

**Petal (make 6 total, one in each ch-5 sp):**
- [(1 dc, 1 htr, 1 tr, 1 dtr) in ch-5 sp, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), (1 dtr, 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) in same ch-5 sp], sl st between next two dc groups

After completing all 6 petals, sl st to base of first petal to join.

Fasten off, leaving a 25 cm tail for sewing to centre disc.

### Outer Petal Layer (Cornflower Blue)

Using 4.0 mm hook and cornflower blue yarn:

**Round 1 (Foundation):** Ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring, ch 3 (counts as first tr), 23 tr into ring, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join. (24 sts)

**Round 2 (Petal Base):** Ch 1, 1 dc in same st as join, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, [ch 6, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts] 7 times, ch 6, sl st to first dc to join. (8 groups of 3 dc with 8 ch-6 spaces between)

**Round 3 (Petals):** Sl st into first ch-6 sp, work each petal as follows:

**Petal (make 8 total, one in each ch-6 sp):**
- [(1 dc, 1 htr, 2 tr, 1 dtr) in ch-6 sp, ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook (picot made), (1 dtr, 2 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) in same ch-6 sp], sl st between next two dc groups

After completing all 8 petals, sl st to base of first petal to join.

Fasten off, leaving a 30 cm tail for assembly.

### Stem (Green)

**Option 1: Basic Stem (without wire)**

Using 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm hook and green yarn, ch 41.

**Row 1:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch across. (40 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail.

Roll the strip tightly into a cord and use the tail to stitch down the edge, securing the rolled shape.

**Option 2: Wire-Supported Stem (recommended)**

Using 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm hook and green yarn, ch 41.

**Row 1:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch across. (40 sts)

Do not fasten off.

**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, 1 dc in each st across. (40 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail.

Cut floral wire to 18-20 cm. Place wire along centre of wrong side of stem piece. Fold stem in half lengthwise over wire and use yarn tail to whip stitch edges together, encasing the wire completely. Trim any exposed wire ends.

### Leaves (Make 2, Green)

Using 4.0 mm hook and green yarn:

**Row 1:** Ch 11, starting in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 4 ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 2 ch, 1 htr in next ch, 3 dc in last ch (tip of leaf).

**Continuing along opposite side of foundation ch:** 1 htr in next ch, 1 tr in each of next 2 ch, 1 htr in next ch, 1 dc in each of last 4 ch. (22 sts total around leaf)

Ch 4 for stem (optional), sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, sl st to base of leaf.

Fasten off, leaving a 15 cm tail for attaching to stem.

## Finishing and Assembly

1. **Weave in ends** on all pieces except the long tails reserved for assembly.

2. **Block petals (optional):** Lightly mist petal layers with water and pin out petals to emphasize their shape. Allow to dry completely. This creates a more defined petal appearance.

3. **Assemble flower:**
   
   a. Place the centre disc on top of the inner petal layer, with petals extending outward between the disc foundation stitches. Using the long tail from the centre disc and yarn needle, sew the centre to the inner petal layer by working through both layers around the perimeter. The centre should sit securely on top, slightly overlapping the petal base.
   
   b. Place the inner petal layer (with centre attached) on top of the outer petal layer. Offset the petals so inner petals sit between outer petals for a natural, full appearance. Using the long tail from either layer, sew the two petal layers together at the centre back, working in a circular pattern to secure. Leave the centre back open if adding stem.

4. **Attach stem:**
   
   If using the flower as a brooch or appliqué without a stem, skip to step 5.
   
   Thread the yarn tail from the stem through the centre back of the assembled flower (through the small opening left in assembly). Pull through so that approximately 1-2 cm of stem top sits against the flower back. Sew securely in place using the stem tail, working around the stem circumference to attach firmly to flower back.

5. **Attach leaves:**
   
   Position leaves on stem approximately 4-5 cm below flower base, or as desired. Using the long tails from leaves, sew each leaf securely to stem, wrapping yarn around stem and through leaf base several times. Stagger leaf placement slightly rather than directly opposite for a natural look.

6. **Final shaping:**
   
   Gently shape petals by pinching and separating them. The outer petals can be curved slightly backward while inner petals can point more forward/upward. This creates dimension and a more realistic appearance.
   
   If using wire stem, bend gently to create a natural curve.

7. **Add fastening (if desired):**
   
   For a brooch, sew a pin back to the centre back of the flower using strong thread or yarn.
   
   For a hair accessory, attach a hair clip or comb.
   
   For an appliqué, sew directly onto your project using the centre back of the flower.

## Design Variations

- **Colour:** Cornflowers naturally occur in shades of blue, but can also be made in pink, white, or purple.
- **Size:** Use a finer yarn weight and smaller hook for a delicate 6-7 cm flower, or bulky yarn and larger hook for a statement 15 cm flower.
- **Petal texture:** Add more picots along the edge of each petal for an even more ragged appearance (ch 2, sl st in same st, work 1-2 additional picots per petal).
- **Multiple flowers:** Create a bouquet with 3-5 flowers at varying heights with slightly different petal counts for natural variation.

## Care Instructions

If made from washable yarn, gently hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Reshape petals while damp. If using floral wire, spot clean only to prevent rust.

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**Pattern Design Notes:**

Stitch Count Verification:
- Centre Disc: R1: 6 → R2: 12 (6×2) → R3: 18 (6×3) ✓
- Inner Petal Layer: R1: 18 sts → R2: 18 dc in 6 groups of 3 (6×3=18) with 6 ch-sps ✓
- Outer Petal Layer: R1: 24 sts → R2: 24 dc in 8 groups of 3 (8×3=24) with 8 ch-sps ✓
- Stem: 40 ch foundation → 40 dc ✓
- Leaves: 10 foundation ch → 22 sts worked around (10 on first side + 1 at tip + 10 on return + 1 in corner tip dc = 22) ✓

All calculations verified and accurate.