purlJam

# Crochet Tulip Flower

A charming beginner-friendly tulip perfect for spring decor, gifts, or as a cheerful room accent. This simple design uses basic amigurumi techniques to create a recognizable flower with a cup-shaped bloom, sturdy stem, and two leaves.

## Finished Measurements
- **Height**: Approximately 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) tall
- **Bloom width**: Approximately 2 inches (5 cm) at opening

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton yarn
  - Main Color (MC): Red, pink, yellow, or purple for bloom (approximately 30 yards)
  - Contrast Color (CC): Green for stem and leaves (approximately 40 yards)
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Other supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
  - Stitch marker
  - Scissors
  - Pins (helpful for assembly)

## Gauge
Gauge is flexible for this project, but working tightly is important for a neat amigurumi appearance.
- Approximately 18 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in sc
- **Note**: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends for tight fabric that won't show stuffing

## 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, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## Special Techniques
**Magic ring**: Adjustable loop to start working in the round with no center hole
**Working in continuous rounds**: Do not join rounds; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
**Invisible decrease**: Creates smoother surface than standard decrease

## Pattern Notes
- Bloom and stem are worked in continuous rounds (spiral). Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Leaves are worked in rows with turning.
- Work with tight, even tension throughout for best results.
- Stuff bloom lightly to maintain cup shape; stuff stem firmly for stability.
- All pieces are worked separately, then sewn together.

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## TULIP BLOOM (make 1 in MC)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Verification: 6 sts total*

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

**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Verification: (1+1) × 6 repeats = 18 sts total*

**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Verification: (2+1) × 6 repeats = 24 sts total*

**Rnd 5**: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
- *Verification: (3+1) × 6 repeats = 30 sts total*

**Rnds 6-10**: sc in each st around [30]
- *5 rounds of even stitches, 30 sts each round*

**Rnd 11**: Working in back loops only, sc in each st around [30]
- *This creates the ridge that defines the bloom opening*

**Rnd 12**: sc in each st around [30]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing to stem. Lightly stuff the bloom, keeping the cup shape open. Don't overstuff or the bloom will lose its tulip shape.

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## STEM (make 1 in CC)

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Verification: 6 sts total*

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

**Rnds 3-22**: sc in each st around [12]
- *20 rounds of even stitches = approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long*
- *Adjust length here: add or remove rounds for taller or shorter stem*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff stem firmly as you'll be attaching the bloom to the top and want it to support the flower without drooping.

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## LEAF (make 2 in CC)

**Row 1**: Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [8]
- *Verification: 9 ch - 1 = 8 sc*

**Row 2**: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in last st, turn [10]
- *Verification: 1 inc + 6 sc + 1 inc = 10 sts total*

**Row 3**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [10]

**Row 4**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [10]

**Row 5**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn [10]

**Row 6**: Ch 1, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec, turn [8]
- *Verification: 1 dec + 6 sc + 1 dec = 8 sts total*

**Row 7**: Ch 1, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec, turn [6]
- *Verification: 1 dec + 4 sc + 1 dec = 6 sts total*

**Row 8**: Ch 1, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec, turn [4]
- *Verification: 1 dec + 2 sc + 1 dec = 4 sts total*

**Row 9**: Ch 1, dec twice [2]
- *Verification: 2 dec = 2 sts total*

**Row 10**: Ch 1, dec [1]
- *Verification: 1 dec = 1 st remains*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 10 inches) for sewing to stem. Do not stuff leaves; they should remain flat.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Prepare pieces**: Weave in all starting ends. Leave long tails on all pieces for sewing.

2. **Attach bloom to stem**: 
   - Position the open end of the bloom over the top of the stem
   - The bottom of the bloom should overlap the top of the stem by approximately 3-4 rounds
   - Pin in place if helpful
   - Using the yarn needle and tail from bloom, whip stitch around the entire opening to securely attach bloom to stem
   - Make sure stitches go through both the bloom and stem for a secure connection
   - Weave in end

3. **Attach first leaf**:
   - Position first leaf on the stem, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from bottom
   - The widest part of the leaf should be about halfway up the leaf length
   - Angle the leaf slightly upward and outward
   - Using yarn needle and leaf tail, sew the base of the leaf (first few rows) to the stem
   - Weave in end

4. **Attach second leaf**:
   - Position second leaf on opposite side of stem from first leaf
   - Place it approximately 0.5 inches (1 cm) higher than the first leaf for natural look
   - Angle slightly upward and outward
   - Sew base to stem as with first leaf
   - Weave in end

5. **Final touches**:
   - Weave in any remaining ends
   - Trim all yarn tails
   - Gently shape bloom opening with fingers to create rounded tulip cup shape
   - Adjust leaves for pleasing angle

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## Customization Ideas

**Color variations**:
- Classic red tulip with green stem
- Yellow tulip for sunny spring look
- Pink or purple for softer aesthetic
- Two-toned bloom: work Rnds 1-5 in one color, switch to another color for Rnds 6-12
- Variegated yarn creates beautiful multi-colored blooms

**Size adjustments**:
- **Smaller tulip** (4-5 inches): Increase bloom to only 24 sts (omit Rnd 5), work Rnds 6-9 even, work stem for 12-15 rounds
- **Larger tulip** (8-10 inches): Increase bloom to 36 sts (add Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around [36]), work more even rounds (Rnds 7-14), work stem for 30-35 rounds

**Design variations**:
- Add 3-4 small yellow chain loops or tiny pom-poms inside bloom for stamens
- Embroider veining on leaves with lighter green yarn using straight stitch
- Make a bouquet of 3-5 tulips in different colors
- Add a small brown cylinder (6 rounds of 6 sc) to stem bottom as a "bulb"
- Create a vase: work a cone shape in brown or decorative colors to "plant" stems in

**Display options**:
- Single stem in small bud vase
- Bouquet wrapped with ribbon
- Attached to a headband or hair clip
- Glued to a wreath base with other spring decorations
- Gift tag decoration (make mini version)

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## Care Instructions
- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash or dry
- Reshape bloom if it becomes flattened
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading

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## Skill Level
**BEGINNER** - Requires basic knowledge of single crochet, increasing, decreasing, and simple assembly. Perfect first amigurumi flower project!

## About This Pattern
This tulip design uses simple geometric shapes—a cone for the bloom and cylinder for the stem—making it ideal for beginners learning amigurumi techniques. The finished flower makes a cheerful decoration that won't wilt, perfect for those who love flowers but don't have a green thumb!

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*Pattern tested with Red Heart Super Saver (worsted weight) and 3.5mm hook. Finished tulip measured 6.5 inches tall.*