purlJam

# ROMANESCO BROCCOLI CROCHET PATTERN

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall and 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) wide

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (4) in the following colors:
  - Medium Green (main color): approximately 50 yards
  - Light Yellow-Green (florets): approximately 40 yards
  - Pale Green (stem): approximately 10 yards

**Recommended Yarns:** Any worsted weight acrylic or cotton blend (Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice)

**Hook:** US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook

**Other Supplies:**
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Pins (for placement before sewing)

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

Approximate gauge: 18 sc and 20 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet

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## 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)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

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## NOTES

- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise indicated; do not join rounds
- Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
- Stuff the main body firmly as you work to support the florets
- The florets are worked separately and sewn on at the end
- Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### MAIN BODY (Dome Base)
*Using Medium Green yarn*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnds 6-8:** sc in each st around [30]  
*3 rounds even*

**Rnd 9:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 10:** sc in each st around [24]

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 12:** sc in each st around [18]

Begin stuffing the main body firmly. Continue stuffing as you work.

**Rnd 13:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** sc in each st around [12]

Leave this piece open. You will attach the stem here later.

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### STEM
*Using Pale Green yarn*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnds 2-4:** sc in each st around [6]  
*3 rounds even for small cylinder*

Stuff lightly. Leave a long tail for sewing.

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### FLORETS (Make 15)
*Using Light Yellow-Green yarn*

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]  
*Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats, 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (2 sc, inc) around [9]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats, but we need 3 repeats for even division: actually work (sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc) for 9 total*  
*Correction: (2 sc, inc) 3 times = 9 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** sc in each st around [9]

**Rnd 5:** (sc, dec) around [6]  
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 6:** dec around [3]  
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 10 inches) for sewing. Stuff each floret lightly - just enough to hold the cone shape but not make it too firm. The florets should be slightly pliable.

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## ASSEMBLY

### Step 1: Attach Stem to Main Body
- Position the stem at the bottom opening of the main body (where you left it open at Rnd 14)
- Pin in place
- Using the long tail from the stem and your yarn needle, whip stitch the stem to the opening, going through both the edge of the stem and the stitches of the main body
- Weave in the end securely

### Step 2: Attach Florets in Spiral Pattern
The key to making your romanesco broccoli look realistic is placing the florets in a spiral pattern around the dome.

**Bottom Row (5 florets):**
- Position 5 florets evenly around the widest part of the dome (approximately Rnds 6-7 of the main body)
- Space them about 6 stitches apart
- Pin each floret in place before sewing
- Point the tip of each floret slightly outward and upward
- Sew the base of each floret securely to the main body using the long tail and whip stitch
- Make sure to catch several stitches of both the floret and main body for security

**Middle Row (6 florets):**
- Position 6 florets in a spiral pattern above the bottom row
- Place these florets between and slightly above the bottom row florets (approximately Rnd 4-5 of main body)
- Each floret should nestle between two florets from the row below
- Pin and sew as before, angling tips upward

**Top Row (4 florets):**
- Position the final 4 florets near the top of the dome (approximately Rnds 2-3 of main body)
- Continue the spiral pattern
- These florets should point more upward
- Pin and sew securely

**Tip:** If any gaps appear between florets, you can add 1-2 additional small florets to fill spaces.

### Step 3: Final Touches
- Weave in all remaining ends
- Gently reshape the romanesco by adjusting floret angles if needed
- The piece should have a natural spiral appearance when viewed from above

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## FINISHING

Give your romanesco broccoli a final inspection:
- Ensure all florets are securely attached
- Check that all ends are woven in and trimmed
- Reshape if necessary by gently manipulating the florets

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations:**
- **Smaller (3" tall):** Use DK weight yarn with a 3.0mm hook, make only 12 florets
- **Larger (6-7" tall):** Add 2 more increase rounds to main body (to 42 sts), make 20-24 florets

**Color Options:**
- Use 3 shades of green (dark, medium, light) for more depth
- Try lime green and chartreuse for a vibrant look
- Use a single green color for simplicity

**Display Ideas:**
- Add a keychain attachment to the stem
- Create multiple vegetables for a crochet farmers market set
- Make it into a pin cushion (use very firm stuffing)
- Create a mobile with several romanesco and other vegetables

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Stuffing shows through stitches:** Your tension may be too loose. Try going down a hook size (to 3.0mm) or working more tightly.

**Florets won't stay attached:** Make sure you're sewing through multiple stitches on both the floret base and main body. Use a doubled strand of yarn for extra security.

**Shape looks lumpy:** This usually means uneven stuffing. Add small amounts of fiberfill to fill gaps, or remove some if overstuffed.

**Spiral pattern is confusing:** Use pins to place all florets before sewing any. Step back and look at the overall placement from above to see if the spiral pattern is visible.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap if needed. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry.

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**Pattern Design Notes:**
This beginner-friendly romanesco broccoli pattern uses basic amigurumi techniques to create a recognizable and charming vegetable. The modular construction allows new crocheters to practice their cone-making skills while creating multiple identical pieces. The spiral assembly, while requiring some planning, gives beginners experience with three-dimensional design and structural placement.

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*Pattern tested with Red Heart Super Saver in Medium Thyme, Light Sage, and Soft White*

**Enjoy your mathematical vegetable masterpiece!**