purlJam

# Simple Flower Motif

A charming, easy-to-make flower motif perfect for embellishing hats, bags, blankets, or creating garlands. This classic five-petal flower works up quickly and is ideal for beginners learning to crochet in the round.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn, approximately 15-20 yards per flower
- Sample shown uses two colors: Color A (center) and Color B (petals), but can be made in a single color

**Hook:**
- US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch marker (optional, but helpful)

## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this motif, but finished flower measures approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in diameter with suggested hook and yarn.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)

## PATTERN NOTES

- Flower is worked in joined rounds from the center outward.
- Each round is joined with a slip stitch and begins with a turning chain.
- Stitch count is indicated at the end of each round in parentheses.
- Ch-3 at beginning of Round 2 counts as first dc.
- Petals are worked individually into Round 2, with spaces left between petals.
- For a two-color flower, change to Color B at the end of Round 2.

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Magic Ring:** Wrap yarn around fingers to form a loop, insert hook through loop, yarn over and pull up a loop, ch 1. Work stitches into the ring, then pull tail to tighten center.

*Alternative to Magic Ring:* Ch 4, sl st in first ch to form a ring.

## INSTRUCTIONS

**ROUND 1 (Center):** With Color A, make a magic ring. Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 6 sc into ring. Pull tail to tighten ring. Sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)

**ROUND 2 (Base for Petals):** Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. If changing colors, change to Color B in last sl st. Fasten off Color A. (12 dc)

**ROUND 3 (Petals):** With Color B, ch 1 (does not count as st).

*Petal 1:* Working in first dc of Round 2: [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in same st - petal made], skip next st.

*Petal 2:* [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in next st], skip next st.

*Petal 3:* [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in next st], skip next st.

*Petal 4:* [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in next st], skip next st.

*Petal 5:* [(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all in next st], skip next st.

Sl st to base of first petal to join. (5 petals, each petal contains 7 sts)

**Verification:** You should have 5 complete petals evenly spaced around the center with one skipped stitch between each petal.

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in or sewing to project.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Use yarn needle to weave all ends securely on the wrong side of the motif.

2. **Blocking (optional):** For a flatter, more defined flower, pin motif to blocking mat and lightly steam or spritz with water. Allow to dry completely.

3. **Stiffening (optional):** For flowers that will stand alone as decorations, apply fabric stiffener according to product instructions and shape while drying.

4. **Attachment ideas:**
   - Sew center of flower to project using yarn needle
   - Add a button or bead to the center for extra embellishment
   - Attach pin back for a brooch
   - Sew to hair clip or headband
   - String multiple flowers together for a garland

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Size variations:** Use different yarn weights and corresponding hook sizes (sport weight with E/4 hook for smaller flowers, bulky weight with K/10.5 hook for larger flowers)
- **Petal variations:** For fuller petals, work (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) instead
- **Color play:** Try gradient colors for petals, or make each petal a different color
- **Add layers:** Make a second flower in a smaller yarn weight and layer on top

## DESIGN NOTES

This classic flower design uses the shell stitch technique to create dimensional petals. The mathematical spacing (12 stitches in Round 2, using 2 stitches per petal section = 10 stitches utilized, leaving 2 stitches for spacing) ensures even petal distribution around the center circle.

---

*Pattern designed for easy skill level. Requires knowledge of basic crochet stitches and working in the round.*