purlJam

# Simple Flower Motif

**Skill Level:** Easy  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in diameter

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (4) yarn in your choice of color(s)
  - Main Color (MC): Approximately 20 yards for single-color flower
  - Optional Contrast Color (CC) for center: 5 yards
  - Suggested colors: Yellow center with white/pink/purple/red petals, or solid color
- **Hook:** US E-4 to G-6 (3.5-4.0mm)
- **Notions:** 
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  - Scissors
  - Optional: Blocking pins and foam board

## GAUGE
Gauge is flexible for this decorative motif. Finished flower measures approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm) in diameter with worsted weight yarn and suggested hook size.

**Note:** Using a smaller hook creates a tighter, smaller motif. Using a larger hook creates a lacier, larger flower.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round. Alternative: Ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.

**Working in Chain Spaces:** Insert hook under the entire chain loop (not into individual stitches).

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

**FLOWER CENTER**

**Rnd 1:** Using MC (or CC if making two-tone flower), make a magic ring, ch 1 (does not count as st), work 10 sc in ring, pull tail to tighten ring, sl st to first sc to join. [10 sc]

*If using two colors, fasten off CC and join MC at any st for Rnd 2.*

**PETAL SETUP**

**Rnd 2:** Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 5, skip next st, sc in next st; repeat from * 4 more times (you'll make 5 chain-5 loops total), ch 5, skip last st, sl st to first sc to join. [5 ch-5 loops]

**Verification:** You should have 5 evenly spaced chain loops around the center circle.

**PETALS**

**Rnd 3 (Petal Round):** *In next ch-5 space, work (sl st, ch 1, sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc, sl st); repeat from * in each of the remaining 4 ch-5 spaces. [5 petals completed]

After working into the 5th chain space, sl st into the first sl st of the round to join.

**Verification:** Each petal contains 7 stitches (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) plus sl st on each side.

**FINISHING**

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side of the work.

## BLOCKING (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)

For flat, even petals:
1. Dampen the flower motif with water or use spray starch
2. Pin each petal point and the spaces between petals to a foam board
3. Arrange petals evenly in a circular pattern
4. Allow to dry completely (4-6 hours)
5. Remove pins

## USES FOR YOUR FLOWER MOTIF

- **Appliqué:** Sew onto bags, hats, blankets, or clothing
- **Embellishment:** Add to headbands, hair clips, or brooches (attach pin backing)
- **Home Décor:** Use as coasters, join multiple for a table runner
- **Scrapbooking:** Stiffen with fabric stiffener for paper craft embellishments
- **Garland:** Make multiple flowers and string together
- **Gift Toppers:** Attach to wrapped packages instead of bows

## VARIATIONS

**Larger Flower (5-6 inches):**
- Use bulky weight yarn with 6.0mm hook, OR
- Add Rnd 2a after Rnd 1: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around [15 sc]
- Then work ch-6 loops instead of ch-5 in Rnd 2
- Work (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) in each ch-6 space for Rnd 3

**Smaller Flower (2-3 inches):**
- Use DK or sport weight yarn with 3.0-3.5mm hook
- Follow pattern as written

**6-Petal Flower:**
- Rnd 1: Work 12 sc in magic ring [12]
- Rnd 2: *Sc in next st, ch 5, skip next st; repeat from * 5 more times [6 ch-5 loops]
- Rnd 3: Work petals as written in each of 6 chain spaces

**Layered Flower:**
- Make one flower in a larger size/darker color
- Make second flower in smaller size/lighter color
- Layer smaller flower on top of larger flower and sew together at center

**3D Flower:**
- After completing Rnd 3, add Rnd 4: *Sc in space between petals, ch 6; repeat from * around [5 ch-6 loops]
- Rnd 5: Work (sl st, ch 1, sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc, sl st) in each ch-6 loop [5 larger petals behind first layer]

**Add Stem and Leaves (for decorative display):**
- **Stem:** Using green yarn, ch 20-30, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off, sew to back of flower center.
- **Small Leaf:** Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, hdc, 3 sc in last ch (leaf point), working on opposite side of foundation chain: hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st. Fasten off. Make 2 and attach to stem.

## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Petals are curling:** Block the finished motif to flatten petals, or use a slightly larger hook for looser tension.

**Center hole is too large:** Pull magic ring tail tighter before weaving in, or use the ch-4 ring method and work over the ring tails in Rnd 1.

**Petals are uneven:** Count stitches carefully in each petal. Each should have exactly 7 stitches (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) plus sl st on each side.

**Chain spaces are too tight:** Make sure you're working into the chain space (under all chains), not into individual chain stitches.

## DESIGN NOTES

This classic flower motif uses a traditional construction method that's been passed down through generations of crocheters. The five-petal design mimics many natural flowers and creates a balanced, pleasing shape. 

The stitch progression (sc → hdc → dc) creates natural petal shaping, with the tallest stitches (dc) at the petal tip and shorter stitches (sc) at the base. This dimensional shaping happens automatically through your stitch heights.

**Yarn Suggestions:**
- Cotton: Lily Sugar'n Cream, Paintbox Cotton DK (crisp, holds shape well)
- Acrylic: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft (soft, budget-friendly)
- Wool Blend: Wool-Ease (warm look, great for fall/winter projects)

## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern teaches:
- Working in the round from center outward
- Creating chain spaces for lace-like effects
- Combining different stitch heights for shaping
- Even tension control for symmetrical results

Perfect first project for learning flower motifs before advancing to more complex Irish crochet or freeform designs!

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**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters** | **Make it your own with color choices!** | **No two flowers need to look alike!**

*Share your finished flowers with #SimpleCrochetFlower*