purlJam

# Simple Layered Crochet Flower

A cheerful 5-petal flower perfect for beginners! Use it as an appliqué for hats, bags, headbands, or stitch several together into a garland. This project introduces working in the round, basic stitches, and simple shaping — all in under 30 minutes.

**Finished Size:** Approximately 3 to 3½ inches (7.5–9 cm) across

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (CYC #4), approximately 15–20 yards
  - Suggested: any smooth acrylic or cotton worsted (e.g., Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton)
  - Small amount of a contrasting color for center is optional
- **Hook:** US H/8 (5 mm)
- **Notions:**
  - Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
  - Scissors
  - Optional: small button or pom-pom for center embellishment

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## Gauge

Gauge is **not critical** for this decorative project. Any tension that produces a firm, non-floppy fabric is fine. If your flower curls badly, go up a hook size; if it's loose and gappy, go down a hook size.

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## Abbreviations (US Terms)

- **ch** — chain
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **sc** — single crochet
- **hdc** — half double crochet
- **dc** — double crochet
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **MR** — magic ring
- **rnd** — round

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## Pattern Notes

- Worked in **joined rounds** from the center outward.
- **Ch-3 at the start of a petal counts as 1 dc.**
- Stitch counts are given in parentheses at the end of each round.
- If you're not comfortable with a magic ring, substitute: **ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring**, then work Rnd 1 stitches into the ring.
- Each petal is worked into a ch-3 loop from Rnd 2; do not work into individual chain stitches — insert the hook under the whole loop.

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## Instructions

### Round 1 — Center Circle
With main color (or center color, if using two colors):

Make a magic ring.  
**Ch 1** (does not count as a stitch), work **10 sc** into the ring.  
Pull the ring closed.  
**Join** with a sl st to the first sc. **(10 sc)**

✅ *Math check: 10 sc in ring = 10 sts.*

> **Tip:** If switching colors for the petals, fasten off here and join the new color with a sl st into any sc before starting Rnd 2.

### Round 2 — Chain-Loop Base for Petals

**Ch 3** (counts as the first ch-3 loop), **skip 1 sc**, **sl st** in the next sc.  
*[Ch 3, skip 1 sc, sl st in next sc]* repeat 4 more times — you will work around the circle 5 times total.  

On your last repeat, instead of making another sl st, **join with a sl st to the base of the beginning ch-3**. **(5 ch-3 loops and 5 sl sts)**

✅ *Math check: 5 loops × 2 sc used per loop = 10 sc, matches Rnd 1 total.*

### Round 3 — Petals

Into **each ch-3 loop** around, work the following petal:  
**(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc)** — this is 7 sts per petal.

Specifically:
1. **Sl st into the first ch-3 loop** of Rnd 2 (this positions your hook).
2. In that same loop, work: **1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc**. (Petal 1 complete.)
3. **Sl st into the next ch-3 loop** (this "jumps" over the Rnd 2 sl st and seats the next petal).
4. In that loop, work: **1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc**. (Petal 2 complete.)
5. Repeat steps 3–4 three more times, until all 5 petals are made.
6. **Join** with a sl st to the base of the first petal's first sc.

**Fasten off**, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail for sewing the flower onto your project (or for weaving in). **(5 petals; 35 petal sts + 5 anchoring sl sts)**

✅ *Math check: 5 petals × 7 sts each = 35 sts. Each petal is anchored in its own ch-3 loop from Rnd 2 — 5 loops = 5 petals. ✓*

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## Finishing

1. **Weave in the starting tail** from the magic ring on the back of the flower using the yarn needle.
2. If you fastened off to change color, weave in those ends too.
3. **Shape the flower:** Gently pat the petals flat with your fingers. If desired, lightly spritz with water and press flat under a towel to block.
4. **Optional embellishments:**
   - Sew a small button to the center.
   - Add a contrasting French knot or pom-pom in the middle.
   - Attach to a hair clip, headband, bag, or hat using the long tail and a yarn needle, or with a hot-glue gun for non-washable projects.

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## Quick Reference (One-Line Pattern)

- **Rnd 1:** MR, ch 1, 10 sc in ring, join. *(10)*
- **Rnd 2:** *Ch 3, sk 1 sc, sl st in next sc;* rep 5× total, join to base of beg ch-3. *(5 ch-3 loops)*
- **Rnd 3:** In each ch-3 loop: *(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc)*; sl st between loops; join. Fasten off. *(5 petals)*

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Enjoy your flower! Once you've made one, try experimenting with:
- **Larger flowers:** work 12 sc in Rnd 1, make 6 loops, 6 petals.
- **Taller petals:** replace the 3 dc with 3 tr (treble crochet) for pointier petals.
- **Two-tone flowers:** use one color for Rnds 1–2 and a different color for Rnd 3.

Happy crocheting! 🌸