Crocheting Flowers: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Flowers are a great beginner project for anyone new to crocheting. They are quick, straightforward, and super customisable. You can use them to decorate crochet scarves, sweaters, hats, and even stuffed toys.

The easiest flower crochet patterns are worked in the round. This type of beginner flower lets you avoid weaving in lots of ends or attaching small parts.

To make a simple flower, you will need:

- Yarn

- A crochet hook

- A yarn needle

- Scissors

- Stitch markers

You can use any yarn you like to make your flowers, but if you want to create small delicate flowers, then opt for a light or medium worsted weight yarn. Make sure that the hook size is appropriate for the yarn you are using.

1. Create a magic ring. A magic ring is a double loop of yarn that you can work stitches around and then tighten by pulling on the tail of the loop.

2. Work six single crochet stitches into the centre of the circle.

3. Pull the tail to tighten the circle.

4. Slipstitch to connect the first and last stitches.

5. Chain two and slipstitch.

6. Repeat this all the way around the circle, making a loop from a chain of two in each of the single crochet stitches.

7. Work a slipstitch into the first loop.

8. Double crochet into the same loop.

9. Work another slipstitch into the same loop.

10. Repeat the petal sequence.

11. Embellish your flower with a button, sequin, or bead in the centre.

Choosing the right yarn and hook

Yarn Weight

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand and is usually listed on the yarn label. The yarn weight, combined with the crochet hook size, will affect the drape of your project. Using a large yarn for a pattern designed for smaller yarn will result in a much larger final product. Therefore, it is best to follow the suggested yarn weight in the crochet pattern.

The Craft Yarn Council has developed a standard system for yarn weights, ranging from 0 (lace weight) to 7 (jumbo). This system is based on a number scale that corresponds to a common descriptive term. The higher the number, the thicker the yarn.

Fibre Content

The fibre content of the yarn will affect the drape, stitch definition, structure, and heaviness of your crochet project. Yarn can be made from natural (animal or plant fibres), synthetic (acrylic, nylon, etc.), or novelty fibres (metallic or recycled fabric).

Natural yarns, such as wool, alpaca, or cotton, are sourced from nature but often go through manufacturing processes to prepare them for spinning. Synthetic yarns, on the other hand, are manufactured from materials like polymers, coal, or petroleum. Many yarns are also blends of different fibres, combining the best qualities of each.

Choosing the Right Crochet Hook

Once you've selected your yarn, you need to choose a crochet hook that fits it. The size of the hook is the most important factor, rather than the brand, design, or material. The yarn label will usually indicate the recommended crochet hook size(s) for that particular yarn.

Crochet hooks are specified in different units depending on the country. The two most common systems are the metric system (millimetres) and the US system (letters and/or numbers). In both systems, the further back the letter in the alphabet or the higher the number, the larger the crochet hook.

Using a smaller crochet hook will result in tighter, firmer stitches, while a larger hook will create looser stitches with bigger gaps. For projects like amigurumi, it is recommended to use a smaller hook to minimise gaps in the texture. On the other hand, for an airy summer scarf, a larger hook will give a softer, looser effect.

There is no "yarn police", so feel free to experiment with different hook sizes to find what works best for you. However, if your hook is too small, it may not be able to hold the yarn properly, and if it is too large, the stitches may become featureless and difficult to work with.

How to make a magic ring

To make a magic ring, you'll need to form a loop with your yarn. This is a simple way to begin a crochet project that needs to be worked in rounds. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Form a Loop

Make a loop with your yarn, wrapping it around your fingers so that the yarn you are working with (the end attached to the ball) is on your right, and the "tail" of the yarn is on your left.

Step 2: Insert the Crochet Hook

Insert the crochet hook under the loop from right to left. Then, hook the tip of the crochet hook onto a portion of the yarn from the ball end.

Step 3: Pull the Yarn Through

Pull the yarn through the ring to create another loop on your crochet hook.

Step 4: Chain Stitch

Create chain stitches as per your pattern's instructions or your desired ring size. The number of chain stitches will depend on how large you want the ring to be. For example, for a granny square, you might make a chain that is 2-3 inches long.

Step 5: First Row of Stitches

Put your first row of stitches into the ring.

Step 6: Pull the Yarn Ends

Hold the working end of the yarn taut while gently pulling down on the tail end. This will pull the stitches together and close the ring.

Step 7: Slip Stitch

Make a slip stitch into the first stitch of the ring to close the round and prepare to move on to the next round of your pattern.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also make a double magic ring for added durability. To do this, wrap the yarn around the fingers of your non-dominant hand twice, creating two loops instead of one.
• If you find the magic ring challenging, you can simply chain two or four stitches and slip stitch into the first stitch to form a ring. However, note that this ring will not be adjustable.

Crocheting the base of the flower

To crochet the base of a flower, you will need to gather some materials. The process is simple and straightforward, and you can use any yarn you like. However, if you want to create small, delicate flowers, opt for light or medium worsted weight yarn. Similarly, ensure that your crochet hook is the appropriate size for the yarn you are using. You can usually find this information on the yarn label.

Now, you can start crocheting! Begin by creating a magic ring, which is a double loop of yarn that you can work stitches around and then tighten by pulling on the tail of the loop. Loop your yarn around two fingers twice, and pinch the yarn to secure it in the loop. Work a slip stitch onto an edge of the loop to secure it.

Another option for starting your flower is to make a chain of four, but this will leave the centre of your flower open. After creating the magic ring, work six single crochet stitches into the centre of the circle. To single crochet, insert the hook through the centre of the circle, yarn over, and pull through one loop on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook to complete a single crochet stitch.

Once you've made six single crochet stitches, pull the tail to tighten the circle. This will bring the stitches together to form a circle. Finish the first round by connecting the first and last stitches with a slip stitch.

Crocheting the petals

Now that you've created the base of the flower, it's time to move on to the petals. This part of the process will bring your flower to life and give it a vibrant, colourful look. Here's a step-by-step guide to crocheting the petals for beginners:

Chain two and slip stitch: Start by chaining two stitches and then use a slip stitch to connect the chain to the first stitch. This will create a small loop, forming the base for your petals.

Repeat the process: Continue this process all around the circle, making a loop from a chain of two in each of the single crochet stitches. This will ensure that your petals have a consistent base.

Work a slip stitch into the first loop: Once you've completed the round of chain loops, it's time to start working on the petals themselves. Begin by working a slip stitch into the centre of the first chain loop.

Double crochet into the same loop: Now, you will work a double crochet stitch into the same loop. This will create the peak or highest point of your petal.

Work another slip stitch into the same loop: To finish off your first petal, simply slip stitch one more time into the same loop. This will taper the petal down from the double crochet peak you just created.

Repeat the petal sequence: Continue working around the circle, repeating the petal sequence for each loop. The sequence is simple: slip stitch, double crochet, slip stitch.

Tie off and cut the yarn: Once you've completed the final slip stitch, your flower is essentially complete! All you need to do now is tie off the last stitch and cut the excess yarn.

Feel free to add some embellishments to your flower, such as a button, sequin or bead in the centre, or even some glitter for a sparkling effect. You can also crochet some leaves to attach to the flower for a more natural look.

Embellishing the flower

Now that you have crocheted your flower, you can add some extra details to make it stand out. Here are some ideas to embellish your flower:

• Add a button, sequin, or bead to the centre. Sew it into place or use fabric glue to secure it.
• Sprinkle on some glitter. Add some fabric glue to your flower and sprinkle glitter onto the desired areas. Try adding it to the outer edges of your petals or just the centre.
• Crochet some leaves. Using some green yarn, crochet a simple leaf and sew it onto one of the outer edges of your flower.
• Embroider lines with a tapestry needle and bright pink yarn to create a cherry blossom flower.
• Block your flower by spritzing it with a spray bottle, adjusting the petals, and letting it dry.

Frequently asked questions