Unleash your inner artist with these breathtaking crocheted floral motifs! Each one is a little masterpiece, featuring a beautiful multi-layered flower at its heart, surrounded by a delicate lace border that gives it a star or snowflake-like appearance. The vibrant blue yarn used in the example truly makes these designs pop, but imagine the possibilities in any color to match your personal style or home decor!
This pattern is designed for intermediate to advanced crocheters who are comfortable with various stitches, working in rounds, and reading detailed patterns. Adventurous beginners up for a challenge might also enjoy learning new techniques!
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: A fine crochet thread or lace weight yarn. The example uses a gorgeous bright blue, but any solid color will showcase the detail beautifully. (e.g., mercerized cotton crochet thread, size 10 or similar)
- Crochet Hook: A hook appropriate for your chosen yarn. For fine thread, this might be a 1.5mm – 2.25mm (US steel hook size 7-1). A smaller hook will create a more delicate, intricate result.
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
Understanding the Motif:
These motifs are circular with distinct points, resembling a star or a complex snowflake. They are built from the center outwards, starting with a base for the central flower, which then forms the foundation for the surrounding lace and pointed outer edge.
Key features we’ll be aiming for:
- A prominent central flower with distinct, possibly layered, petals.
- An intricate lacy “frame” or border around the flower.
- A scalloped or pointed outer edge, giving the motif its star-like shape.
- Likely, small connection points for joining multiple motifs if desired.
Getting Started: The Heart of the Flower
The beauty of these motifs begins with their central floral element. We’ll start in the middle and carefully build outwards.
Instructions for the Central Flower:
- Magic Ring (or Chain 4, join with sl st to form a ring): This creates a tight, neat center for your flower.
- Round 1 (Flower Base): Work [number] single crochet or double crochet stitches into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the initial stitch/chain.
- Tip: This forms the very core from which the petals will emerge.
- Round 2 (First Petal Layer): This round will start forming the distinct petals. You’ll likely use a combination of chains and taller stitches (like double crochet clusters, treble crochets, or puff stitches) to create the volume and shape of the petals.
- Example Idea: [Ch X, work (Y stitches, ch Z, Y stitches) into next stitch/space, Ch X], repeat around. Or, work petal groups like (dc, ch 2, dc) into specific stitches.
- Round 3 & Beyond (Developing Petals & Inner Lace): Continue building out the petals, possibly creating a second layer, or adding chain spaces that will form the inner lacework surrounding the flower. The image suggests the petals are slightly raised or curved.
- Consider: How many petals does the main flower have? It appears to be six, which is common for a hexagonal base.
Building the Lacy Frame and Pointed Edge:
Once your beautiful flower is complete, the next step is to create the intricate lace border that gives the motif its unique star-like shape.
- Next Round (Transition to Lace): This round will start establishing the openwork structure that frames the flower. You’ll likely use a lot of chain stitches and anchor stitches (like sc or dc) to create large spaces.
- Example Idea: [Ch X, skip Y stitches, sc in next stitch, Ch Z], repeat around, aligning with the “valleys” between petals.
- Next Round (Developing the Star Points/Scallops): This is where the distinct points or scallops of the outer edge will take shape. You’ll use combinations of stitches (like multiple double or treble crochets, picots, and chains) to create the fan or shell-like effect at each point.
- Example Idea: In each large chain space from the previous round, work (dc, ch 1) X times, then dc, or a cluster of taller stitches with picots.
- Final Round(s) of the Motif: Complete the outer border, adding any final picots or decorative elements. Ensure your stitch count allows for easy joining to other motifs if you plan to create a larger piece.
Joining Your Motifs:
If you’re creating a larger piece like a tablecloth, a bedspread, or a garment, you’ll want to join these individual motifs. The image shows them laid out, implying they would be joined point-to-point or edge-to-edge.
The most common and clean methods for joining these types of motifs are:
- Join-as-you-go (JAYG): This is often preferred for lace motifs as it creates a seamless look and avoids a lot of seaming at the end. As you work the final round of your second (and subsequent) motif, you’ll slip stitch or single crochet into the corresponding chains or stitches of the previously completed motif, creating a continuous fabric.
- Whip Stitch or Slip Stitch Joining: You can complete all your motifs first, and then use a tapestry needle and a length of yarn to whip stitch them together, or use your crochet hook to slip stitch them together. For this intricate design, JAYG will likely give the best result.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all ends: This is crucial for a clean and professional finish.
- Blocking: For lace crochet, blocking is absolutely essential. It opens up the stitches, evens out your work, and truly showcases the delicate design of the flower and the intricate lace. Wet your motifs, gently squeeze out excess water, pin them to shape on a blocking mat or towel, and let them dry completely.
Video tutorial
Share Your Creations!
I can’t wait to see your own beautiful crocheted floral motifs! Once you’ve made them, share them on social media and tag me! What will you create with yours – a stunning table runner, a delicate scarf, or perhaps a unique piece of home decor?
Happy Crocheting!
