Crochet a Universal Flower

Unlock the beauty of crochet with this elegant and versatile flower pattern! Inspired by a clear and concise tutorial, this design is truly “universal” – meaning you can use any yarn and hook combination you love to create a flower that’s perfect for your project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, you’ll find joy in crafting these charming blossoms for endless applications.

Skill Level: Easy

Finished Size (Approximate):

Diameter: Approximately 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6.5 cm)
Size can vary significantly based on yarn, hook, and tension.

Materials You’ll Need:

Yarn: Any yarn you have on hand!
- The video uses cotton yarn. Fine (Sport) or DK (Light Worsted) weight cotton or acrylic yarn will give a lovely result. For a larger flower, use worsted weight yarn; for a smaller, more delicate flower, use fingering or lace weight.
- You’ll only need a small amount, less than 10-15 yards per flower.
Crochet Hook: A hook size compatible with your chosen yarn.
- The video uses a 2mm hook. For DK weight yarn, a C/2 (2.5 mm) or D/3 (3.25 mm) hook would be suitable. The key is to choose a hook that creates a fabric you like – not too stiff, not too loose.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
Scissors

Gauge (Not Critical, but Aim for a Consistent Fabric!):

Since this is a small decorative item, exact gauge isn’t crucial. However, consistency in your stitches will ensure your petals are uniform and your flower holds its shape nicely. If your fabric seems too loose, try a smaller hook.

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
tr: treble crochet (yarn over twice, insert hook, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through last 2 loops)
dtr: double treble crochet (yarn over three times, insert hook, yo, pull through 2 loops 4 times)
st(s): stitch(es)
MR: Magic Ring
FO: Fasten off

Let’s Crochet Your Universal Flower!

This flower is created by working a central ring and then building the petals around it.

Part 1: The Flower Center

Row 1: Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 12 hdc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (12 hdc)

Pull the MR tight to close. This forms the central disc of your flower.

Part 2: Creating the Petals

Now we’ll create the petals by working into the stitches of Row 1.

Petal 1:

Sl st into the next hdc from Row 1.
[Ch 2, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dtr, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2, sl st] all into the same hdc.
- This creates a full, rounded petal.

Petal 2:

Sl st into the next hdc from Row 1.
[Ch 2, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dtr, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2, sl st] all into the same hdc.

Repeat this petal pattern (sl st into next hdc, then work the petal stitches into that same hdc) around the entire ring. You will create 6 petals in total.

The sl st between petals helps define each one and keeps them separate.

After completing the last petal, sl st into the base of the first petal to secure.

FO, leaving a tail for weaving in.

Part 3: Finishing Touches & Embellishment

Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is crucial for a tidy finish.
Shape: Gently shape your flower, pushing the petals outwards to make them full and symmetrical.
Center Embellishment (Optional):
- Sew a small button or bead to the very center of the flower for a polished look.
- Embroider a French knot or a small cluster of stitches in a contrasting color.

Video tutorial

Versatile Uses for Your Crochet Flower:

Appliqué: Sew onto baby blankets, hats, scarves, headbands, bags, or clothing.
Home Decor: Attach to baskets, cushions, curtains, or use as part of a garland.
Gift Embellishment: Tie onto gifts instead of a traditional bow.
Hair Accessories: Glue or sew onto hair clips or elastic hair ties.
Jewelry: Create earrings or a pendant with smaller versions (using finer yarn and hook).
Brooch/Pin: Attach a pin back to the base.

Customization & Tips:

Size Adjustment:
- Larger Flower: Use a thicker yarn (e.g., worsted weight) and a larger hook (e.g., H/5.0 mm). You can also increase the initial hdc count in Row 1 (e.g., 14 or 16 hdc) and adjust the stitches in the petals accordingly (e.g., adding more dc/tr/dtr stitches to each petal, or adding more petals if you increased the center stitches).
- Smaller Flower: Use a finer yarn (e.g., fingering or lace weight) and a smaller hook (e.g., 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm). Reduce the initial hdc count (e.g., 10 hdc) and adjust petal stitches (e.g., ch 2, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, ch 2, sl st).
Petal Variations: Experiment with different stitch combinations within the petals for varied textures and shapes. For example, use only dc for a flatter petal, or add more dtr for a taller, more pointed petal.
Color Play: Use variegated yarn for a multi-toned flower, or create a flower with a different color for each petal!
Leaves: You can crochet separate leaves (like in the previous pattern) and attach them to the back of this flower for a more complete look.