Crocheted Rose Pattern for the Beginner

At first glance, a rose looks like a complex crochet pattern, but it's very simply. Most beginners can crochet their first rose within minutes. There are only 3 steps:

1. Crochet a chain stitch
2. Crochet once back across the chain
3. Wind the rose into shape and sew through the base with a yarn needle.

You can use crocheted roses to embellish hats, scarves, headbands, and many other handmade projects.

How to Crochet a Rose for Beginners - Step 1

Chain 64.

(Unless this is your first project, you probably already know how to crochet a chain stitch. But, for those that are new to crochet, you can find more details here about "How to Chain Stitch.")

Crochet Back Across the Chain

How to Crochet a Rose for Beginners - Step 2

Turn the work and crochet back across the chain.

Skip the first chain stitch from the hook. In the second chain stitch from the crochet hook:
Double crochet. Chain 1.
Double crochet. Chain 1.
Double Crochet. Chain 1.
Double Crochet. Chain 1.(You will have 4 double crochets in the second chain stitch from the hook making a "fan" effect.)

Skip the next chain stitch, single crochet 1 time. Chain 1.
(The single crochet draws the end of the double crochet stitches down into a petal form. This is your first rose petal.)

Continue this pattern across the entire length of the chain:
Skip a chain stitch, (double crochet and chain 1) 4 times in the same stitch.
Skip a chain stitch, 1 single crochet. 1 chain.

Form the Rose

How to Crochet a Rose - Step 3

Tie off your work and cut the working yarn to leave a 1 foot tail.

Beginning with the end farthest from the working yarn, roll the petals into a rose shape.

It's best to roll very loosely. I like to pinch the center of the rose tightly to hold it together and then roll the remainder of the crocheted petals as loosely as possible to create an open rose. If you look at the photo at the top one rose was rolled very loosely and the other tightly to compare the finished look.

Thread the working yarn through a yarn needle and use it to stitch the base of the rose in place.

How to Make Custom Crochet Patterns

The art of crochet allows people to make custom crochet patterns. These custom crochet patterns can be used to make a rug exactly the length, width, shape and color desired or a doily the exact the right proportions and look for a coffee table. Creating custom patterns for a crochet project is not as difficult as it sounds.

 

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

 

Things You'll Need:

• yarn
• crochet hook
• scrap cardboard
• ruler
• scissors
• pen

1. 1
   
   Stitch Gauge
   Yarn and Crochet Hook
   
   The yarn and crochet hook you use will determine the "gauge" of the finished work. Gauge is the height and width of your crochet stitches. Begin by selecting the yarn and hook you wish to use for your project. Make a sample swatch and measure the gauge of your stitches. In the example, worsted weight yarn was used with a size H, or 5.00 mm crochet hook. A swatch of two rows of double crochets was made. Each row was 9 double crochets wide. The two rows measured 1 1/2 inches high, so each row of double crochets is 3/4 of an inch high. The width of the swatch was 3 inches, so it takes 3 double crochet stitch to make one inch in the pattern.
   
2. 2
   
   Trace Crochet Pattern
   Tracing the Pattern Outline
   
   Using an old piece of repurposed cardboard or paper, trace an outline of the area the finished crochet piece should fit. This piece will be cut out and used as a template.
   
3. 3
   
   Pattern Template
   Laying Out the Pattern
   
   Using the template prepared in the step above, mark out the rows and stitches. For example, we know from calculating our gauge that each row of stitches is 3/4 of an inch high, so on the template draw rows every 3/4 of an inch. Label the horizontal rows as row 1, row 2, row 3, etc., down the template.
   
   Draw vertical lines 1 inch apart down the pattern template. When crocheting the project, each inch of width will equal three stitches based on our gauge. Count the number of squares in each row and record on the template how many double crochets are in each row of the template. In this example, each square in the row equals three double crochets, so the number of squares on the template times 3 would equal the number of stitches in each row.
   
   On a pattern template that isn't perfectly square, such as the example, some partial squares will occur on the edge of each row. Estimate the number of stitches needed for partial squares. One third partial square would be equal to 1 stitch.
   
   In the photo, each row was identified. Row 1, 2, 3, etc. Then, the number of double crochets needed in each row was recorded. This makes following the pattern easier. Enlarge the photo to see a sample of the rows and stitches per row recorded on the template.
   
4. 4
   
   Crochet Project Layed Out on Template
   Crocheting the Project
   
   As you crochet, lay the project on the template periodically. Evaluate how the finished project fits the template. Adjust the crochet pattern if necessary.
   

Tips & Warnings

• The increase stitch and decrease stitch can be used to increase and decrease the number of double crochet stitches needed in each row.

Iron On Transfers for Embroidery

Iron On Transfers for Embroidery

When I was a young girl my mom transferred these patterns to tea towels and embroidered them. She also taught me how to embroider with these same iron on transfers. Later, when I became an adult and moved out on my own, she passed the towels on to me. I have always treasured them.
I was happy (and rather surprised) to see the Aunt Martha's iron on transfer patterns that we used in the 1970s are still available online! These transfer patterns can be used to embroider, or cross stitch, just about any kind of fabric including hand towels, quilts, and Christmas stockings.

How Do They Work?

1. Iron the image onto any fabric.

2. Embroider or cross stitch.

3. Wash. The image disappears.

Aunt Martha's Iron On Transfer Patterns for Stitching, Embroidery or Fabric Painting, Days of the Week Patterns, Set of 5

I put this set of Aunt Martha's patterns first because I am partial to them. They are the patterns I remember from childhood. They come as a set and each contains a pattern for each day of the week, including: butterflies, chocolate, and more.

 Buy Now

 

Aunt Martha's Iron On Transfer Patterns for Stitching, Embroidery or Fabric Painting, Patterns for Tea Towels/Kitchen Decor, Set of 5

The transfers that come in this set: are:

- Java Break - Who knew there were so many names for coffee?

- Wine Country - Many different kinds of wine listed among nostalgic pictures of wine orchards.

- Superb Herbs - 10 common herbs with their names and photos.

- Kooky kitchen - The dishes, cups, teapot and salt and pepper shakers have come to life on these adorable animated kitchenware images.

- Some Like it Hot - If you love peppers, you'll enjoy these pepper themed transfers. Use them to dress up your kitchen towels.

Did you know that you can use Aunt Martha's iron on transfers over and over again. They allow multiple uses.

 Buy Now

 

Aunt Martha's Iron On Transfer Patterns for Stitching, Embroidery or Fabric Painting, Patterns for Linens, Set of 5

This set celebrates the beauty of our homes and gardens with 5 individual themes:

- Bless Our Home

- Humming Birds and Flowers

- Butterflies and Flowers

- Monograms

- Floral Borders for Linens

 Buy Now

 

Vote for Your Favorite Set

Which of Aunt Martha's sets do you like best?

Pick your favorite set.

• There's No Place Like Home
• Home and Garden
• Days of the Week

See results without voting

Embroidered Tea Towel

Below is a photo of my 37 year old tea towel. It has seen better days, but few towels have ever been so loved and cherished as this hand embroidered towel from my mother.

Embroidered Tea Towel

Embroidered Tea Towel

All Things Domestic

This set includes 2 of the modern pattern books, rather than envelopes. The first book features images and phrases about the kitchen and cooking. The second book is all about sewing. The sewing book comes with an image to embroider custom tags. For example, you can embroider, "handmade by Mary!" on your latest creation with this iron on transfer.

Aunt Martha's Stitchers Revolution Iron On Transfer Pattern Set, Kitch'n Stitch'n and Sew Crafty

 Buy Now

 

Animal Love in Bloom

Love in Bloom Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Embroidery Transfer

Puppies, kittens, chickens, ducks, fish and birds show their love for each other.

 Buy Now

 

A Holiday for Every Season

Aunt Martha's A Holiday For Every Season Embroidery Transfer Pattern Book, Over 25 Iron On Patterns

Embroider custom holiday towels and linens with the holiday for every season transfers.

 Buy Now

 

Farm Living

Aunt Martha's Farm Living Embroidery Transfer Pattern Book, Over 25 Iron On Patterns

The farm living transfers celebrate everything about country living. Eggs, fields, tractors, animals, windmills and all the things you'd likely find on a farm.

 Buy Now

 

Animal, Flower and Holiday Books - of Iron On Transfers

Aunt Martha's Clever Kitties Embroidery Transfer Pattern Book Kit

 Buy Now

 

Aunt Martha's Playful Puppies Embroidery Transfer Pattern Book Kit

 Buy Now

 

Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers 3771 Hooty Owls

 Buy Now

 

Daylily Peony Magnolia Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Embroidery Transfer

 Buy Now

 

Aunt Martha's Happy Holidays Iron On Transfer Pattern Collection, Thanksgiving and Christmas Motifs

 Buy Now

 

Focus on Flowers Pattern Envelope

Daylily Peony Magnolia Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Embroidery Transfer

Dress up any room in your home with these peonies, daffodils, or marigold transfers.

 Buy Now

 

Fruits and Vegetables - Celebrate Canning

Aunt Martha's Fruits and Veggies Embroidery Transfer Pattern Book, Over 25 Iron On Patterns

Nothing is more pleasing to a fruit and vegetable gardener than harvest time. These transfers celebrate the beauty of harvest and canning.

 Buy Now

 

Flowers

Flowers for Paint or Embroidery Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Embroidery Transfer

Transfers for those that love blooms.

 Buy Now

 

Embroidery on Ebay

If you love embroidery, but you don't have time to do it, you can often find vintage embroidery for sale online. The sale prices are ALWAYS a steal for the time and effort invested. Support a crafter by purchasing someone else's handy work.

Lot of 2 Vintage Silk Linen Embroidered Blouses M/L

Current Bid: $14.99

Java Break Envelope

Java Break Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Embroidery Transfer

This transfer envelope can be bought as part of a set above, or individually. Coffee lovers unite!

 Buy Now

 

Floral Teapot Envelope

Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers 3898 Floral Teapots

Floral teapots are reminiscent of tea parties decorated with fresh flowers.

 Buy Now

 

Which Do You Prefer

The Aunt Martha's patterns that I remember as a child came in the yellow envelopes. They are seen as "sets" above and sometimes sold individually. More recently, Aunt Martha's has started publishing their iron on transfers in books. Which do you prefer?

Which type of iron on transfers do you prefer and why?

Rectangle Rug

How to Crochet a Rug: Free Pattern

You can crochet a rug using a simple double crochet stitch. This rectangular rug measures 2 feet deep X 3 feet wide. You can continue rows to make it longer in length to custom fit your area. The pattern will average 4 hours to complete, depending on experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shaded denim worsted weight cotton yarn (Peaches & Cream)
• Light blue worsted weight cotton yarn (Peaches & Cream)
• Crochet Hook I (5.5mm)

Step1

Working with two pieces of yarn together throughout the project. Tie a slip knot with the two pieces of yarn. Chain 65 chain stitches.

 

Step2

Row 1: Begin to double crochet back across the chain, skipping the first three chain stitches. You will begin your first double crochet in the top of the 4th chain stitch. Double crochet until you reach the end of the chain. If you need more assistance with how to make a double crochet stitch, see the resource section below.

 

Step3

Row 2: Chain 3. Turn the rug over. Beginning in the top of the first double crochet, make double crochets back across your previous row. You will have two loops in the top of the last row through which you can stitch. Double crochet through both loops. Continue to the end of the row.

 

Step4

Repeat Row 2 for 58 rows, or until the rug is the desired width.

Resources

• How to Tie a Slip Knot
• How to Crochet a Double Crochet Stitch
• How to Crochet a Chain Stitch

How to Crochet Flower Granny Squares

Flower Granny Square Pattern

I've always enjoyed crocheting granny squares. Recently, I came across a Flickr photo with brightly colored flower granny squares. Hoping to make a baby blanket from them, I looked for instructions. Unfortunately, the photo didn't link to any.

I spent an evening creating these flowered granny squares in similar color patterns to the ones I'd seen. I wrote instructions as I made them so that others might use them. My instructions are written so beginners can easily follow them. 

 

What you'll need:

Crochet hook size G
Ball of Peaches N crème off white cotton yarn
Ball of Peaches N crème royal blue cotton yarn
Ball of Crayon Buncle hot pink yarn from Knit Picks.com
Scissors

 

Create the Center Chain Ring

Step 1:

Chain 6. Slip stitch to the first stitch in the chain to create a ring. Chain 3 from the ring. This chain serves as the first double crochet in the next round.

 

The Center of the Granny Square Flower

Step 2.

Double crochet 11 times around the ring. (This round is done when there are 12 stitches including the chain of 3.) Slip stitch the last double crochet to the top of the beginning chain of 3.

 

Create the First Round of Flower Petals

Step 3

Cut the working yarn an inch from the work. Tie on the next color. Chain 3. This serves as the first double crochet in the next round. Double crochet 2 times between the next double crochet stitch of the last round. Continue around the ring double crocheting 3 times between each double crochet stitch of the last round. This creates the "petals" of the flower. When you reach the end of the row, slip stitch the last double crochet stitch to the top of the first chain stitch of the row. It is important that this row ends with exactly 12 clusters of double crochets, or 12 petals.

 

Finishing the Petals and Creating the first Corner of the Granny Square

Step 5

Cut the working yarn an inch from the work. Tie on the next color. Chain 3. This serves as the first double crochet in the next round. Double crochet 2 times between the next double crochet stitch of the last round. Chain 2. Continue around the ring double crocheting 3 times between each cluster of double crochet stitches of the last round. Chain 2 after each set of 3 double crochets. After you’ve crocheted 12 clusters, or petals, chain 2. Slip stitch to the top of the first chain stitch of the row.

Slip stitch through the top of the double crochet stitches to get to the first “gap” in the previous round, or the chain between the petals. Once you have your crochet hook above the gap, chain 3. This represents the first chain stitch of the next round. Double crochet 2 times. Chain 2. Double crochet 3 more times in the same position as the previous 2 double crochets. You have just made the first corner of your granny square.

 

Finishing the Flower Granny Square

* Chain 2. In the next gap of the previous row, single crochet 3 times. Chain 2 to get to the next gap. Single crochet 3 times. Chain 2 to get to the next gap. Double crochet 3 times. Chain 2. Double crochet 3 times in the same space. You now have the next corner of your granny square.

Repeat from * until you reach the end of the round. Chain 2. Slip stitch to the top of the chain that began the round.

 

 

More Flower Crochet Ideas

by HSSchulte

Now that you know how to crochet a granny square, check out my other tutorials here at Squidoo to crochet flower granny squares, or crochet a granny hexagon too!

How to Crochet a Flower Hexagon
Tired of the same old granny squares? Even the beginner can whip up these pretty flower hexagons. I’ll show you how step by step below.

How to Crochet a Rose
This beautiful rose is a quick and easy project to crochet. It can be made in only a few minutes and is simple enough for the beginner.