Pattern Description:
The African Flower is a beautiful crochet motif inspired by African textiles, suitable for bright or pastel colors.
Often forming a hexagon, these versatile flowers can be joined to create projects like blankets, cushions, bags, and scarves.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK in 4 colors
- Colour A: Fondant
- Colour B: Sherbet
- Colour C: Wisteria
- Colour D: Cream
- Hook: 4mm (G/6 US)
- Notions: Darning needle for weaving in ends, scissors
Abbreviations:
- ss = slip stitch
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble crochet
Instructions for Making the African Flower Pattern:
Foundation & Round 1 (Colour A)
- Foundation circle: Ch 6, then ss into the 6th chain from the hook to form a ring.
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first tr), then tr, ch 1 – repeat 5 times (total 6 treble crochets separated by chain 1 spaces).
- Ss into the 3rd chain of the initial ch-3 to complete the round. Fasten off.
Round 2 (Colour B) – Forming the Petals
- Join Colour B in any ch-1 space from Round 1.
- Ch 5 (counts as tr + ch 2), then make 2 tr into the same ch-1 space.
- Ch 1, 2 tr into next ch-1 space, ch 2, 2 tr into same space – repeat this sequence around.
- Finish with ch 1, tr into the starting ch-2 space, then ss to the 3rd chain of the starting ch-5. Fasten off.
Round 3 (Colour B) – Creating the Fans
- Join Colour B in any ch-2 space.
- Ch 3 (counts as first tr), then work 6 tr into the same ch-2 space (total 7 tr stitches including starting ch 3), creating a fan shape.
- Ss into the next ch-1 space.
- Work 7 tr into next ch-2 space, ss into next ch-1 space – repeat 5 more times (6 fans total).
- Ss into the 3rd chain of starting ch-3. Fasten off.
Round 4 (Colour C) – Defining the Edges
- Join Colour C between any two tr stitches of a fan from Round 3.
- Dc between each tr around the motif. When you reach the ss space from Round 3, dc into the ch-2 space from Round 2 to elongate the stitch.
- Continue dc between each stitch and into ch-1 spaces to maintain a neat edge.
- Ss to the first dc to close the round. Fasten off.
Round 5 (Colour D) – Final Detailing
- Join Colour D by locating the center tr of any fan (Round 3), then count back 3 stitches and insert your hook at the top of the dc stitch from Round 4.
- Ch 3 (counts as tr).
- Make 2 more tr into the next 2 dc stitches (3 tr total – this is your fan center).
- Ch 1, then tr, tr, tr, ch 1, tr all into the same space (this forms the petal detail).
- Follow with 3 tr into the next 3 dc stitches (mirror the first set).
- Repeat this entire sequence around each fan (6 times).
- Ss into the 3rd chain of the starting ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing & Joining Motifs
- You now have a vibrant hexagonal African Flower motif!
- To join multiple motifs, place two motifs right sides together and use dc stitches along the edge, working in the ch-1 spaces for a clean join.
- You can create blankets, cushions, bags, scarves, or even turn this flower into a square using a tutorial (available on many crochet blogs).
Tips for Success
- Color changes: Make sure to fasten off each color neatly to avoid bulk.
- Counting stitches: Always recount to locate the center stitch of each fan in Round 5 to maintain symmetry.
- Blocking: Use pins and steam or wet block to open out the flower petals flat.
Experiment: Try using different color combinations or yarn weights to customize your African Flower projects.
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