Crochet Flower Folk Art Brooch Free Pattern

Introduction

This little flower brooch is the perfect project for anyone who wants to make something cheerful in an afternoon, whether you are brand new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a quick win. Five bright orange petals overlap into a flat, roughly circular bloom, topped with a plump cobalt blue center that gives it a charming folk art feel. At about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) across, it is small, lightweight, and soft to the touch, and it pins neatly to a jacket, bag, or hat. Best of all, it uses only single crochet and tiny amounts of yarn, so it is a wonderful way to use up scraps.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Fine (2) weight cotton in orange (about 5 yds) and cobalt (about 5 yds).
• Hook: 1.9 mm steel hook (US 5).
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, small amount of polyester fiberfill, 0.75 inch (2 cm) felt circle, sew-on pin back, matching sewing thread and needle, fabric glue.
• Finished size: Approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) diameter.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring, an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a round with no hole.
• sc: Single crochet, the basic short stitch used throughout.
• inc: Increase, work 2 sc into the same stitch to add one stitch.
• dec: Decrease, work 2 stitches together into one to remove a stitch.
• st(s): Stitch or stitches.
• rnd(s): Round or rounds, one full circle of stitches.

Gauge

8 sc and 8 rnds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet. Work a small flat swatch in the round and measure across the middle to check that your stitches match before starting.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your tension firm and even; loose stitches make the petals floppy and the center lumpy.
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in these small circles.
• Leave the full 6 inch tails on every piece; you will need them to sew the flower together.
• Stuff the center only lightly so it stays a soft dome rather than a tight ball.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Petal (make 5, orange)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 5: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 6: dec x6 (6 sts).

Fasten off and leave a 6 inch tail. Each petal is widest in the middle and closes to a point at the outer tip.

Center (cobalt)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 4: [sc, dec] x6 (8 sts).

Stuff lightly with fiberfill. Fasten off and leave a 6 inch tail.

Edging (optional, orange)

With orange, join yarn at the outer edge of any petal. Work 1 sc in each stitch around the outer edge of the petals, working 2 sc in each petal tip. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Arrange the five petals in a circle with their edges overlapping slightly. Using the yarn tails and a tapestry needle, sew the petals together at the center. Sew the cobalt center over the petal join, using its tail to anchor it firmly. Cut a felt circle 0.75 inch (2 cm) in diameter and sew the pin back to it with matching thread. Glue the felt to the back of the flower and let it dry completely. Weave in any remaining ends. If desired, lightly steam or damp-block the brooch flat and let it dry before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the orange and cobalt for any two colors you love, such as mustard and teal, for a different folk art look.
• Add a tiny bead or embroidered French knot in the center of the cobalt dome for extra detail.
• Make a set in different colorways and attach them to a card for a handmade gift.