In this article:
In this tutorial, you will learn how to crochet an African flower, African Flower in a Hexagon and African Flower Square.
You will love your new project! The fresh and vivid look of this African blossom is perfect for any of crocheted items. Starting from summer blanket, flowery pillows, this amazing pattern is widely used to create unique amigurumi or tote bags. You can use it to elevate your style and enhance a summer wardrobe by making a African flower top or cardigan.
This pattern was originally designed by Lounette Fourie and Anita Roussouw and published in a South African magazine called ‘Sarie’ in 2009. The original African flower is in a shape of a hexagon, so we will start with learning how to crochet a 6 petal flower first. My version differ slightly from the original. After learning how to crochet an African Flower Hexagon, I will show you how to make a the African Flower Square.
African Flower Hexagon, 6-Petal African Flower
6-petals African Flower is fun project to make. A hexagon shape gives you elasticity and amazing possibilities to implement flower to your project or create more complicated forms like… giraffes or other amazing Toys from African Flower Squares!
Materials you’ll need
Alize Diva Silky Effect Acrylic Yarn in 4 colors (or any yarn you have)
To crochet the puff stitch can use any yarn you already have. However, if you are a beginner, I suggest for you to practice with a smooth yarn.
the crochet hook in the size corresponding with your yarn.
You will find a recommended hook sizes on a yarn label.
scissors to cut yarn tails
a yarn needle or tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Abbreviations Used and the Pattern Notes
This tutorial is written in US terms. The standard crochet abbreviations I used in this tutorial are:
- ch = chain stitch
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- yo = yarn over
- sl st = slip stitch
- st /sts = stitch/es
- ldc = long dc
- sp = space
How to make 6-Petal African Flower:
Foundation
Using color A (I’m using yellow): ch5 and sl st into the 1st ch to make a ring
Round 1
Using color A (yellow) : ch3, (count as 1st dc), dc in the ring, ch 1, * (2 dc, ch 1) – repeat * 5 times. Sl st into the top of ch3 from the beginning. Fasten off. [6 clusters of (2dc, ch1)]
Round 2
Join a color B (white) to any ch-1 sp. Ch 3, (1 dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) in the same sp, * (2dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) in each following ch-1 sp repeat * around.
Finish with an sl st in the top of the 1st dc. [6 clusters of (2dc, ch1, 2dc)]
Round 3
Continue with color B (white). Sl st into next st and sl st in ch-1 sp. Ch3, 6dc into the same ch-1 sp. *7dc into the next ch-1 sp – repeat * around 5 times.
This round has 6 arches of 7dc (our petals). Finish with a sl st in the top of 1st dc. [6 arches of 7dc]
Round 4
Attach colour C (red) in 1-st st of 7dc from the previous round, sc. Sc in each of the next 6 sts.
ldc into the round 2 sp separated by arches.
A point where to insert your hook is marked in the photo below.
To ldc = long dc (spike) – yo, instert the hook in between (2dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) sp from round 2, grab a yarn and pull up high, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through.
*(Sc in the next 7 st, ldc) – repeat * around for the rest of 5 arches. Sl st in 1st sc. Fasten off.
Congratulations ,you made your first African flower! Isn’t it beautiful? See the tutorial below how make it bigger and and how to add more regular hexagon shape to your African flower.
How to make African Flower Hexagon
Follow the instructions above for Rounds 1-5 of 6-Petal African Flower Free Crochet Pattern.
Round 5
Attach new color D (brown) in any ldc, ch3, dc in the next 3 st. (dc, ch1, dc) in the next st.
*dc in the each of the 7 following st, (dc, ch1, dc) in the next st.
Repeat * 5 times, dc in the reminded st and join with sl st of beginning ch2. Fasten off.
Round 6 and more
You may continue to make your project bigger. Each next round will have dc in each st, except corner sts, where you should make dc,ch,dc.
Now when you know how to make an African Flower Hexagon, find you perfect color combination and project ideas – African Flower Hexagons:
8-Petal African Flower and African Flower Square Free Crochet Patterns
African Flower Square is one of the most beautiful patterns. The square is based on 8 Petal African Flower Crochet Pattern sets beautifully inside a double crochet boarder.
If you have just made 6-Petal African Flower above, the 8-Petal African flower is much more the same. You have increase Round 1-4 of two more set of repeatable stitch sets to get 2 more petals.
But let’s start from the basics.
Materials you’ll need
Alize Diva Silky Effect Acrylic Yarn in 4 colors (or any yarn you have)
the crochet hook in the size corresponding with your yarn.
scissors to cut yarn tails
a yarn needle or tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Abbreviations Used and the Pattern Notes
This tutorial is written in US terms. The standard crochet abbreviations I used in this tutorial are:
- ch = chain stitch
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- yo = yarn over
- sl st = slip stitch
- st /sts = stitch/es
- ldc = long dc
- sp = space
How to make 8 Petal African Flower
Foundation
Using color A (I’m using yellow) ch5 and sl st into the 1st ch to make a circle.
Round 1
Using color A (yellow) ch3, (count as 1st dc), dc in the ring, ch 1, * (2 dc, ch 1) – repeat from * 7 times. Sl st into the top of ch3 from the beginning. Fasten off. [8 clusters of (2dc,ch1)]
Round 2
Join a color B (white) to any ch-1 sp. Ch 3, (1 dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) in the same sp, * (2dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) in each following ch-1 sp repeat * around. Finish with a sl st in the top of the 1st dc. [8 clusters of (2dc,ch1)]
Round 3
Continue with color B (white). Sl st into next st and sl st in ch-1 sp. Ch3, 6dc into the same ch-1 sp. *7dc into the next ch-1 sp – repeat * around 7 times. Finish with a sl st in the top of 1st dc. [8 arches of 7dc]
Round 4
Attach colour C (red) in 1st st of 7dc from the previous round. Sc, sc in each of the next 6 sts, ldc into the round 2 sp separated by arches.
To ldc = long dc (spike st)- yo, instert the hook in between (2dc, 1 ch, 2 dc) sp from round 2, grab a yarn and pull up high, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo and pull through.
*Sc in the next 7 st, ldc – repeat * around for all 7 arches. Sl st in 1st sc. Fasten off.
How to make African Flower Square
Follow the instructions above for Rounds 1-5 of 8 – Petal African Flower Free Crochet Pattern. Then continue with round 5 and 6 to incorporate your flower into a square .
After making your first African Flower Granny Square, find out more what you can make with your new skills – see African Flower Color Variation Examples, African Flower Project Ideas and Free Patterns:
