Master the Art of Crocheting the 8 Petal African Flower Granny Square

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Eight Petal African Flower 2.1 Retro Style with the Right Colors 2.2 Materials Needed
3. Starting the Granny Square 3.1 Round 1: Yellow Center 3.2 Round 2: Changing Colors 3.3 Round 3: Adding Double Crochets
4. Changing Colors and Adding Spike Stitches 4.1 Round 4: Adding Accent Color 4.2 Spike Stitch Technique
5. Adding Another Color and Creating Petals 5.1 Round 5: Creating Petals 5.2 Corner Triple Combos
6. Finishing Touches 6.1 Optional Border 6.2 Final Thoughts

The Eight Petal African Flower: A Retro-Inspired Granny Square

Are you looking to add a touch of retro style to your crochet projects? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will guide you through creating a beautiful eight petal African flower granny square. With the right colors and some simple stitches, you can achieve a fun and mod look reminiscent of the flower power era. Let's dive in!

Introduction

Granny squares are a timeless crochet pattern that allows for endless creativity. They can be used to make blankets, pillows, bags, and more. In this tutorial, we will focus on creating an eight petal African flower granny square. This particular design adds a touch of retro flair to your crochet projects, perfect for those who love the 60s aesthetic.

The Eight Petal African Flower

Retro Style with the Right Colors

If you choose the right colors for your granny square, it can truly evoke a retro vibe. Imagine the vibrant hues of the flower power era, with bright yellows, oranges, and blues. Pick colors that stand out and create a bold statement. While this tutorial will focus on a specific color scheme, feel free to experiment and let your creativity run wild!

Materials Needed

Before we get started, gather the following materials:

• Worsted weight yarn in the colors of your choice
• Crochet hook suitable for your yarn weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Starting the Granny Square

Let's begin creating our eight petal African flower granny square.

Round 1: Yellow Center

To start, grab your yellow yarn and follow these steps:

1. Chain 4.
2. Join the last chain to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a circle.
3. Chain up 3 (this counts as your first double crochet).
4. Work another double crochet into the circle.
5. Chain 1, then work 2 double crochets into the circle.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 a total of 8 times, resulting in 16 double crochets in 8 pairs.
7. Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 and fasten off.

Round 2: Changing Colors

Now it's time to change colors and add some visual interest to our granny square:

1. Attach your new color with a standing double crochet in any chain 1 space.
2. Work another double crochet in the same space, followed by a chain 2.
3. Work 2 more double crochets in the same space.
4. Move to the next chain 1 space and repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Continue this pattern of 2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets in each chain 1 space.
6. Slip stitch into the top of the standing double crochet and fasten off.

Round 3: Adding Double Crochets

Now we will add more double crochets to create a fuller petal design:

1. Slip stitch to the middle chain 2 space.
2. Chain up 3 (this counts as a double crochet) and work 6 more double crochets into the same space.
3. Move to the next chain 2 space and repeat step 2.
4. Continue this pattern of 7 double crochets in each chain 2 space around the circle.
5. Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 and fasten off.

Changing Colors and Adding Spike Stitches

As we progress, we will change colors and incorporate spike stitches for added texture.

Round 4: Adding Accent Color

To add some contrast to our granny square, let's switch to an accent color:

1. Attach your accent color with a slip knot.
2. Start in the stitch after the spike in any one of the flower petal divots.
3. Work a standing single crochet, followed by 7 more single crochets in each stitch.
4. In the middle space of the spike, work an elongated single crochet or spike stitch.
5. Continue the pattern of 7 single crochets and a spike stitch all the way around.
6. Slip stitch into the first standing single crochet and fasten off.

Adding Another Color and Creating Petals

Let's continue adding colors and creating petal shapes in our granny square.

Round 5: Creating Petals

1. Switch to a new color, creating a standing single crochet in the stitch after the spike.
2. Work 3 more single crochets for a total of 4 in that stitch.
3. Follow this with a half double crochet, 2 double crochets, and a triple crochet in the spike stitch.
4. Chain 3 and work another triple crochet in the same spike stitch.
5. Proceed with 2 double crochets, a half double crochet, and 4 single crochets.
6. Repeat this pattern around, making sure to form a corner with the triple crochet, chain 3, triple crochet combo.
7. Slip stitch into the standing single crochet and fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Our granny square is nearly complete, but let's add some finishing touches.

Optional Border

If you'd like to give your granny square a more defined edge, you can add a border:

1. Attach your desired border color with a standing single crochet.
2. Place a single crochet in each stitch around the square.
3. In the corners, work 2 single crochets, chain 1, and 2 single crochets to create a corner.
4. Continue with single crochets until you reach the next corner.
5. Repeat step 3 for each corner.
6. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on completing your eight petal African flower granny square! This retro-inspired design is a versatile and visually stunning addition to your crochet projects. Whether you use it for blankets, pillows, or other creative endeavors, this granny square will surely bring a pop of style to your work. Enjoy crafting with this fun and mod pattern!

Highlights:

• Learn how to create an eight petal African flower granny square with a retro vibe.
• Experiment with colors to achieve a vibrant and bold look.
• Incorporate spike stitches for added texture and visual interest.
• Follow step-by-step instructions to complete each round of the granny square.
• Optional border adds a finished touch, giving your square a defined edge.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use different colors for my granny square? A: Absolutely! Feel free to choose any colors that speak to you and create your own unique design.

Q: How big will my granny square be? A: The size of your granny square will depend on the yarn weight and hook size you choose. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired dimensions.

Q: Can I use this granny square pattern for larger projects? A: Yes, you can easily create larger projects by joining multiple granny squares together. This pattern is versatile and can be adapted to suit various project sizes.

Q: Are spike stitches difficult to learn? A: Spike stitches may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, you'll find them quite easy to master. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully, and you'll soon be creating beautiful spike stitches.

Q: Can I add more rounds to my granny square? A: Absolutely! You can continue adding rounds to your granny square to make it larger or modify the pattern to suit your preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.