Crochet an African Flower Pentagon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to create something beautiful and unique with your crochet skills? Maybe you've seen those amazing Heidi Bears animals or a colorful exercise ball cover and wondered how they were made. The secret lies in the African Flower Pentagon Crochet! This versatile motif can be used in countless projects, from blankets and pillows to garments and accessories.

In this blog post, I'll guide you through creating your own stunning African Flower Pentagon. I've based these instructions on Christa's fantastic tutorial from The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel, so you know you're getting expert advice.

Let's get started and crochet your own beautiful African Flower Pentagon! It's an easy-to-follow DIY project that's sure to spark your creativity.

Before we dive in, let's gather the necessary materials. Here's what you'll need to create your own African Flower Pentagon:

• Yarn: You'll need yarn in three colors, plus an additional color for joining. Scraps are perfect for this project, making it a fantastic way to use up your yarn stash! Using similar weights of yarn will help you get consistent results.
• Crochet Hook: Krista from The Secret Yarnery uses a 5.5 mm crochet hook in the video tutorial, but you should use whatever size is recommended for your yarn, or what you prefer.
• Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors for cutting the yarn.
• Darning Needle: This is essential for weaving in your ends, giving your finished project a clean and professional look.

The African Flower Pentagon is a great stash-busting project! If you're looking for a written pattern to follow along, you can find one on the Secret Yarnery website at secretyarnery.com.

First, let's create a slip knot. Form a loop with your yarn, then pull the yarn through the loop to create a knot. Place this slip knot on your crochet hook and gently tighten it.

Now, we're going to chain five stitches. This will form the base of our center ring. So, yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook. Repeat this five times: one, two, three, four, and five.

Next, we need to work into the very first chain we made. It's important to count the stitch right on top, not the slip knot. Insert your hook into the bottom part of that first chain, making sure you get two strands of the chain onto the top of your hook. This will give your center ring a sturdier foundation.

Hold the tail of your yarn along your work as you crochet. This will allow you to work over the tail, securing it as you go.

For those who are newer to crochet, be sure to review the basic stitches like chain stitch, single crochet and more.

Now that we've chained five, it's time to form a ring. Insert your hook into that first chain, grab the yarn, and pull it through, creating a slip stitch. This joins the chain into a ring, forming the center of our African Flower Pentagon.

Next, chain three. This chain three counts as our first double crochet.

Hold the center of the ring open with your thumb and finger as you work your next stitch. Wrap your yarn and make one double crochet into the middle of the ring. Now you can let go of the center, as that stitch will hold it open for you.

Remember that tail we've been holding along our work? We're going to continue working over it to secure it. Just hold the tail along the outside of your work and crochet over it.

Chain one, and then make two more double crochets into the ring. That's one, and two. Chain one again. We now have three sets of double crochets. Repeat, making two more double crochets into the middle of the ring, followed by a chain one.

We now have four sets, but for a pentagon, we need five! So, wrap your yarn and make two more double crochets into the middle of the ring.

Let's make sure we have the correct number of sets. The number of pairs of double crochets determines the number of petals we'll have. Since we want five petals, we need five pairs, or ten double crochets. Count your pairs. One, two, three, four, and five. Perfect!

Chain one to complete the round. If any of these terms are unfamiliar to you, check out The Secret Yarnery's glossary of crochet terms!

It's time to join the first round. We're going to slip stitch to the top of the chain three we made at the beginning of the round. Again, make sure you insert your hook into the bottom part of that chain, getting two strands of the chain on the hook.

Push your hook in, grab the yarn, and pull it through both strands to join.

Chain one to secure your yarn. Cut your yarn, leaving a tail long enough to sew in with a needle later. Pull your hook up and snug the yarn down to secure the knot.

If you worked over your center tail, you can now trim it off.

Thread the remaining tail onto your darning needle. You can also use your crochet hook for this if you prefer. We're going to work into the back loops of the stitches, going back and forth to secure the tail.

Insert your needle into the back loops, pull the yarn through, and snug it down. Then, stretch out your work.

Flip it over and work your way back in the other direction, again going in and out of the loops on the back of your work. This time, don't pull the yarn too tight. Just let it rest and stretch it out again.

Find a new spot to join for the next round, somewhere on the other side of your work, away from where you worked in the tail. Here's what your finished center wheel should look like:

Insert your hook into any of the chain-one spaces where you haven't worked in your previous tail. Put a loop of your new yarn color on your hook, leaving a tail long enough to sew in later. Bring the loop through the chain-one space and slip stitch with both strands to join.

Drop your tail and hold it along your work for the first stitch or two. Chain two. This chain two counts as our first double crochet. If you join your yarn in a different way, you might prefer to chain three instead.

Wrap your yarn and make one more double crochet into the same space where you joined.

Now, we're going to jump straight over to the next chain-one space. Make two double crochets into that space.

Chain one, and then make two more double crochets into the same space. This creates the first part of our petal base.

Repeat this pattern in each of the remaining chain-one spaces: two double crochets, chain one, two double crochets. Remember, it is important to ensure the stitch count stays accurate!

After working the pattern, make two double crochets into the space where you initially joined.

Now, it's time to join the round with a single crochet. Insert your hook into the top of the chain two (or chain three, if that's what you used), making sure you get two strands of the chain on your hook.

Grab the yarn and pull it through, then make one single crochet. Wrap your yarn and pull it through both loops on your hook.

Chain three. This chain three counts as our first double crochet. Now, make three more double crochets into the same space.

Jump over into the next chain-one space. It's important not to work on top of the first round (the center wheel). Instead, we're working into the chain-one spaces in the middle of the last round (the petal bases).

Make seven double crochets into each chain-one space. That’s right, seven!

Do this in each of the spaces in the middle of the petal bases, all the way around.

Continue around until you have seven double crochets in each space. Your piece will start to look a bit "dishy" or curved. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal! A stitch marker can help you keep track of your stitches.

We're almost done with this round! Now, work into the same space where you started. Remember that we already have a chain three (which counts as a double crochet) and three double crochets, so we need to add three more double crochets to complete the seven.

Make three double crochets into that same space.

Now, slip stitch to the top of the chain three to join. Again, make sure you get two strands of the chain on your hook.

Chain one, cut your yarn, leaving a tail long enough to sew in. Pull the hook up and snug the yarn down.

Work the tail into the back loops of the stitches. Snug it down, stretch it out, and work it back in the other direction.

To make sure everything is secure, work the tail in multiple times.

If your tail is a bit short, you can use the blunt end of your needle to poke it through the yarn. Skip one strand and work the tail back under. Thread your needle, going all the way back, and poke that tail in. Bring it back the other way. I like to work my tails in three times for extra security.

We're going to start this round at the beginning of one of the petals. Insert your hook under the top of the very first double crochet (the "valley" between the petals).

Put a loop of new yarn on your hook, leaving a tail. Slip stitch to join.

Drop the tail and hold it along your work.

Chain one.

Make one single crochet into each of the next six stitches.

You should now be at the "valley," the space between the petals. Double-check that you have seven single crochets. Accurate stitch counts are key! This round uses single crochet to define the petal shape.

Wrap the yarn.

Push the hook down right on top of the first row (the beginning circle).

Make one double crochet (the "drop-down double crochet"). This creates the petal shape.

Make one single crochet into each stitch.

Make sure you get into the very first stitch, and continue until you reach the next valley. Ensure you have seven stitches before the valley.

Work over the chain from Round 1, using the single crochet to cover it. Skip one strand and work the tail back under.

Repeat the drop-down double crochet and single crochet pattern for each petal.

When you get back to where you joined, make one drop-down double crochet.

Slip stitch to join in the middle of the "legs." Get the yarn and bring it back.

Chain one, cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Pull the hook up and snug the yarn.

Cut off the petal yarn tail because it was worked over. Leave the other tails for now, or work them in if you're not using a join-as-you-go technique.

The purpose of this round is to add your joining color and give the pentagon its final shape.

Join in the top of one of the petals, in the fourth stitch.

Put a loop of new yarn on the hook and slip stitch to join.

Drop the tail and chain two (or chain three if you join differently).

Hold the tail alongside your work for a couple of stitches.

Make one double crochet into each stitch.

Work into the tiny stitch right before the chain to hide it. Jump over and continue double crocheting into each stitch. Use the drop down double crochets as a reference point to get the right stitch count.

In the fourth stitch, do one double crochet, chain one, and one more double crochet.

Continue with one double crochet into each stitch.

Repeat the corner pattern at each petal tip. Ensure consistent stitch counts between corners.

When you get back to where you joined, that will be a corner.

Do a double crochet, chain one into the same stitch.

Slip stitch to the top of the chain to join, ensuring you have two strands on the hook.

Chain one to secure, cut the yarn, and leave a tail.

Pull the hook up and snug the yarn.

Sew in all the tails.

Your African Flower Pentagon is now finished!

The type of yarn you choose can significantly affect the finished product. Cotton yarn creates a sturdy, well-defined pentagon, perfect for projects like blankets or bags that need to hold their shape. Acrylic yarn is a budget-friendly option that comes in a wide array of colors, making it ideal for stash-busting projects. Wool yarn adds a cozy, rustic touch, great for creating warm and inviting blankets or pillows.

The African Flower Pentagon is a fantastic way to experiment with color! Consider using a color wheel to help you choose eye-catching color palettes. You could opt for analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the wheel) for a harmonious look, or complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other) for a bold and vibrant effect. Don't be afraid to mix and match different shades and textures to create a truly unique design.

Maintaining consistent tension is crucial for achieving uniform results. If your tension is too tight, your pentagon may curl or become misshapen. If it's too loose, your stitches may appear sloppy and uneven. Pay attention to your tension as you crochet, and try to keep it consistent throughout the project.

Blocking is a process that helps to set the shape of your finished crochet piece and improve its overall appearance. To block your African Flower Pentagon, simply dampen it with water, then pin it to a flat surface in the desired shape. Allow it to dry completely, and you'll notice that the stitches become more even and the pentagon takes on a more polished look.

There are several different ways to join African Flower Pentagons together. Some popular methods include the slip stitch join, the single crochet join, and the mattress stitch. Each method creates a slightly different look and texture, so experiment to find the one you prefer.

Stitch markers are your best friend! Stitch markers can help you keep track of your stitches, especially when working on more complex rounds. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round, or at key points within the pattern, to help you stay on track.

• Heidi Bears Animals: Heidi Bears crochet patterns are known for their intricate designs that utilize African Flower motifs.
• Exercise Ball Covers: As mentioned in the YouTube video description, African Flower Pentagons can be used to create a stylish and functional exercise ball cover.
• Blankets and Afghans: Create colorful blankets or afghans.
• Pillows and Cushions: Incorporate the pentagons into pillows and cushions.
• Garments and Accessories: Use the pentagons in vests, bags, or other wearable items.
• Other Creative Ideas: Think outside the box and come up with your own unique applications.

• Curling Edges: Curving is normal, and blocking can help.
• Uneven Stitch Counts: Check stitch counts regularly.
• Holes in the Center Ring: Tighten the center ring to avoid holes.
• Yarn Tangles: Use yarn bowls or other methods to prevent tangles.
• Finding the Right Hook Size: Determine the appropriate hook size for your yarn.

• Secret Yarnery Website: Visit secretyarnery.com for the written pattern and other resources.
• YouTube Channel: Check out youtube.com/secretyarnery for more crochet tutorials.
• Facebook Group: Join the Secret Yarnery Crochet Community Facebook group.
• Ravelry: Explore Ravelry as a platform for finding crochet patterns and connecting with other crocheters.

I'd love to see your finished African Flower Pentagons! Share them on social media using the hashtags #SecretYarnery, #AfricanFlowerPentagon, and #Crochet. Tag The Secret Yarnery on Instagram (@secretyarnery). I would be thrilled to see what you make! If you are looking to expand your crochet skills, take a look at How to Crochet African Flowers & JAYGO, to help take it to the next level.

The African Flower Pentagon is a versatile and beautiful motif that can be used in so many different projects. Thank you for following along with this tutorial. I hope you have enjoyed learning how to crochet your own pentagon.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery's channels for more crochet inspiration. Happy hooking!