Crochet Flower Box DIY: Vibrant Indoor Planter Tutorial & Free Pattern
Are you ready to chase away the winter blues and welcome spring with a burst of color? I've got the perfect project for you: a charming crochet flower box that's as fun to make as it is to display. Whether you're looking for a heartfelt Mother's Day gift or a delightful addition to your home decor, this "always in bloom" creation is sure to bring a smile to your face. The best part? These flowers are completely washable, ensuring they stay fresh and vibrant for years to come!
This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through each step, from crocheting the individual flowers to assembling the final arrangement. And don't worry if you prefer to read your patterns – you can find the free written pattern over on my website at The Secret Yarnery. Plus, if you're a visual learner, you can follow along with the right-handed tutorial or the left-handed tutorial on my YouTube channel!
Gather Your Supplies: What You'll Need
Before we get started, let's gather all the necessary supplies. This project is a fantastic stash-buster, so feel free to get creative with your yarn choices!
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Yarn:
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn scraps in various colors for the flower centers and petals.
- Eyelash yarn (like Ice Yarns Dazzle) for the grass or worsted weight acrylic for a granny square alternative.
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Planter Box:
- A plastic flower box (the kind you find at the grocery store) or any floral container you like. I used both a small grocery store variety and a larger one measuring 6" x 18" in the video.
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Floral Foam:
- Oasis floral foam for easily inserting the flowers.
- As alternatives, you can use small pebbles, sand, or grains of rice. However, be aware that these options can be messy if the planter tips over!
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Skewers & Embellishments:
- Short barbecue skewers (around 6 inches long).
- Small buttons or beads to decorate the skewer tops. You might even find some cute and inexpensive craft kits at your local grocery store!
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Tools:
- Glue gun for attaching the buttons or beads.
- Stitch markers (I recommend 4 for a 6-inch flower box).
- Scissors.
- Crochet hooks: 6mm for the grass and 5mm for the flowers.
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Creating the Crochet Flowers
Now for the fun part: crocheting the flowers! We'll start with the center and then move on to the petals.
The Center
- Begin with a magic ring or a chain three ring. If you're new to the magic ring technique, it's definitely worth learning.
- Round 1: Chain 2 (counts as your first double crochet), then make 7 double crochets into the ring. (8 double crochets total).
- Finish the center by slip stitching to join to the top of the chain 2. Chain 1, cut your yarn, and secure.
Tip: Make a bunch of these centers ahead of time! This will speed up the flower-making process.
The Petals
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Attach your petal color yarn to the front of any stitch on the flower center. Slip stitch to join and chain 2.
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Round 1: Work into the spaces between the stitches of the center, not into the stitches themselves.
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Into that very same space, make 4 double crochets.
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Remove your hook, insert it into the top of the beginning chain 2, grab the loop you just removed, and pull it through to form a "popcorn" stitch. Chain 2.
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Repeat this process (5 double crochets, popcorn stitch, chain 2) in each space around the center. You should have 8 popcorns in total.
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Slip stitch to join in the space right after your first popcorn.
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Round 2: Chain 2. Now you're going to work in between the popcorns. In the space between the popcorns, place 3 double crochets, chain 2 and slip stitch into that same space. Slip stitch into the next space after the next popcorn. Repeat around.
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Finish the petals by slip stitching to join, chain 1, cutting your yarn, and securing.
Weaving in the Ends (The Secret Yarnery Method!)
Okay, so we are not going to weave these ends in. Here's my trick for dealing with those pesky tails:
- Flip your flower over and tighten up that center ring (or cinch it closed if you used a chain three).
- Tie the two tails together in a triple knot. Make sure the final knot is nice and tight!
- Trim the tails, leaving a little bit of extra yarn.
And there you have it! A beautiful crochet flower, ready to brighten up your flower box. Alternatively, there are many crochet patterns available if you would like to use another kind of flower.
Crafting the Crochet Grass
Now it's time to create the grassy base for our flowers. You have two main options here: eyelash yarn for a realistic look or a granny square for a more traditional approach.
Choosing Your Grass Style
- Eyelash Yarn Grass: This option creates a wonderfully textured, realistic-looking grass.
- Granny Square Alternative: If you prefer a more classic crochet look, you can use a granny square made with worsted weight acrylic yarn. The English Garden Granny Square is a great option! This works especially well for square planters.
Eyelash Yarn Grass (Rectangular)
- Chain in sets of three, placing a stitch marker every third stitch. For a 6-inch wide planter box, start with a chain of 12 (four stitch markers).
- Stretch the chain to fit the width of your planter box. It's okay if it's a little shorter, as the grass will grow as you add rows.
- Row 1: Chain 3, and into the chain where the first stitch marker is, place three double crochets. Repeat this for each stitch marker, with three double crochets in each.
- Subsequent Rows: Chain 3, turn, and work three double crochets into each space between the "shells" (sets of three double crochets) from the previous row.
- Continue until the grass reaches the desired height for your planter box.
- Finish by chaining 1, cutting the yarn, and securing.
Assembling Your Crochet Flower Box
With all the elements ready, it's time to assemble your crochet flower box!
- Place the Oasis foam inside your planter box, adjusting it to fit snugly.
- Use a glue gun to attach buttons or beads to the flat ends of your barbecue skewers.
- Insert the pointed end of a skewer into the center of each flower, pushing it through the tight knot on the back.
- Arrange the flowers in the planter box, pushing the skewers through the grass (or granny square) and into the foam. Leave about 1-2 inches of skewer showing above the foam for a natural look.
Customize Your Crochet Flower Box!
Don't be afraid to get creative and personalize your flower box! Experiment with different yarn colors, flower arrangements, and button/bead styles. You could even try creating different types of crochet flowers for added variety. This project is so versatile, you can adapt it for any occasion or season!
Ready to Create More?
And there you have it – a beautiful, handmade crochet flower box that will brighten any space. If you are looking for more crochet patterns, check out my online store. Remember to share your finished projects on social media using #SecretYarneryFlowerBox. And be sure to subscribe to The Secret Yarnery for more free crochet patterns and tutorials. Happy crocheting!
Left Handed?
FAQs
1. Can beginners make this crochet flower box?
Yes! This project is beginner-friendly and the tutorial provides clear, step-by-step instructions. If you're new to crochet, you may want to start by practicing the basic stitches first, such as the double crochet and magic ring.
2. What type of yarn works best for this project?
Worsted weight acrylic yarn works great for the flowers, as it holds its shape well and is easy to work with. For the grassy base, you can use eyelash yarn for a realistic look or more acrylic yarn for a granny square alternative.
3. Can I use a different container instead of a plastic planter box?
Absolutely! You can use any container you like, whether it’s a ceramic pot, small wooden crate, or repurposed tin can. Just make sure it's stable enough to hold the floral foam and crochet flowers.
4. How do I prevent the crochet flowers from tipping over in the planter?
Using floral foam inside the planter will hold the skewers firmly in place. If you're using alternatives like pebbles or rice, make sure the container isn't too lightweight to avoid tipping.
5. Can I wash the flowers and grass?
Yes! Since they're made with acrylic yarn, they're washable. However, handwashing them gently in cool water and laying them flat to dry is best to help them maintain their shape.
6. What other decorations can I add to the flower box?
You can add mini fairy lights, decorative butterflies, or even a small crochet bee perched on one of the flowers. Personalize it to fit the season or occasion!
7. How long does it take to make this project?
The time needed depends on your crochet speed and the number of flowers you'd like to make. On average, you can complete a smaller flower box in a weekend.
Christa Patel is the creative mind behind The Secret Yarnery, a vibrant hub for all things crochet. Known for her warm teaching style and easy-to-follow tutorials, Christa inspires crafters around the world to pick up their hooks and explore the joy of handmade artistry. With years of crochet experience, she specializes in designing patterns that are both functional and beautiful, catering to beginners and experts alike.
Through her popular YouTube channel and website, Christa shares a variety of free crochet patterns, tutorials, and tips. Her goal is to make crocheting approachable and fun for everyone, whether they're creating cozy blankets, colorful flower boxes, or unique home decor. A firm believer in the therapeutic power of yarn crafts, she encourages creativity and community in every project she shares.
When Christa isn’t crocheting, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new yarn shops, and dreaming up her next crochet masterpiece. Follow The Secret Yarnery for more DIY projects, patterns, and inspiration!