African Crochet Flower Step-by-Step: Make Vibrant Hexagons!

Have you ever wanted to create something beautiful and unique with your own two hands? The African flower crochet design is a fantastic choice. It's a versatile motif that can be used in so many different projects. Whether you're aiming for a colorful blanket, a whimsical stuffed animal, or a stylish handbag, the African flower is a perfect starting point.

In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of crocheting your own African flower, specifically the hexagon shape. And if you prefer to watch along, I've included a video tutorial too! Plus, I'll touch on the different shapes you can create, including pentagons, heptagons, and octagons. You may have even seen these motifs in adorable Heidi Bears stuffed animals!

By following this tutorial, you'll gain a bunch of new crochet skills. You'll learn how to create a basic African flower hexagon. Then you'll discover how to tweak the pattern to make different shapes. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds!

I'll also show you how to work with multiple colors to make your African flower really pop. I'll even share my favorite technique for weaving in ends as you go, which gives you a cleaner finish. This means no more yarn needles! Lastly, I'll prep you for the "join-as-you-go" (JAYG) technique, which is a super neat way to connect your flowers. Keep an eye out for my upcoming "join-as-you-go" video tutorial, where I'll walk you through the entire process.

Okay, let's gather our supplies! Here's what you'll need to crochet your own African flower:

• Yarn: You'll need three colors of yarn for the flower itself. Acrylic yarn is a great choice for beginners because it's affordable and easy to work with.
  • If you're making a Heidi Bears stuffed animal, you might want to use a sport weight yarn. But if you're making a blanket, a chunkier yarn will work up faster. You can find a wide variety of Yarn Patterns Collection.
• Crochet Hook: A 4mm crochet hook is a good starting point. However, you might need to adjust the hook size depending on the yarn you choose.
  • If you're working on amigurumi, using a smaller hook size will help prevent the stuffing from showing through the holes. You can find a great selection of crochet hooks on Amazon.
• Scissors: You'll need a pair of scissors for trimming the yarn ends.
• Optional: Stitch markers can be helpful for keeping track of your stitches, especially if you're a beginner. A yarn needle can also be useful, but I'll show you how to weave in your ends without one! Here's an Amazon listing for stitch markers and yarn needles.

One of the coolest things about the African flower crochet design is that you can create different shapes simply by changing the number of petal pairs in the center ring. It's like a mathematical flower!

Here's a quick rundown:

• Pentagon: 5 pairs
• Hexagon: 6 pairs (that's what we're making today!)
• Heptagon: 7 pairs
• Octagon: 8 pairs

No matter which shape you choose, the basic technique remains the same. Only the initial number of pairs changes. So once you've mastered the hexagon, you can easily adapt the pattern to create other shapes.

Before you jump into the pattern, let's talk about a few things to consider. The type of project you're making will influence your yarn and hook choices.

For stuffed animals, you'll want a tighter weave to prevent the stuffing from escaping. A smaller hook size and a lighter weight yarn will help you achieve this. On the other hand, if you're making a blanket, you might prefer a larger hook and a thicker yarn for a softer, more drapey feel.

Also, keep in mind that the back side of the African flower tends to look a bit messier than the front. If you're making a blanket where both sides might be visible, this is definitely something to consider.

Alright, let's get started! We'll begin by making the center ring of our African flower.

1. Make a Slip Knot: Create a slip knot on your hook using your favorite method.
2. Chain 5: Chain five stitches (ch 5).
3. Join to Form a Ring: Insert your hook into the first chain you made. Slip stitch (sl st) to join, creating a ring.
4. Chain 3 (Counts as First Double Crochet): Chain three (ch 3). This chain counts as your first double crochet (dc).
5. Double Crochet into the Ring: Work one double crochet into the center of the ring.
6. Chain 1: Chain one (ch 1).
7. Repeat: Now, we're going to make pairs of double crochets with a chain one in between. Repeat the following sequence six times: (Double Crochet, Double Crochet, Chain 1).
8. Join the Round: Slip stitch to the top of the initial chain three to join the round.

As you work, it's important to keep your stitches tight and push them together to create enough space in the center ring.

Now, let's move on to the second round, where we'll create the bases for our petals.

Changing Color:

First, we need to change colors. To do this seamlessly, slip stitch to join the new color. Then, chain 2, which counts as the first double crochet.

1. Double Crochet: Work one double crochet into the chain-one space from the previous round.
2. Chain 1: Chain one.
3. Double Crochet: Work two double crochets into the same chain-one space.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process (2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet) into each chain-one space around the circle, creating the petal bases.

Remember, there are no chains between the petal bases. We're essentially forming a "double V stitch" in each chain-one space. This round sets the stage for the beautiful petals that will come next. These skills are taught in Crochet Tutorial Guides.

Time for the final color and the petals!

1. Chain 3 (Counts as First Double Crochet): Chain three at the beginning of the round. This counts as the first double crochet.
2. Double Crochet: Work six double crochets into the same chain-one space from the previous round.
3. Repeat: Repeat the process, working seven double crochets into each chain-one space around the circle.

It's super important to count each set of double crochets to ensure consistency. You should have seven in each shell. This is crucial for later when we start joining the flowers together.

Okay, this is one of my favorite tips: "work in your ends as you go." It saves so much time and gives you a cleaner finish.

In Round 1, when you start with your first color, work around the tail as you crochet. This secures the end and prevents it from coming loose later. Once you've crocheted over it for a bit, you can simply cut off the excess yarn.

When you change colors, weave in the tail by working the yarn through the back loops of the stitches. Then, bring the tail back through a few stitches to secure it even further. This prevents the tail from coming loose later on.

The best part? You don't even need a yarn needle for this technique!

Even experienced crocheters run into snags sometimes. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:

• Running out of space in the center ring: Remember to keep your stitches tight and push them together as you work.
• Losing count of stitches: Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round or the center of each petal. And always count your stitches after each shell.
• Uneven petals: Try to maintain consistent tension as you crochet. This will help ensure that all of your petals are the same size and shape.

Ready to get creative with colors? Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

• Bright, contrasting colors: This creates a playful and eye-catching look.
• Monochromatic schemes: This gives your African flower a sophisticated and elegant feel.
• Earthy tones: This creates a natural and organic vibe (like the tortoise example I mentioned earlier).

Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique color combinations!

Remember, the hexagon is just the beginning. Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can easily adapt the pattern to create pentagons, heptagons, and octagons.

Just change the number of petal pairs in the center ring, and you're good to go!

Now, let's talk about joining your African flowers. One of the most popular methods is the "join-as-you-go" (JAYG) technique. This allows you to connect your flowers as you crochet, saving you time and effort.

The final round of double crochet is key to JAYG. It provides a solid base for joining the flowers together. I'll be releasing a video tutorial soon that's dedicated to JAYG techniques, so stay tuned!

Whether you're planning to use the JAYG method or not, adding a final round of double crochet gives your African flower a clean, finished edge.

1. Join the Yarn: Join the yarn in the fourth single crochet from the double crochet.
2. Chain 2: Chain two (counts as the first double crochet).
3. Double Crochet: Work double crochets into each stitch along the side.
4. Chain 1, Double 1 Crochet: Chain one, then double crochet into the same stitch to form a corner.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 3 and 4 around the entire hexagon.

When you get to the slip stitch knot from the previous round, do a double crochet just underneath it to kind of pinch it up and hide it. Forcing the hook in to hide the knot.

Make sure you have nine double crochets on each side of the hexagon.

To join the final round, slip stitch to the top of the initial chain two. Then, chain one to secure. Weave in the end, and you're done!

This creates a clean, finished edge for your African flower. However, if you're using the "join-as-you-go" method, this step is optional.

Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted your own African flower. Now what?

The possibilities are endless! You can use your African flowers to create:

• Blankets
• Stuffed animals (like those adorable Heidi Bears creations)
• Handbags
• Coasters
• Appliqués

And so much more! Let your imagination run wild and see what you can create with this versatile motif.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you did, please subscribe to my channel for more crochet tutorials. And don't forget to like the video and leave a comment!

Also, be sure to check out my upcoming "join-as-you-go" video tutorial. It's going to be awesome!

I'd love to see what you create with this tutorial. Share photos of your finished African flowers on social media using the hashtag #SecretYarneryAfricanFlower.

Here's a breakdown of the stitches used in this tutorial:

• Slip Knot: The first loop on your hook. It's how you start most crochet projects.
• Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of many crochet projects. Create a loop and pull the yarn through.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or move yarn across a row. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through all loops.
• Single Crochet (sc): A basic stitch that creates a dense fabric. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch than single crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining loops.

New to crochet? Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

• Tension: Maintaining consistent tension is key to a uniform look.
• Counting: Count your stitches after each round to avoid mistakes.
• Practice: Don't be afraid to frog (rip out) your work and start over if needed.
• Resources: Utilize online resources like Crochet Tutorial Guides and crochet communities for help.

Ready to take your African flower to the next level?

• Invisible Join: Explore techniques for creating seamless joins between rounds.
• Surface Crochet: Learn how to add decorative elements to the surface of your African flower.
• Colorwork: Experiment with more complex colorwork patterns.

Choosing the right yarn can make a big difference in your project.

• Yarn Weights: Yarn weights range from lace to super bulky. The weight affects the size and drape of your project.
• Yarn Materials: Common materials include cotton, wool, acrylic, and blends. Each material has its own pros and cons. Consider using silk, linen, alpaca, or bamboo for different effects.

The right hook size is essential for achieving the correct gauge. Use a gauge swatch to determine the correct hook size for your yarn.

While JAYGO is a popular method, there are other ways to join African flowers.

• Whip Stitch: A simple stitch that creates a visible seam.
• Mattress Stitch: Creates an invisible seam.
• Crochet Join: Use single crochet or slip stitch to join the flowers.

Here's a handy chart to help you remember the number of petal pairs for each shape:

Shape Petal Pairs

Here are a few common crochet terms:

• Yarn Over: Wrap the yarn around the hook.
• Frog: Rip out your work.
• Gauge: The number of stitches and rows per inch.

Measuring tape, yarn bowls, and yarn bags can make crocheting easier and more enjoyable.

If you're left-handed, be sure to check out the left-handed version of this tutorial! Left Handed Tutorials

You can find even more creative crochet patterns on my website.

Printable PDF patterns are also available on my website.

Join the Secret Yarnery community for even more benefits! Join the Community

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With a little practice, you'll be crocheting beautiful African flowers in no time!

FAQs

1. What is an African flower in crochet?

An African flower is a popular crochet motif shaped like a hexagon, with decorative petals. It’s often used to create blankets, bags, toys, and many other projects.

2. What yarn works best for African flowers?

Acrylic yarn is a top choice because it’s durable, easy to handle, and comes in many colors. Cotton and wool also work well, depending on your project.

3. How can I change the size of my African flower?

Use a larger hook and thicker yarn for a bigger flower. Use a smaller hook and thinner yarn for a smaller motif. The pattern stays the same.

4. What does JAYGO mean?

JAYGO stands for Join As You Go. It’s a crochet technique where you join motifs during the final round, saving time and creating seamless joins.

5. Can I make other shapes besides hexagons with this pattern?

Yes! Adjust the number of petal pairs to make pentagons, heptagons, or octagons. The method is the same; only the stitch count changes.

6. How do I join multiple African flowers?

You can sew or crochet motifs together with single crochet or whip stitch, or try the join-as-you-go (JAYGO) technique for a smoother finish.

7. Why are my edges uneven or curling?

This usually happens if stitch counts are off or tension is too tight. Double-check your stitch numbers on each round and adjust your hook size if needed.