Crochet your own rose bush for Valentines day?
When I rediscovered my love of crochet, after several non-crocheting years. The first things I began to create were roses. For some when they pick up a hook to learn, it is the ubiquitous granny stitch and then the blanket addiction sets in!
For me it was pink and red roses. In those days everything was ‘coming up roses’, I added them to bags, pockets, I made brooches, hair clips and hair bands.
I mention this, because I found a box of them recently,when yarn de-stashing. I donated them to our local charity
shop along with many bags of yarn.
I then realised it is Valentine’s weekend and I thought I would share how I make my leaves?
The roses are simple to make. There are many online tutorials and numerous books on the subject of crocheted flowers. I am sure you could make them standing on your head?
It was a simple leaf pattern I had difficulty locating, and when I did I was never happy with it. This then
is my version…
DIY tutorial, how to crochet a simple rose leaf
The pattern is worked around the chain, do not turn.
Ch7, slip stitch in first stitch, dc in
next, htr in next, 1 x tr in each of next 3 stitches. 1ch, slip stitch to
end.
Working around the chain: 3ch, 1 x tr in
next 2 stitches, htr in next, dc in next and slip stitch into end.
Fasten off leaving a long tail.
The clever bit
This little detail makes the leaf appear more natural and realistic.Simply thread up the tail with a tapestry needle
and use a running stitch/ stab stitch to sew back up to the the other end of the
leaf…
Sew the leaves and roses together, you could add single leaves too.
I collected some twisted willow from our garden, then stuck the leaves and roses onto them, instant floral gratification, especially welcome when the garden is still bare and we are dreaming of the long days of summer.
Have a happy weekend
best wishes