What you will need
Gather leftover yarn in different colours, a crochet hook suitable for the yarn, a yarn needle, scissors and string, ribbon or a long crocheted chain. Small beads or buttons for the flower centres are optional.
This project is quick, inexpensive and suitable for beginners. Each flower requires only a small amount of yarn, making it ideal for short lengths and colours left over from previous projects.
Crochet the centre
Use one colour for the centre and another for the petals. The entire flower can also be crocheted in a single colour.
Make a magic ring and crochet one chain stitch. Work ten single crochet stitches into the ring, pull the ring closed and join the round with a slip stitch.
Crochet five petals
Join a new colour. Into every second stitch, work one slip stitch, two chain stitches, three double crochet stitches, two chain stitches and another slip stitch. Repeat until the flower has five petals.
Cut the yarn and weave in the loose ends neatly. Do not worry when the flowers differ slightly. Variations in size, colour and texture give the decoration its charming handmade character.
Assemble the flower garland
Crochet enough flowers to fill the chosen length of string. Seven to ten flowers work well for a short decoration, while a longer garland can be hung across a patio, garden gate or outdoor table.
Arrange the flowers loosely beside the string before attaching them. Alternate bright and soft colours to create a balanced pattern. Leave approximately a hand’s width between each flower.
Use a yarn needle to sew each flower securely to the string. The string can be passed through the back of the flower centre, or the top petal can be attached with several firm stitches. Make a loop at each end of the string so that the garland can easily be hung from hooks, branches or a railing.
Ideas for your flower garland
Use different shades of the same colour for a calm appearance, or combine bright colours for a festive garden decoration. Small crocheted leaves, wooden beads, tassels or short pieces of ribbon can be added between the flowers.
The garland can also be used to decorate a tea table, garden party, patio wall or child’s room. A shorter version makes a charming decoration for a basket or gift parcel.
Protect it from the weather
Ordinary wool and cotton yarn may fade or become waterlogged over time. Hang the decoration under a covered area where possible and bring it indoors when heavy rain is expected.
Cotton yarn usually dries quickly and holds its shape well. Acrylic yarn is lightweight, colourful and suitable for a decoration that is only occasionally displayed outdoors.
When the flowers become dirty, wash them gently by hand in lukewarm water. Press out excess water without twisting them and allow them to dry flat.
A small project with plenty of cheer
A string of crocheted flowers is a simple way to give leftover yarn a new purpose. It adds colour to an empty corner, moves gently in the breeze and proves that even the smallest scraps of material can become something delightful.