Contents

Friday, February 8, 2013

African Flower Square Tutorial


Pattern: Made in K-Town by Barbara

inspired by the African Flower Hexagon by Lounette Fourie & Anita Rossouw
 
Please respect my rights as designer: do not sell, share, translate, or publish any parts of my patterns (including pictures) online or elsewhere without my permission. Do not claim this pattern as your own. Feel free to sell the finished items you’ve made from my pattern! If you do, a link-back to my blog www.made-in-k-town.blogspot.de would be great. Thank you!


Material:

For my square I used small amounts of Rico Essentials Cotton DK and a 3.5mm hook. My square measures 11.5 cm (4.5") but the size will vary depending on the yarn and hook you use.

Some general notes:

For this pattern I use US crochet terms. We’ll need the following stitches: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble (tr), and spike single crochet (or "long" sc). The spike sc's are explained below, please use the pictures as a help, too.

I did NOT write down the chains at the beginning of each round: for the first stitch in every round, work chains (e.g. 3 chains for the first dc) OR start with a “standing stitch” i.e. join the new color with a slip knot or a simple loop ON YOUR HOOK and just work the first sc or dc as usual. Join rounds with a sl st.

1st Round: start with a magic ring and work *2dc, ch-1* eight times inside the ring (8 dc-2 groups, 16 dc's). (Tip: Alternatively you can work dc-2-togs instead of the dc-2 groups)

 

2nd Round: with a new color work *3dc, ch-1* in each ch1-space around (8x3 dc's)

 

3rd Round: with a new color work *2dc, ch-2, 2dc* in every ch1-space (8 shells)

 

4th Round: work 7 dc's in every ch2-space around. (56 dc's, no ch-spaces!) (Tip: I like this motif best, when the 3rd and 4th round are worked in the same color)

 

5th Round: with a new color work sc's in every dc around, with spike-sc's between the shells of the 3rd round. (For the spike-sc (or "long" sc), insert your hook into the little space between the shells of round 3, pull up a loop to the height of your current working round, yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook.)

 

In the 6th Round we have to square the flower: join your new color with a standing hdc (or ch-2) in any spike-sc. Then work *sc's into the next 4 sc's, 1 hdc into the next sc, dc's into the next 2 sc's, (1tr, ch-3, 1tr) into the next spike-sc, dc's into the next 2 sc's, 1 hdc into the next sc, sc's into the next 4 sc's, 1 hdc into the next spike-sc* and repeat around (omitting the last hdc) until the end of the round.

  
 

7th Round: work dc's in every stitch around, with *2dc, ch-2, 2dc* in the corner-spaces of the previous round. Fasten off, weave in the ends, and you're done!!

 


If you've got any questions, or find errors in this pattern, please let me know!

I'd also like to see your finished African Flower Squares or projects made with them, so feel free to leave a comment with a link to your blog or flickr picture :)

Enjoy!!

Want to see more African Flower Squares? Check out the Project Gallery on Ravelry!


 

114 comments:

  1. Whoohooo! Linking immediately to my friends at www.facebook/groups/onshekel.
    Thank you :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brilliant! Thanks so much...lovely tutorial too. Hugs, Jill x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Barbara, this square is so beautiful! Can be used in afghan or scarf! Thanks for sharing the pattern:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, that was quick! Thank you Barbara :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh is so beautiful!!
    Thanks Barbara :)

    Have a great weekend!

    Lluisa x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing the tutorial with the African Flower made into a square. It's just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  7. it's lovely, thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your African flower Barbara. I love the colors too. Thanks so much for the tutorial=)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the African Flower pattern and I am sooo happy to see the directions for turning it into a square! I have always made it as a hex. Thank you! Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Muchas gracias Bárbara, genial la explicación, eres encantadora :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Adoro questa piastrella!
    Complimenti per il tutorial.
    Grazie 100000

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's beautiful Barbara, thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. As if you read my mind...I was thinking if there was an African Flower in a square instead of an hexagon...and here I see your post. It is so pretty!!! Thanks for sharing...
    ♥ Ana BC

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for sharing! I was just looking for one of these on the www - I'll share pictures of yours when I'm done :).

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've had a a stack of African flowers sitting around in the shop since last July but they are definitely becoming squares and then a blanket now!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks so much for this beautiful tutorial....can't wait to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Teşekkürler arkadaşım eline sağlık ben çok faydalandı görüşmek üzere mutlu hafta sonu diler sevgiler.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful !!!
    Thnaks for sharing...
    Have a nice weekend.
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the tutorial. The squares look lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your square is beautiful! I love the single row of color around the flower:@)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful! I love your color choices! Got here from Moogly's Hookin on Hump day and pinned your pattern! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello.. I think these are really beautiful and thanks so much for the tutorial, very easy to understand and follow.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi! I featured you on Make Something Mondays today! Come take a peek! And thanks for linking up this awesome post! :)

    ~ Sarah
    http://sarahndipities.indiemade.com/blog/make-something-monday-link-party-71

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow, this is so beautiful! And you have an excellent photo tutorial. Thanks for sharing at Hookin On Hump Day!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you for this! I've crocheted 96 hexagons in shades of pink and red, and suddenly realised that I shod have kneed as I was going. This pattern means I can now turn the hexagons into squares and make a blanket for my 5 year old that looks like a garden bed :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congratulations on being featured on Hookin On Hump Day! :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you Barbara, I really love these squares! Great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gorgeous! I looooooove it!
    Thanks for sharing!
    I loooove your blog and I am you now follower!
    Kisses from Catalonia!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear Barbara, thank you so much for your beautiful pattern that you wanted to share with us.
    Dear greetings from The Netherlands
    Geerte,

    ReplyDelete
  31. Beautiful,,, I can see this as a sweet baby blanket!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Barbara,

    Very pretty flower square ~ thanks for sharing :)

    Kindly, Lorraine

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. I have just completed it in blues and white and am very pleased with it. I shall put a picture of it, with a link to your blog, on facebook tomorrow. Thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Aww! I love it! Growing up I used to make them a lot with my older sisters and cousins. Seeing it made me want to make it again. I wanted to try as close as yours, may be:-) Thank you for sharing. New follower!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi
    I made the Granny Somalia and my own version:
    Junio 2012: Spanish and English
    http://knittingandcrocheting-club.blogspot.com.es/2012/06/african-flower-granny-somalia-granny.html
    Greetings
    GREAT BLOG Congratulations

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank You for sharing this post. I LOVE IT! It's so beautiful!
    I want to make a lot of these and turn them into an afghan for my self.

    Thanks Again...you are so creative. And the color combinations are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I was wondering how much yarn would I need to buy to make a baby blanket.
    This is lovely pattern and your tutorial is excellent! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. j' adore c' est sublime de beaux chois de couleurs sympa bravo biz je me suis inscrite a ta news si tu veux faire de même chez moi pas de soucis

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love this have already shared on my fb page thanks for shareing! X

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have seen this square before, but other instructions made no sense. I whipped this one up in a breeze with your tutorial, and love the way it looks. I am on my way to a lovely afghan thanks to you. Bless you.

    Nikki

    ReplyDelete
  41. thnxxxxx i have used it in this blog
    http://creaties-jenneke.blogspot.nl/2013/06/african-flower-omslagdoek-is-klaarpost.html

    greetz jenneke

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Just gorgeous - you crochet beautifully

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi,

    I love your pattern. I'm organising a Crochet A-Long (CAL) and I'd like to use this pattern for one of the blocks we're making if you don't mind?

    I will, of course, give you full credit and link to this page for the pattern.

    Thanks

    Bev

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Beverley! Yes, of course you can use my pattern, I'm glad you like it! Maybe you can send me the link to your CAL so I can check out your progress! :)

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the pattern. Uts really cute. I want to make coaters

      Delete
  45. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern and tutorial for this cute motif.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Any chance you could give the number of yards or meters you used for each square?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello!
    First of all, thank you for a wonderful pattern, is currently crocheting a bedspread from these boxes to my daughter.

    I wonder if it is possible for me to translate your designs into Swedish and share with my blog readers? Have many readers who are really eager to crochet for your pattern but can not read English descriptions. Obviously, I will link to you and your pattern and give you credit for the work!

    Please let me know if it is okay or not.
    Thanks in advance!

    My blog; http://saannisdesign.blogg.se/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sanna!
      Yes, it's okay for me if you translate the pattern to Swedish with a link-back to my page!

      Delete
  48. Thank you Barbara, your patterns are beautiful and easy to follow, even for a novice like me.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh can we sell products using this flower if we link back to you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! Yes, when you link back to my site, I'm okay with you selling finished items. Thanks for asking!

      Delete
  50. Thank you for this pattern! I am starting a blanket using these squares for my soon-(very soon!)-to-be step-daughter! I can't wait to see how it turns out!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love how beautiful your design are yet they are simple to follow. Thank you!! I hope to feature you on,y blog soon! I know there's a lot re people that will be thrilled to have found it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Barbara, I am using this as part of my Crochet Mood Blanket 2014, I have written up a quick post on my blog about it. Would love more of the crochet community to join :) www.theartofeman.blogspot.com

      Delete
  52. Thanks for this great pattern. I use ist for the moodblanket2014 and all people who sees my squares ask me for the pattern. I always give your link and I think there will be many blankets at the end of the year with "your" africanflower.

    Greets from Germany,
    Ina

    ReplyDelete
  53. Moest echt even lang zoeken. Had al een aantal granny's gemaakt, maar was het patroon vergeten. Maar het is weer terecht.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi i was wondering how much yarn i would need to make a bedspread of your pattern of african flowers squares

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hola, muchas gracias por compartir, no tenia claro como se podia hacer de forma cuadrada. Estoy haciendo una manta con flores africanas, aunque he terminado otra de muchos colores, espero que la veas en mi blog. Un saludo

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank you for posting this! The way you photography, diagram and explain this pattern is excellent. You make it extremely easy to follow and understand the stitch placement.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thx for sharing it is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  58. your pattern is beautiful and I will surely use it ! TY very much for sharing !

    ReplyDelete
  59. Is it ok to post an Afghan I made from your pattern, as long as I give you credit for the pattern and post a link back here?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Absolutely beautiful!!!!!!! easy to follow tutorial Thank so much xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  61. So gorgeous! Is it OK with you if I g+ it? I just love your blog! Thank you so much for sharing while also teaching with the tutorial. I so appreciate your hard work! 😄

    ReplyDelete
  62. How complicated is this? And how big are the finished squares? I'm fairly new to crocheting, so how hard is it?

    ReplyDelete
  63. JUST GOT IT MADE AND I LOVE IT. I CAME HERE FROM KNOT YOU NANA'S CROCHET. WE ARE HAVING A CAL AND THIS IS ONE OF THE SQUARES WE ARE MAKING. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thanks for explaining this technique - I'm now madly creating squares! Hope you don't mind, but I added a link to your post from my blog?

    SueH at The Knitting Assassin!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi Barbara,
    How do you hide leftover yarns behind the square please? :) Thanks,
    Gizem

    ReplyDelete
  66. I live this pattern. Thank you so much for sharing it. I would live to make one for my daughter as a wedding present. What colors and type if yarn did you use and how many skeins would you recommend for a large afghan? I am in LOVE with all the possibilities. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Doing the last steps with a 6 leafed african flower, you get a triangle :) fyi

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank you so much for posting the instructions/tutorial. I have recently started crocheting again and this help is so appreciated. THANK YOU and it turned out so pretty - my new obsession.......and so inspiring! :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hello! I have made a blog post about your fantastic pattern here: http://www.multimodis.no/yarn-paper-african-flower-square-blanket/ I hope I haven't violated your rights in any way, if so, please tell me :) I am in love with the pattern and will make a rainbow version soon :) http://www.multimodis.no/yarn-paper-african-flower-square-blanket/

    ReplyDelete
  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hello! I have a question for you. Love these squares. However, I see that the flower part is an 8-sided design. I made a throw using African flower motifs in a 6-sided design and want to make a pillow to match. Will the part of your pattern that starts making the square still work with a 6-sided flower? Any mods I need to do would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. :) ~ Linda

    ReplyDelete
  72. I used your pattern to make a blanket for my 6 month old daughter and she loves it! Here's a picture of the finished blanket and one of her enjoying it. :) thank you!!
    http://flic.kr/p/qJifuq
    http://flic.kr/p/qJcSAe

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial, it is very clear and well illustrated ! Here is my first granny square : http://www.tadaam.fr/2015/04/granny-square-1.html

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love this tutorial. I'm a huge fan of the African flower motif, but it's usual found in a hexagon shape. I prefer straight edges for easier borders, so this was a great find for me! Thank you!

    -Ashley

    ReplyDelete
  75. Thanks for your clear tutorial. Your blog says 'made-in-k-town'. Would that be Knoville, TN? We referred to Knoxville as 'K-town'. Just curious. Lived in Oak Ridge then moved north of K-town. I live in Montana now. Thanks
    Linda 'KnickerKnacker'

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks for your clear tutorial. Your blog says 'made-in-k-town'. Would that be Knoville, TN? We referred to Knoxville as 'K-town'. Just curious. Lived in Oak Ridge then moved north of K-town. I live in Montana now. Thanks
    Linda 'KnickerKnacker'

    ReplyDelete
  77. Okay, if I have to make a granny square anything, I am going to make this one. And I want a kaleidoscope of colors. I get bored using the same x amount of colors. Happy dance - I'll do it myyyyyyy wayyyyyyy!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Thank you very much for the pattern! I started making it but I would love it if you had the starting stiches of each round as well, so that I'm not going back and forth to other sites to see how many stiches are needed. I'm still a beginner :)

    Thanks again! :)

    ReplyDelete
  79. I think this is beautiful and the edging makes the blanket look so feminine. Would you share the pattern for the edging? I would love to make the identical blanket.

    Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  80. Very, very nice. Thanks for sharing it. I am going to try to crochet one to see how it comes out. Good fotos too. Greetings from the South of Venezuela.

    ReplyDelete
  81. The afghan you pinned using this pattern is beautiful. Is there a pattern available for the border you used? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, I would love to know as well!! that picture on Pinterest of the blanket is what brought me to the square tutorial. Love how lacy and granny-squarey this flower looks, compared to some of the tighter made flowers. soo pretty :)

      Delete
  82. I wish this wasn't a three-year-old poster also I would show you the amazing little squares that I have made out Of half a strand of embroidery floss and a size 2 crochet hook

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thank you so much for the pattern, I've been wanting an African flower square rather than a hexagon, but was too lazy to sit down and figure out how to square it off. love hexagons, but the squares are so much nicer to join together, when you just want to do it all at the end in one big strip. thank you!!!
    What a great, clear tutorial. you're a good teacher :)
    planning to make a bedspread, will let you know how it turns out <3

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love your posts. so sweet, so pretty, so cute! i love gift wrapping too. it's super fun and such a lovely surprise for the receiver.


    Perpetual Gifts
    Online flower delivery
    Gift delivery website in indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  85. love this tutorial thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  86. Can someone tell me the stitch count of the final round?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm having the same problem. Near as I can tell it's got to be 19 otherwise the side has an arch to it.

      Delete
  87. Gorgeous! I'm crocheting all my free time 😁 Thank's!

    ReplyDelete
  88. It's beautiful, thank you!
    I have a little question, hoy many ch did you put in the magic ring?
    Thank you again!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hello,

    You squares are beautiful! May I ask how many skeins you used to complete your afghan?

    Thank you,
    Doree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Doree, thanks for your comment!
      I've never really made a whole afghan with these squares (I made them for a project where several bloggers made one huge blanket of different squares). Maybe you should check the pattern page on Ravelry and go to the project gallery - lots of users have made whole afghans with this pattern and I'm sure they can help!

      Delete
    2. Hello Barbara,

      Yes, I have done that, but haven't found any information on how many skeins. I have been searching. A number of people use scrap yarn. Just thought I would ask. Thank you anyway.

      Have a great day,
      Doree

      Delete
  91. Thank you Barbara for the use of your pattern. will give credit to your blog. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thank you Barbara for the use of your pattern. will give credit to your blog. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  93. A site is stealing your work see http://talkingcrocheted.blogspot.co.il/2017/04/2nd-african-flower-step-by-step.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow, thanks for letting me know! Can't believe they took the pictures and words (except for my name and my blog though *gg*). I asked them to take it down.

      Delete
  94. Is there a pattern for the edging that you can share? I would love to it! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle, I've never made a whole blanket with these squares, so I can't help you with the edging - but if you visit the pattern page on Ravelry, there are a lots of finished projects with beautiful edgings, so maybe you can find inspiration there!

      Delete
  95. Beautiful!
    Here is a link to my first square of this pattern:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/66932179@N00/35785346926/in/dateposted-public/
    EnigLdy

    ReplyDelete
  96. Thank you so much for this lovely pattern! I have a question for you . . . maybe someone else has already asked it, but if so I didn't spot it. I have made two blocks so far, and they aren't coming out very square. How many double crochet should there be in each side in the final round? (Or total would work, too!) I wonder if somehow I'm coming out with too many, because the sides are a bit wavy. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.