Flower Power Squares – Large Crochet Motif

With a retro, seventies vibe these motifs can be used to quickly whip up all kinds of fun and funky flower power projects.

Cute bags, cushion covers, blankets and more.

So many project and colour combo options.

Thoughtful and quick gift inspo galore – let your Flower Power imagination run wild!

A PDF version of this design will be available to purchase from Ravelry shortly.

To save this pattern to make later, add to your Ravelry queue (when listing created), and/or pin via image below:

This is an original pattern by Farrah Jane Tate. You are welcome to sell products you have made using my patterns; however, I ask that you refer to the exact name of my pattern somewhere in the text of your listing. You may not copy, re-publish, sell, distribute, translate without permission, or claim my photos or patterns as your own in any way. This pattern may not be used in a classroom/workshop setting without my permission. Please note: If you have downloaded this pattern from an unofficial site (other than Ravelry, Love Crafts, Etsy, or my personal blog), this will be an unauthorised version and may not be the most current version. Please visit one of these sites to download an official, version-controlled copy.

Yarn scraps no more!

I originally whipped up the very fun Flower Power Coasters design to bust all my scraps.

These coasters became surprisingly popular on Pinterest and my Blog. It turns out I was not alone in my Flower Power Coaster infatuation!

Makers asked me if I could turn the fun and happy retro flowers into equally fun squares. The squares have been in draft a long, long time – as my pattern backlog list is a mile long!!! – and these are now finally finding their way onto my Blog.

The first set of squares that I am publishing are for the 6 petal flowers. I will be publishing the small, medium and large Flower Power Square motifs separately on my Blog for these. I will include all of these in the one PDF (when this is made available through Ravelry).

I will publish squares for the 5 petal flowers at a later date.

I hope you enjoy whipping up these squares as much as I have.

Pattern Details

• Refer to Appendix A for Bag Example Project Details.
• Skill Level: Intermediate.
• Yarn: DK/8ply/Cat. 3 weight yarn or Worsted/10ply/Cat. 4 weight yarn. Acrylic, cotton, wool, or blends of these. Amount will vary with type of yarn and individual tension.
• Hook: Use yarn label instructions as a guide for selecting hook size. Swatch to determine the optimal hook size for your tension.
• Motif Size: Varies with weight, fiber and brand of chosen yarn.
• Gauge: Specific gauge not required.
• Notions: Scissors and darning needle.
• Stitch Terminology: US. Refer to Abbreviations and Special Stitch Instructions.
• Pattern Synopsis: Square motif made in eight rounds (according to preference). Constructed as flower centre, then petals, then circle, then square. Bonus bag diagram included in this blog post. Ravelry PDF will include numerous other bag diagrams.
• Social Media Share: Tag me @TheCrochetFix #FlowerPowerSquare #FlowerPowerSquareBlanket #FlowerPowerSquareBag

Abbreviations

• ~ = Approximately.
• 2DCCl = Two Double Crochet Cluster. 2 DC worked together in one stitch from the previous round. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• 3L/3LO = Third Loop/Third Loop Only.
• Alt = Alternate.
• Beg = Beginning.
• BL/BLO = Back Loop/Back Loop Only.
• Btwn = Between.
• Ch = Chain.
• DC = Double Crochet.
• DC2Tog = Double Crochet Two Together. DC worked over two stitches from the previous round. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• DCStndSt = Double Crochet Standing Stitch (optional). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• DK = Double Knit yarn. Equivalent to an 8ply or light worsted weight yarn (slightly thicker than sport weight and slightly thinner than worsted weight).
• Fin = Finishing.
• FL/FLO = Front Loop/Front Loop Only.
• HDC = Half Double Crochet.
• HTR = Half Treble Crochet. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• Invis Join = Invisible Join (optional). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• JAYG = Join As You Go. Methods for joining motifs when making the last round of the motif that will be joined to another.
• MC = Magic Circle.
• Prev = Previous.
• Puff = Puff Stitch (optional – used for example bag handle only). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• Rep = Repeat.
• Rnd(s) = Round(s).
• RS = Right Side.
• SC = Single Crochet.
• SC-Pct = Single Crochet with Picot (optional – used for example blanket border only). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• Sk = Skip.
• Sl St = Slip Stitch.
• Sp = Space.
• St(s) = Stitch(es).
• TR = Treble Crochet. Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• TRStndSt = Treble Crochet Standing Stitch (optional). Refer to Special Stitch Instructions.
• WS = Wrong Side.
• Yo = Yarn over (hook).

Special Stitch Instructions

2DCCl

Note: This st is similar in construction to the  DC2Tog, however it is made in a single st from prev rnd and maintains the st count.

Yo, insert hook through st, yo, pull through a loop (three loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (two loops on hook). Yo insert hook through same st, yo, pull through a loop (four loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (three loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

DC2Tog

Note: This st is similar in construction to the 2DCCl, however it is made over two sts from prev rnd and reduces the st count.

Yo, insert hook through first st, yo, pull through a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (2 loops on hook). Yo, insert hook through next st, yo, pull through a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

DCStndSt (optional to commence rnd)

Note: This st can used instead of beg Ch 2 + first DC and counts as the first DC in the rnd. Alternatives are (Ch 1, SC, Ch 2) or any other chainless DC. Refer also to YouTube video.

Ch 1, SC in first st from prev rnd, Ch 1, SC in FLO of SC that was just made (i.e. stacking second SC on first SC).

HTR

Yo twice, insert hook through st, yo, pull through a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (3 loops on hook). Yo,  pull yarn through all three loops on hook.

Invis Join (optional)

Note: This st can be used instead of Sl St to join last st in rnd to first st in rnd. Refer also to YouTube video.

Remove loop from hook, insert hook from back to front (through BL and then FL) of st that join is to be made in, return yarn loop to hook, pull yarn through st (from front to back). Gently pull yarn end to tighten join.

Puff

Note: The following instructions are for a modified Puff. If a fuller Puff is preferred, an additional rep from * can be made (for nine loops on hook).

Yo, insert hook through st, yo, pull through a loop (three loops on hook). *Yo, insert hook back through same st as before, pull through a loop (additional two loops on hook). Rep from * once more (seven loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through six loops on hook (two loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through both loops on hook.

SC-Pct (optional blanket border)

SC, Ch 3 or Ch 4 (according to preference), Sl St into SC that was just made using SC FL and SC left⁺ leg loop (both loops on hook together).

⁺Note: Right leg for left-handed makers.

TR

Yo twice, insert hook through st, yo, pull through a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through first two loops on hook (2 loops on hook). Yo, pull yarn through both loops on hook.

TRStndSt (optional to commence rnd)

Note: This st can be used instead of beg Ch 5 and counts as the first TR in the rnd. Alternatives are (Ch 1, SC, Ch 3) or any other chainless TR. If the st needs to be taller make a Ch 1 before stacking the third SC on the second SC.

Ch 1, SC in first st, Ch 1, SC in FLO of SC that was just made (i.e. stacking second SC on first SC), SC in FLO of second SC (i.e. stacking third SC on second SC).

Pattern Instructions

Notes:

• Make all stitches within ( ) in the same stitch from the previous round.
• If preferred, Invis Join can be made in place of Sl St where next round will be made in a different colour.
• If preferred first Petal round can be worked in FL and BL, or BLO, instead of 3LO.
• If Petals appear too full for project with chosen yarn and personal tension, use Less Full Petals instructions instead from Rnd 4 onwards.
• A stitch count follows instructions for each round in ( ).
• Beg Ch 1/Ch 2, and fin Sl St/Invis Join do not count as a stitch.
• DCStndSt counts as a DC for stitch count purposes.
• Beg Ch 5/TRStndSt count as a TR for stitch count purposes.
• Change colours according to preference. When joining a new colour after the petals have been made, ensure join location is as per rnd note.
• Before making a flower power motif project, first decide whether the motifs will be joined together after all motifs have been completed, or during last rnd of motif construction via a JAYG method. Refer also to Joining Motifs.
• Refer also to example project construction diagrams for inspiration.
• For best appearance wet or steam block motifs prior to motif project assembly.

Large Square

Note: This post contains the instructions for the large square motif only. The small and medium square motif instructions will be posted separately. When the Ravelry PDF is available this will include the instructions for all three sizes in the pattern PDF.

Beg Circle

Leaving a beg yarn tail of sufficient length to sew in, make a circle with either MC, or Ch 4 and Sl St into first ch.

Rnd 1

Ch 2, 12 DC in circle, Sl St into first DC.

(12 DC)

Rnd 2

Ch 2, 2 DC in each st around, Sl St into first DC.

(24 DC)

Rnd 3

Ch 2, 2 DC in first st, 2DCCl in next st, *2 DC in next st, 2DCCl in next st, rep from * around, Sl St into first DC.

(24 DC, 12 2DCCl)

Rnd 4

Ch 1, SC in first st, HDC in next st, 2 DC in next st, 3 DC in next st, 2 DC in next st, HDC in next st (Petal made), *SC in next st, HDC in next st, 2 DC in next st, 3 DC in next st, 2 DC in next st, HDC in next st (Petal made), rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(6 Petals (each with SC, 2 HDC, 7 DC))

Rnd 5

Note: All SC sts will reuse the same Rnd 3 st that Rnd 4 SC was made in. The Rnd 5 SC should be made over the top of the corresponding Rnd 4 SC.

Ch 1, SC in first st from Rnd 3 (over the top of SC from Rnd 4), sk next st, HDC in next st, 2 DC in next two st, 3 DC in next st, 2 DC in next two st, HDC in next st, sk next st (Petal made), *SC in next st from Rnd 3 (over top of SC from Rnd 4) sk next st, HDC in next st, 2 DC in next two st, 3 DC in next st, 2 DC in next two st, HDC in next st, sk next st (Petal made), rep from * around, Sl St into first SC.

(6 Petals (each with SC, 2 HDC, 11 DC))

Rnd 6

Note: Commence rnd in fourth st/third DC of any Petal from Rnd 5. A SC will be made in each of the three middle DC Petal sts around. A DC2Tog will be made in the last HDC st of one Petal and first HDC st of the next Petal.

Working all sts in 3LO only: Ch 1, HDC in first two sts, SC in next three sts, HDC in next two sts, DC in next two sts, DC2Tog in next HDC st and HDC st that is two st along (i.e. sk SC), DC in next two sts, *HDC in next two sts, SC in next three sts, HDC in next two sts, DC in next two sts, DC2Tog in next HDC st and HDC st that is two st along (i.e. sk SC), DC in next two sts, rep from * around, Sl St into first HDC.

(18 SC, 24 HDC, 24 DC, 6 DC2Tog)

Rnd 7

Ch 5, TR in first st, *2 HTR in next st, DC in next two sts, HDC in next two sts, SC in next nine sts, HDC in next st, DC in next two sts, 2 HTR in next st (first side made), 3 TR in next st, 2 HTR in next st, DC in next two sts, HDC in next st, SC in next st, Sl St in next seven sts, SC in next st, HDC in next st, DC in next two sts, 2 HTR in next st (second side made)*, 3 TR in next st, rep sts btwn * * once more (for third and fourth sides), TR in first st (alongside Beg Ch 5), Sl St into 5^th Ch of Beg Ch 5.

(12 TR, 16 HTR, 20 DC, 12 HDC, 22 SC, 14 Sl St)

Rnd 8

Note: If square corners are too full work 3 DC in each corner instead of (HDC, 3 DC, HDC).

Ch 2, (2 DC, HDC) in first st, HDC in next 21 sts (first side made), *(HDC, 3 DC, HDC) in next st, HDC in next 21 sts (next side made), rep from * around (for third and fourth sides), (HDC, DC) in first st (alongside first DC), Sl St into first DC.

(12 DC, 84 HDC)

Finishing

Sew in yarn ends securely on WS of motif.

Joining Motifs

Motifs can be joined by either sewing or crocheting the motifs together. Motif joins can be made through both FL and BL, BLO, BL and 3L, or 3LO.

If crocheting motifs together, this can be done on either RS or WS, depending on the preferred join appearance, with options including simple Sl St or SC, or more complex Ch braid joins.

Another option for quick and efficient construction is JAYG in the last rnd.

Refer to YouTube video for several joining options using a crochet hook.

Project Ideas

Motifs can be sewn or crocheted together to form all sorts of pretty and functional items, including:

• Bags.
• Blankets, throws, and runners.
• Cushion covers.
• Shawls, wraps, cardigans, beanies, scarves, fingerless mitts and other wearables.

Blanket or Cushion Cover

Square or Rectangle

Blanket/cushion cover can be made to any preferred size and square or rectangular shape by varying the number of squares.

Bags

A sample of Square Bag Diagrams (11 in total) of various shapes and sizes will be provided in the PDF (when this is available).

An example diagram is provided for the pictured example project.

Notes:

• Yellow represents bag front and provides the bag shape; brown represents bag back.
• Fold the brown half of the bag to the back.

Bag Example Diagram 3

Bag Example Diagram 13

Pattern Support

Available via thecrochetfix Facebook community group.

Pattern Versioning

Appendix A:

Example Projects

For additional inspiration, refer to Ravelry projects once design is available on Ravelry.

Large Squares Bag Project – Tote Shoulder Bag

• Yarn: ~380g/13.5Oz of Source of Fibre Dirty DK acrylic (8ply/DK/Cat. 3) in Llama (off white), Cotinga (maroon), Fox (red) and Rooster (orange) colours. One ball of Llama, less than one ball of other colours.
• Hook: 4mm/G/6.
• Motifs: 13 large squares. 6 squares with centres with 2 rnds Cotinga and one rnd Fox. 7 squares with centres one rnd of each of Cotinga/Fox/Rooster. Rooster petals. Remaining rnds (circle and square) in Llama.
• Bag Diagram: 3.
• Motif join technique: Motifs made in their entirety before joining. Motifs joined by SC on WS through FL and BL together in Llama.
• Handle x 2: Modified Puff handles in Cotinga. To make, commence with Ch 6, and work in rows, as follows: SC in second and each subsequent Ch. Turn, Ch 3, sk next st, 2 Puff in next st, sk next st, DC in last st. *Turn, Ch 3, 2 Puff btwn prev row Puffs, DC in third Ch of Ch 3. Rep from * until handle sufficient length. Turn, Ch 1, SC in first st, SC in next Puff, SC btwn Puffs, SC in next Puff, SC in third Ch of Ch 3. Optionally 2 SC in each Ch 3/DC st post along both long edges of handle. Sew each handle to inside of bag at left and right square tips/corners (on both sides of bag).
• Bag Size: ~42cm/16.5in in width at widest base width, 35.5cm/14in tall (from bag base to opening).

Large Squares Sampler Blanket (Pram Size or Toddler/Preschooler Snuggle Blanket Size)

• Yarn: ~700g/24.5Oz of Source Fibre Aran and Eve yarn (10ply/Worsted) in Scone (off white), Macaroon (pink), Carrot Cake (gold) and Matcha (olive green). Less than one ball of each colour except Scone (less than two balls).
• Hook: 5.5mm/I/9.
• Motifs: 12 large squares. Flowers made with mix of Macaroon/Carrot Cake/Matcha colours – one colour for Rnds 1 and 2, second colour for Rnd 3, third colour for Rnds 4 and 5. Remaining rnds 6 (circle), 7 (square) and 8 (square) in Scone.
• Diagram: Rectangular (3 squares wide by 4 squares long).
• Motif join technique: Motifs made in their entirety before joining. Motifs joined by Sl St on RS through BLO using Scone and video method.
• Border: Using Scone, Sl St in BLO of each st around rectangle. Using Carrot Cake, join in one corner of blanket. Reuse sts that were used in prev rnd. Ch 1, *5 HDC in BLO of corner st,  HDC in BLO of each st to next corner st, rep from * around, Sl St into first HDC. Using Macaroon, join in one corner of blanket. Ch 1, 3 HDC in 3LO of corner st, HDC in 3LO of each st to next corner st, rep from * around, Sl St into first HDC. Using Matcha, join in one corner of blanket. Ch 1, 5 HDC in 3LO of corner st, HDC in 3LO of each st to next corner st, rep from * around, Sl St into first HDC. Using Carrot Cake, join in one corner of blanket.