Springtime Fancy Crochet Flower Bouquet

Give a gift that will really wow the bride. Hand her the Springtime Fancy Crochet Flower Bouquet and she'll be overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and skill. This bouquet is not only stunning but also wilt-proof, serving as a lifetime reminder of the biggest day of her life. If pink isn't in her wedding color scheme, choose colors that are to ensure that she'll be able to walk down the aisle crochet flowers in hand. You can also make this gorgeous bouquet, courtesy of these free crochet flower patterns, for your own wedding for a truly homemade touch to happily ever after.

Time to Complete: Longer than a weekend

Primary Technique: Crochet

Estimated Cost: $21-$30

Materials:

• AUNT LYDIA’S® Classic Crochet Thread, Size 10: 1 ball each 493 French Rose A, 401 Orchid Pink B and 428 Mint Green C
• Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 2.10mm [US 3]
• 6” (15cm) diameter Styrofoam® ball
• 6” (15cm) tall Styrofoam® cone
• Light pink spray paint (Styrofoam® safe)
• Straight pins
• Pearl head straight pins
• 20 yds (18 m) 1” (25mm) wide double-faced satin ribbon in antique white
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

GAUGE:
Gauge is not critical for this project. Rose is 2” (5cm) wide with 2 strands of yarn held together.

Abbreviations
A, B, C=Color A, B, C
ch=chain
dc=double crochet
hdc=half double crochet
mm=millimeters
sc=single crochet
st(s)=stitch(es)
tr=triple or treble crochet
yo=yarn over
[ ]=work directions in brackets the number of times specified
* or **=repeat whatever follows the * or ** as indicated

NOTE
Flowers are worked with 2 strands of yarn held together throughout.

ROSE
Make 15 each with A and B. With 2 strands of yarn held together, ch 5, slip st in first ch to make a ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 11 dc in ring, slip st in top of beginning ch to join – 12 dc.
Round 2: *Ch 3, skip next dc, slip st in next dc; repeat from *, ch 3, skip last dc, slip st in first ch – 6 ch-3 spaces.
Round 3: *(Sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 space for Small Petal; repeat from * around, slip st in first st – 6 Small Petals.
Round 4: Working behind Small Petals, *ch 4, slip st in skipped dc on Round 1; repeat from * around, slip st in first ch – 6 ch-4 spaces.
Round 5: *(Sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-4 space for Large Petal; repeat from * around, slip st in first st.
Fasten off.

CARNATION
Make 17 each with A and B. With 2 strands of thread held together, ch 18.
Row 1: 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, 3 dc in each ch across – 45 dc.
Row 2: *Ch 3, turn, slip st in next dc; repeat from * to end. Fasten off.

LEAF
Make 12 with C. With 2 strands of C held together, ch 10.
Round 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in next ch, working along opposite edge of foundation ch, sc in next 8 ch, slip st in first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, tr in next 2 sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, tr in each of next 2 sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc, slip st in first sc.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.

ASSEMBLY
Cut ball in half. Spray paint one half to cover completely and blend with flowers. Allow to dry. Cut floral wire into 3” (8 cm) lengths and insert into the center of the flowers and edge of leaves forming stems.

1. Insert stems of roses and carnations randomly around curved sides of top piece, covering completely. Tuck in leaves in between flowers. Reinforce with straight pins if needed.



2. Pin one ribbon end at center of flat side of top piece. Form a wheel of loops around outside edge, allowing loops to overlap and extend beyond edge 2” (5cm). Secure loops with pins.



3. Using pearl head pins, pin one ribbon end to narrow end of cone. Wrap ribbon around cone loosely overlapping edges for tiered effect and pin each wrap to secure. Fold in extra ribbon and loops and pin to secure.



4. Attach handle to top with pearl-head pins inserted at an angle from handle to flat side of top to prevent them from poking through bouquet.

Groom and groomsmen can wear the carnation as a boutonniere.