How to knit flowers
Summer hats are great for keeping the sun off, but they can be a bit boring, can’t they? Jazz up yours by learning how to knit flowers and adorn your hat with a brilliant yarn bloom.
Working each of the 10 petals individually, this is a great project for when you’ve only got 15 minutes spare for knitting! Make the most of that time and get in on the floral trend by learning how to knit flowers!
Once you've mastered this skill, there is nothing you won't be able to embellish with a bespoke knitted flower or two. Start by learning how to knit flowers and decorate a winter or summer hat, as we have done here, but why stop there? You could knit flowers for hair bands, corsages, blankets, tea cosies, and bunting.
This knitted flower pattern uses a simple slipstitch pattern to shape the petals, with patterns for both the larger and smaller flowers included here. Each will work separately, but you can also layer them up for a brilliant effect. Finish with a central button for a brilliant statement addition to any outfit.
How to knit flowers
You will need:
- DMC, Woolly (100% Merino wool, 50g/125m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Orange (10) Yarn B Yellow (093)
- A green button
- A pair of 3½mm needles
Our how to knit flowers tutorial is within the reach of all levels of knitters. If you are just getting started with the hobby, take a look at our knitting for beginners guide.
To see if you can adapt this pattern for your and needles you have in your stash, or if you are an American knitter wanting to use this UK knitting pattern, check out our yarn weight conversion chart.
Tension
Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 28 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3½mm needles. Find out more about knitting tension squares and why tension is important in our knitting tension squares article.
Abbreviations
You’ll find our standard knitting abbreviations in this pattern. This pattern is written in UK metrics but it’s really easy to convert, just check out our yarn weight conversion chart and knitting for beginners guide.
Size
Flowers knitted using the How to knit flowers knitting pattern will measure approx 15cm diameter.
Flower knitting pattern
Outer Flower (make 5)
Cast on 4 sts using 3½mm needles and Yarn A.
Row 1 (WS) Purl.
Row 2 (RS) K1, kfb, kfb, K1. [6 sts]
Row 3 Purl.
Row 4 K2, kfb, kfb, K2. [8 sts]
Row 5 Purl.
Row 6 K3, kfb, kfb, K3. [10 sts]
Row 7 Purl.
Row 8 K4, kfb, kfb, K4. [12 sts]
Row 9 Purl.
Row 10 K5, kfb, kfb, K5. [14 sts]
Row 11 Purl.
Row 12 K6, kfb, kfb, K6. [16 sts]
Row 13 Purl.
Row 14 K7, kfb, kfb, K7. [18 sts]
Rows 15–17 Starting with purl row, work in stocking stitch.
Row 18 (RS) K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [14 sts]
Row 19 Purl.
Row 20 K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [12 sts]
Row 21 Purl.
Row 22 K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [10 sts]
Row 23 Purl.
Row 24 K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [8 sts]
Row 25 K1, (k2tog) 3 times, K1. [5 sts]
Row 26 Purl.
Row 27 K1, sl1, k2tog, psso, K1. [3 sts]
Row 28 P3tog.
Fasten off.
Inner Flower (make 5)
Cast on 4 sts using 3½mm needles and Yarn B.
Row 1 (WS) Purl.
Row 2 (RS) K1, kfb, kfb, K1. [6 sts]
Row 3 Purl.
Row 4 K2, kfb, kfb, K2. [8 sts]
Row 5 Purl.
Row 6 K3, kfb, kfb, K3. [10 sts]
Row 7 Purl.
Rows 8–9 Starting with purl row, work in stocking stitch.
Row 10 (RS) K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [8 sts]
Row 11 Purl.
Row 12 K1, k2tog, knit to the last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [6 sts]
Row 13 Purl.
Row 14 K1, (k2tog) 3 times, K1. [5 sts]
Row 15 Purl.
Row 16 K1, sl1, k2tog, psso, K1. [3 sts]
Row 17 P3tog.
Fasten off.
How to make up your knitted flowers
Weave in all loose ends. With matching yarn join the petals at the base to make a flower shape in each colour. Secure the two flowers together and add the button to the centre. Attach to hat.
How to knit flowers: Sl1 k2tog psso
You will need:
- Knitting needles (3½mm)
- DMC, Woolly knitting yarn (Yarn A Orange (10), Yarn B Yellow (093))
- Button
Step 1
Insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit and slip it on to the right-hand needle.
Step 2
For the next stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle and knit them together.
Step 3
Insert the point of the left-hand needle into the slipped stitch on the right-hand needle and take this stitch back over the k2tog.
Step 4
Take the slipped stitch off the right-hand needle and drop it off the left-hand needle. The slipped stitch will slope towards the left.
Cast-on your own florals with our knitting pattern
This simple knitted flower is easy to make when you know how. Make a bunch of blooms in different colours, sizes and textures, then add them to your wardrobe or turn them into a gorgeous garland. The possibilities are endless with this knitting pattern!
Discover more knitted blooms
Keep expanding your knitting skills with our free patterns and tutorials! Keep the knitted blooms coming with our free knitted flower patterns round-up.
