Summer hats are great for keeping the sun off, but they can be a bit boring, can’t they? Why not jazz up yours by learning how to knit flowers and adorning 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 wont't be able to embellish with a bespoke knitted flowers 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, bunting – and how about adding knitted flowers to your wellie warmers too? First you should learn how to knit those with out knitted boot toppers pattern....
Kirstie's How to knit flowers tutorial 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 brilliant effect You could even whip up a selection in different colours to perfect your How to knit flowers technique, and have them on standby for whatever knit project next takes your fancy. Finish with a central button for a brilliant statement addition to any outfit.
Our How to knit flowers tutorial is within the reach of all levels of knitter. If you are just getting started with the hobby, take a look at our knitting for beginners guide. You'll also need to know How to work stocking stitch and how to increase in knitting with a Kfb. We'll show you how to knit flowers using shaping with SL1 KTOG PSSO as part of the How to knit flowers tutorial. Briush up on core technique in our how to cast on knitting and how to cast off knitting articles too.
For the How to knit flowers tutorial 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
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
How to knit flowers knitting pattern
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.
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.
