Crochet Flowers Tutorial: Make a Simple Spiral Rose
Learn to crochet a spiral rose in about 20 minutes, using only single crochet and chain stitches.
A crochet flower can be as simple as a spiral of single crochet stitches, and it takes about 20 minutes once you know the rhythm.
The spiral rose is the easiest crochet flower I know. You make a long, slightly curved strip, then roll it up and sew the base. That is the whole trick.
You do not need a pattern for each petal. The shape comes from the way the strip curves as you work it. Once you see that, you can make roses in any size.
This tutorial shows you how to crochet a spiral rose from a flat strip of single crochet that you roll into shape. You will need worsted weight yarn, a 5 mm hook, and a yarn needle.
What you need
Worsted weight yarn
About 10 grams, or 15 meters. Cotton or acrylic works well.
5 mm crochet hook
Or the size that matches your yarn. A 5 mm hook is good for worsted weight.
Yarn needle
For sewing the base. A blunt-tip needle is easiest.
Scissors
Any pair will do.
What you need
For a rose about 5 cm across, use worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm hook. That hook size gives a fabric that holds its shape when you roll it.
A yarn needle is for sewing the base. Scissors, obviously. If you want a stem, grab a pipe cleaner or a wooden skewer.
Use a smooth cotton or acrylic yarn. Fuzzy yarn hides the stitches and makes rolling harder.
The stitch pattern
The whole flower is single crochet worked in rows. You start with a chain, then work one single crochet in each chain, but you work two stitches into the last chain to make the strip curve.
Here is the written pattern, with US terms: Chain 31. Row 1: single crochet in the second chain from hook and in each chain across, then work 3 single crochet in the last chain. That makes 30 stitches total.
Row 2: chain 1, turn. Work 2 single crochet in the first stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 28 stitches, and 2 single crochet in the last stitch. That is 32 stitches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
The extra stitches at each end make the strip curl into a spiral. If your strip lies flat, you probably missed the increases.
Rolling the rose
Start at the end with the increases. That will be the center of the flower. Roll that end tightly for the first two turns, then let the rest of the strip spiral around more loosely.
As you roll, the bottom edge should stay even. If it starts to fan out, press it back with your fingers.
When the whole strip is rolled, thread the tail through the yarn needle and sew through the bottom layers a few times. Go back and forth to make sure it is secure. Weave in the end.
Do not pull the sewing thread too tight or the rose will flatten. Keep it snug but not crushing.
Common mistakes and fixes
The most common mistake is losing count on the increases. If the strip does not curl, check that you have the right number of stitches at each end.
Another one: rolling too loosely. The flower falls apart. Roll the first two turns tightly, then hold the base with your thumb while you roll the rest.
If your rose looks more like a cone, you probably worked the increases in the middle instead of the ends. Rip back and redo the row, keeping the increases at the last stitch of each row.
Use a stitch marker on the first stitch of each row. That keeps the increases in the right place.
Ways to change it
Caring for your crochet flower
Hand wash in cool water with a mild soap. Squeeze out the water, then lay the flower flat on a towel to dry. Do not wring it.
If the petals get crushed, steam them lightly with an iron on low heat. Hold the iron above the flower, do not press down.
Store the flowers in a box with tissue paper so they do not flatten. They make lovely brooches, hair clips, or gift toppers.
For a brooch, sew a pin back to the base with matching thread.
Step
Chain 31
Make a slip knot and chain 31 stitches. Keep the chain loose enough to work into easily.
Work row 1
Single crochet in the second chain from hook and in each chain across. Work 3 single crochet in the last chain. You should have 30 stitches.
Work row 2
Chain 1, turn. Work 2 single crochet in the first stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 28 stitches, and 2 single crochet in the last stitch. Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail.
Roll the strip
Start at the end with the increases. Roll tightly for the first two turns, then loosely for the rest. Keep the bottom edge even.
Sew the base
Thread the tail through the yarn needle. Sew through the bottom layers several times, back and forth. Weave in the end.
Ways to change it
Bigger rose
Start with 41 chains and work 3 single crochet in the last chain. The strip is longer, so the rose is larger.
Smaller rose
Use fingering weight yarn and a 3.5 mm hook. Chain 21, and the flower comes out about 3 cm across.
Two-tone rose
Change yarn color at the start of row 2. The outside of the strip becomes the outer petals.
Leaf
Chain 10, then work single crochet down one side and back up the other. Sew it to the base of the rose.
Stem
Slide the rose onto a pipe cleaner before sewing the base. Wrap green yarn around the pipe cleaner for a stem.
The short version
- The spiral rose is made from a flat strip of single crochet that you roll into shape.
- The increases at each end of the strip create the curl.
- Roll the first two turns tightly to make a neat center.
- Sew the base with a yarn needle, going back and forth for security.
- Use smooth yarn for easier rolling and stitch definition.
- You can change the size by changing the chain count and yarn weight.
Questions people ask
Why does my crochet flower not curl?
You might have missed the increases at the ends. Check that you worked 3 single crochet in the last chain on row 1, and 2 single crochet in the first and last stitches on row 2.
Can I use any yarn for this pattern?
Yes, but smooth yarns like cotton or acrylic are easier. Fuzzy yarn hides the stitches and makes rolling harder.
How do I attach the flower to a hair clip?
Sew the flower to a barrette or alligator clip using matching thread. Make sure the stitches go through the base of the flower and the clip.
Try a spiral rose for your next project
Once you have made one spiral rose, you will see how easy it is. Roll it tight, sew the base, and you have a flower that works for hats, bags, or a simple gift. Stitch with ease.
