Hey there, fellow crochet enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a project that's blossomed straight from my love for delicate blooms: the Small Gardenia Applique.
Inspired by these fragrant, pristine flowers that always catch my eye in gardens, this pattern captures the intricate beauty of gardenias in a miniature, versatile form.
Did you know that gardenias are associated with secret love in the language of flowers? Well, our crocheted version might not carry secret messages, but it'll certainly add a touch of romance to your projects!
I've crafted a detailed, step-by-step guide complete with helpful diagrams to help you bring these charming appliques to life. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, you'll find joy in watching these dainty flowers take shape under your hook. So, grab your yarn and let's create some everlasting floral magic together!
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Pin this Small Gardenia Applique pattern to add a touch of delicate elegance to your crochet projects!
Crochet Small Gardenia Applique Meanings & Usage
Small Gardenias symbolize purity, love, and refinement. In the language of flowers, they're said to convey secret love and joy, making them perfect for adding a touch of romance to any project.
I remember creating a set of these Small Gardenia Appliques for my sister's wedding. I stitched them onto handkerchiefs for the bridesmaids, each one a delicate reminder of the day's beauty and the love being celebrated. The tiny, intricate flowers perfectly captured the elegance of the occasion.
The Small Gardenia Applique is perfect for anyone who appreciates delicate, handmade touches. They're ideal for new mothers (adorning baby blankets), book lovers (as unique bookmarks), or anyone starting a new chapter in life. I've even used them to decorate gift wrapping, adding a personal, handcrafted touch that always gets noticed.
Whether used in scrapbooking, on clothing, or as part of larger crochet projects, these tiny gardenias carry the symbolism of their real-life inspirations – bringing joy, beauty, and a hint of secret sweetness to wherever they're placed.
Details of Small Gardenia Applique Crochet Pattern
This Small Gardenia Applique pattern is suitable for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with working in rounds and creating detailed, layered pieces. The project involves crafting a flower center, three layers of petals, a flower base, and 2 leaves, making it a satisfying small project that captures the intricate beauty of a gardenia.
The process includes crocheting each element separately and then assembling them to form a lifelike flower. You'll start with the center, move through the petal layers, create the base and leaf, and finally assemble all parts.
In nature, gardenias are typically white or cream-colored, known for their intense fragrance. Interestingly, gardenias are related to coffee plants and are sometimes called cape jasmine.
This pattern is customizable. While traditionally white, you can experiment with soft pastels or even bold colors for a unique look. You can create multiple appliques for larger projects or adjust the number of petal layers for a fuller or more streamlined flower.
A single finished Small Gardenia Applique measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, making it perfect for embellishing clothing, accessories, or home decor items.
Materials Needed
- Yarn - Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Green 12, Blue 32 and Yellow 43)
- Hook - 2.0mm
- Hot melt adhesive
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- dc - double crochet
- tr - treble crochet
- dtr - double treble crochet
- sl st - slip stitch
- inc - increase (specifically, hdc inc)
- picot - (ch 3, sl st in first ch)
- Magic ring
- FLO - Front Loop Only
- BLO - Back Loop Only
- sk - skip stitch
Crochet Small Gardenia Applique Pattern
How to Crochet a Flower Center (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. [Chain 4. Work 3 single crochets in the 2nd chain from the hook. Slip stitch into the magic ring.] Repeat the sequence in brackets 3 times.
Tips: When working the 3 single crochets, maintain even tension for consistent petal-like projections.
How to Crochet the First Layer Petal (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 half double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Working in front loops only (FLO), [Chain 3. Work 2 treble crochets. Chain 3. Slip stitch into the next stitch.] Repeat the sequence in brackets 6 times. Finish with a slip stitch in the back loop only (BLO) of the first stitch.
Tips: Keep your magic ring tight in Round 1 for a neat center. Maintain consistent tension throughout for uniform petal sizes.
How to Crochet the Second Layer Petal (Make 1)
Round 1: Working in back loops only (BLO), make 6 half double crochet increases (2 hdc in each stitch). Slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Working in front loops only (FLO), [(Chain 3, 2 treble crochets, picot), (2 treble crochets, chain 3), slip stitch into the next stitch] Repeat the sequence in brackets 6 times. Finish with a slip stitch in the back loop only (BLO) of the first stitch.
Tips: Maintain consistent tension, especially when working the treble crochets, for even petal shapes. This layer should be slightly fuller than the first, creating depth in your gardenia.
How to Crochet the Third Layer Petal (Make 1)
Round 1: Working in back loops only (BLO), [(half double crochet, half double crochet increase) in the same stitch] Repeat the sequence in brackets 6 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 2: [(Chain 3, treble crochet, double treble crochet, picot), (double treble crochet, treble crochet, chain 3), slip stitch into the next stitch] Repeat the sequence in brackets 6 times.
Tips: This layer should be the fullest, creating a lush outer edge for your gardenia. Pay attention to your tension, especially with the taller stitches, to maintain an even shape.
How to Crochet a Flower Base (Make 1)
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 5 single crochets into the ring. Slip stitch to join, then chain 1.
Round 2: Work 5 single crochet increases (2 sc in each stitch). Slip stitch to join.
Round 3: [(Chain 3, single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, half double crochet in next chain), skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in next stitch] Repeat the sequence in brackets 5 times.
Tips: Maintain consistent tension throughout for a symmetrical base. This base will be attached to the back of your flower, providing structure and a clean finish to your applique.
How to Crochet Leaves (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 10. Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, half double crochet in next chain. Work 5 double crochets, one in each of the next 5 chains. Half double crochet in next chain. Work (single crochet, chain 1, single crochet) all in next chain to form the leaf tip. Half double crochet in next chain. Work 5 double crochets, one in each of the next 5 chains. Half double crochet in next chain. Single crochet in last chain. Slip stitch to join.
Tips: Work the stitches slightly tighter than the flower for a firmer leaf. You can adjust the initial chain length for longer or shorter leaves. Consider using a slightly darker green for depth and realism.
Crochet Small Gardenia Applique Assemble
Step 1: Hide the loose ends on the back of the flower, leaf, and flower base.
Step 2: Attach the flower center to the middle of the flower.
Step 3: Glue the leaf to the back of the flower.
Step 4: Apply glue to attach the flower base to the back of the flower.
Tips: Use a small amount of fabric glue when attaching the flower center to ensure it stays in place without being visible. Position the leaf slightly off-center behind the flower for a more natural look.
What's Next?
Crochet enthusiasts, let's showcase your delicate craftsmanship! Just completed your Small Gardenia Applique? Capture its charm in a photo and share it on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter with #CrochetGardeniaApplique. Whether you've adorned a bag, embellished a garment, or created a unique accessory, your work could inspire fellow crafters to try this elegant pattern. Share your color choices, creative applications, or how you've incorporated this dainty flower into your projects. Let's create a virtual gallery of handmade gardenia appliques! Your post might spark someone else's crochet journey. Together, we can weave a tapestry of shared creativity and intricate beauty. Ready to make your Small Gardenia Applique the talk of the crochet community?
