Yesterday, I graduated from my K-8 school after 9 years (yay!) and I needed a final teacher gift to say goodbye to those that taught me all I know. Fortunately, I thought a bouquet of crocheted roses would be a great alternative to the single flower my school gives each student to present to their favorite teacher. Because I couldn't just choose one teacher that was important to me, I created this easy pattern and made these roses as a way to honor every teacher that ever changed my life from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Throughout the process, I also discovered what an amazing Mother's Day gift this could be as well. Each rose takes about 20 - 30 minutes to create, but after some practice (I made 18) you'll find that you can pull one off in less time than it takes to watch your favorite episode.

Materials to make rose:

- red, white, or pink worsted weight (size 4) acrylic yarn

- a size I or H crochet hook

- tapestry needle

- scissors

Materials to assemble:

- 18 gauge floral wire

- dark green floral tape

- faux leaves from fake flower branch

- scissors

- green chenille stick

Stitches and abbreviations to know:

- single crochet (sc)

- chain (ch)

- double crochet (dc)

- skip (sk)

- 5 double crochet shell stitch (shell stitch)

Once you have gathered all your materials, you are ready to begin!

Step 1: First Row -

For the first row, you are going to make a slip knot and chain 40. (ch 40) You can make a bigger or smaller rose by changing this length, but I found 40 to be large enough. Not only that, you would have to make sure that the chain amount is a multiple that works with the next rows.

Step 2: Second Row -

For the second row, we are creating a base that will allow the petals in the third row to sit properly once assembled.

turn,

sk 3,

(dc, ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc, ch 1) repeat until stitch before last.

dc,

ch 1,

In other words, you are creating V stitches separated by a missed stitch. The extra chains between double crochets allow the rose to begin curling and will be easier to roll up later into the finished rose. If you ever mess up, it's okay, nobody will see. You will just have to change the end to have one more or one less V stitch.

Step 3: Third Row -

The last row is the most time consuming, but in no way difficult. You will be creating a number of shell stitches which will model the beautiful petals you would find on a real rose.

turn,

(slst, 5 dc shell stitch) repeat until stitch before last.

slst,

FO leaving 20 inches or so to sew and complete.

Step 4: Sewing the Rose Together

Now you will begin to roll the rose up. I find it easier to work from the back side of the row or chains, rolling it up so that they align. Once the entire rose has been rolled up, you will need to use a tapestry needle to sew all the chains together. This ensures that the rose will not unravel. It is a good idea to make a double knot when you are finished and pull the end through and cut off a 5-inch tail. I show the entire process in video form in the next step, so you can see more clearly the process of sewing the rose together.

Step 5: Assembly

Above, I have posted a video of the entire process of creating your own crocheted rose. In it you will find a more detailed assembly of the rose, thanks to my mother, kellechu.

To finish your crocheted rose you will need to use a stiff enough floral wire and green floral tape to create the beautiful green stem. The 18-gauge wire is formed into a hook and secured into the base of the flower tightly. You will then use the tape to hold down the ends that were created from crocheting the rose. After most of the ends are hidden you will use the tape to attach the faux floral leaves. If you want you could also crochet these leaves instead. However, I found this option less time-consuming with what little time I had. Wrapping above and below the leaves gives it more stability to stay on the stem. Continue wrapping until you reach the of the wire and cut off the extra. We found that using large green chenille sticks was a great way to stabilize the transition from the stem to the flower.

That's it! You're done. Give the rose to your loved one, your amazing teacher, your mother, or make a bunch to display year-round in a vase.