Kawaii Shell Stitch Flower Posy Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This kawaii shell stitch flower posy is the perfect little project for anyone who has just learned the basic crochet stitches and wants to make something adorable. Each five-petal flower is worked flat from a magic ring, so there is no stuffing, no shaping, and no fiddly assembly. The black and white recycled cotton gives the posy a crisp, graphic look that feels soft to the touch and sits beautifully in a small vase or tied with a ribbon. Make three flowers and you have a sweet handmade bouquet that takes an afternoon and makes a lovely gift.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) recycled cotton — approx 50 yds black, 50 yds white, 10 yds yellow (for centers). You will also need a small amount of green worsted cotton for the stems.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), small bow (optional)
• Finished size: Flower diameter approx 2.5 inches (6.5 cm); stem length approx 6 inches (15 cm); posy of 3 flowers approx 7 inches (18 cm) tall

Abbreviations

• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a circle
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rep — repeat

Gauge

16 sts and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet. Work a small swatch in dc and measure the middle of it; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your magic ring tail snug but not tight — you will pull it closed after the petals are made, and a loose center looks neater.
• The petals are worked into the same stitch and then you slip stitch into the next stitch to space them out; count your 5 petals before fastening off.
• Recycled cotton can split slightly, so work with a slightly relaxed tension and keep the hook tip pointed down through the loops.
• Leave a long tail on every piece — you will use it to sew the stem to the flower and to weave in ends securely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Flower (make 3, alternating colors)

Rnd 1: With center color (yellow), MR 6 sc. Join with sl st to first sc (6 sts). Fasten off.

Rnd 2: Join petal color A (black or white) in any sc. *Ch 3, 2 dc in same sc, ch 3, sl st in same sc (petal made). Sl st in next sc. Rep from * around for 5 petals (5 petals). Fasten off.

Alternate petal colors as follows: Flower 1 — black petals, white center; Flower 2 — white petals, black center; Flower 3 — black petals, white center.

Stem (make 3)

Row 1: With green yarn, ch 11. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (10 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew one stem to the back of each flower at the center using the long tail, catching the stem strip securely so it lies flat behind the petals. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then gently block each flower and stem by misting with water and pinning flat to dry — this opens up the petals and straightens the stems. Arrange the three flowers together as a posy and, if you like, tie them with a small bow.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the black and white for pastel cotton to make a softer, spring-like posy.
• Make five or seven flowers instead of three for a fuller bouquet, or use a single flower as a brooch or hair clip.
• Add a tiny yellow French knot or bead to the center of each flower for extra kawaii detail.