Free crochet periwinkle flower tutorial
Periwinkle flowers (L. vincapervinca) are so easily recognisable with their distinctive star shape and bluey purple colour. Did you know that they are also used in some chemotherapy medicine? I designed this crochet periwinkle pattern to raise awareness of lymphoma, one of the types of cancer which medicines derived from periwinkles can treat. Over my 18 months of treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, I received 2 different drugs derived from them – they are as potent as they are beautiful. The periwinkle flower is also in the logo of the charity Lymphoma Action because of it’s importance in treating blood cancer.
I have a collection of crochet periwinkle flowers that I plan to sell and raise money for Lymphoma Action once I have turned them into bookmarks and brooches, this tutorial will take you through how to make the flowers and finish them.
If you prefer to watch a video tutorial, you can do that here.
Materials
- Any yarn can be used, I chose DK weight yarn.
- You will also need a hook suitable for the weight of yarn you choose – I used a 3.5mm hook
- Brooch pins (optional)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
The crochet periwinkle pattern is written in UK terms, with US terms in brackets after.
ch(s) chain(s)
dc double crochet (sc single crochet)
htr half treble crochet (hdc half double crochet)
picot ch 2, sl st into first ch
rep repeat
sk skip
sl st slip stitch
sp space
st(s) stitch(es)
tr treble crochet (dc double crochet)
yo yarn over
* * Repeat instructions between * * the given number of times
How to make your crochet periwinkle flower
Begin by making a magic ring using your first colour of yarn.
Ch 1 (does not count as a st here), *1 dc (sc), ch 1*, rep from * to * four more times, sl st to first dc to join. (5 dc (sc), 5 ch 1 sp)
Fasten off first colour.
Join the second colour into a ch sp (as shown by the hook in the photo).
Ch 3, 1 tr in the same sp, picot (the arrow shows where to place the sl st that completes the picot).
This is the first half of the petal, the picot forms the point at the top of the petal.
Still working into the same sp, 1 tr, ch 3, sl st.
This completes the first petal.
Sl st into the next ch 1 sp.
Now you’re ready to work the next petal as follows:
*Ch 3, 1 tr, picot, 1 tr, ch 3, sl st*, rep from * to * three more times, fasten off,
Pull the magic ring tight and sew in the ends.
Making the leaf
Using green, ch 8
1 dc in the second ch from the hook, 1 htr, 1 tr, 2 tr in next ch, 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc in last ch, picot.
(1 sc in the second ch from the hook, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 2 dc in next ch, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in last ch, picot.)
This completes the first half of the leaf.
1 dc in the same ch as the last 1 dc and picot, then working down the other side of the starting chain: 1 htr, 1 tr, 2 tr in next ch, 1 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc in last ch.
(1 sc in the same ch as the last 1 sc and picot, then working down the other side of the starting chain: 1 hdc, 1 dc, 2 dc in next ch, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in last ch.)
Sl st into the first dc (sc).
For a brooch, fasten off here, leaving a tail for joining.
Sew the leaf to the back of the flower and sew a brooch pin on.
If you’re making a bookmark, ch approx 40 (or desired length), insert the hook under one of the blue ‘bars’ on the wrong side of the flower and make a sl st to join.
Fasten off and weave in any ends.
Other uses for your crochet periwinkle flower
Why not make lots of flowers and join them to make a simple garland, or attach one to a key chain. You could also use them as applique motifs to sew onto a blanket or cushion. It would also combine perfectly with other crochet flowers to make a wreath – this post is handy guide if you’re not sure where to start with that!
I’d love to see what you make with your flowers, please share with me on Instagram.
Happy crocheting!
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