What Are African Flower Crochet Motifs?
The African Flower crochet motif is one of the most recognizable and beloved patterns in the crochet world. Famous for its floral center framed inside a hexagon, it’s:
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Colorful and versatile → perfect for blankets, cushions, and accessories.
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Adaptable → can be used flat or in 3D, ideal for amigurumi animals.
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Beginner-friendly → requires only basic stitches (chains, single crochet, double crochet).
Why Is the African Flower Motif So Popular?
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Versatility: Works for toys, blankets, bags, clothing.
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Color Play: Perfect for experimenting with palettes and yarn scraps.
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3D Potential: Easily adapted into African Flower amigurumi (turtles, elephants, bears).
Materials You’ll Need to Crochet African Flowers
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Yarn:
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Cotton DK → best for amigurumi (crisp stitches, firm motifs).
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Acrylic → soft and warm, great for blankets or shawls.
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Wool blends → rustic feel, ideal for décor.
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Hook size:
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3.0–3.5 mm for cotton DK.
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4.0–5.0 mm for acrylic yarns.
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Other tools: Scissors, tapestry needle, stitch markers.
👉 Pro Tip: Beginners should start with light-colored yarn, as stitches are easier to see.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Crochet an African Flower Motif
This guide uses US crochet terms. (UK readers: sc = dc, dc = tr.)
Round 1 – The Center
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Start with a magic ring.
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Ch 2 (counts as first dc), then 11 dc into the ring.
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Join with sl st → 12 stitches total.
👉 You now have a neat circle.
Round 2 – Petal Base
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Change yarn color.
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Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, ch 1.
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(2 dc in next st, ch 1) repeat around.
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Join with sl st → 12 clusters, 12 spaces.
Round 3 – Forming Petals
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Change yarn color again.
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In each ch-1 space: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc).
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Repeat around to form 12 petals.
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Join with sl st.
👉 Your floral shape appears.
Round 4 – Outlining the Flower
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Change yarn.
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Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, ch 1.
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Repeat around.
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Join with sl st → edges forming hexagon sides.
Round 5 – Shaping the Hexagon
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In each ch-1 space: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc).
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Repeat 6 times → hexagon complete.
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Join with sl st.
👉 Your first African Flower crochet motif is finished!
Tips for Yarn, Hook, and Colors
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Yarn choice:
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Cotton = structured motifs (amigurumi).
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Acrylic = soft motifs (blankets).
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Hook size: Use a slightly smaller hook than recommended for amigurumi → prevents stuffing from showing.
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Color combinations:
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Contrasting colors → bold, vibrant flowers.
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Gradient yarns → natural petal shading.
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Neutral borders (white, gray, black) → unify multi-colored motifs.
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Joining African Flower Crochet Motifs
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Whip stitch: Almost invisible seam.
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Mattress stitch: Strong, neat → perfect for blankets.
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Join-as-you-go: Seamless look, saves time.
👉 Pro Tip: For amigurumi animals, assemble motifs gradually and stuff as you go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Loose tension → creates holes (bad for toys).
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Skipping stitches → hexagon warps.
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Misplacing stitches → petals look uneven.
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Not blocking flat motifs → blankets won’t sit evenly.
Project Ideas with African Flower Crochet
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Blankets & Afghans: Colorful patchwork-style throws.
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Bags & Accessories: Purses, totes, or makeup pouches.
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Clothing: Shawls, bohemian tops, cardigans.
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Amigurumi Animals: Turtles, elephants, bears built from motifs.
FAQ – African Flower Crochet Motifs
❓ Is the African Flower motif beginner-friendly?
Yes, it only uses basic stitches (chains, sc, hdc, dc).
❓ What yarn works best for African Flower motifs?
Cotton DK for firm motifs (amigurumi), acrylic for soft blankets.
❓ How do I join African Flower motifs?
Use whip stitch or mattress stitch; join-as-you-go is faster.
❓ Can I use African Flowers for amigurumi?
Absolutely! They’re perfect for 3D animals.
❓ Do I need to block my motifs?
Yes for blankets and garments, optional for amigurumi.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try the African Flower Crochet Motif
The African Flower crochet motif is timeless, versatile, and fun. Whether you want to make a colorful blanket, a stylish boho bag, or a charming amigurumi turtle, this motif is your key to endless creativity.
👉 Ready to get started? Explore our African Flower Amigurumi Patterns Collection