April Showers Flowers
Skills Needed: foundation chain (CH) single crochet (SC) triple crochet (TC) basic flower tape wrapping hand sewing Looking to add a unique touch to your wedding? Showcase your crafty side with gorgeous handmade flowers! Made in a variety of colors and sizes, these flowers will accent your bouquets, your alter decorations, even your hairpieces and corsages! Materials: Worsted weight yarn DK weight yarn (for smaller flowers) size I crochet hook size G crochet hook (for smaller flowers) floral tape hot glue gun green pipe cleaners floral leaves darning needle Making the buds: Chain 16. Row 1: In $4^{\mathrm{th}}$ CH from hook, TR crochet three times. In each following chain, TR crochet four times. Continue to end of row, CH 1, turn. Row 2: SC in each stitch. Cut end with 6: tail, but do not weave in.
To Form Flower:
Roll bud, with row 2 end on the inside, around itself until a bud is formed. You can use the foundation chain tail to stitch flower together if you want, or you can dab some hot glue to keep the petals from unraveling throughout the day. Attaching Flower to Stem: Bend down the ends of two pipe cleaners approximately 3". Lay end to end, so one bent edge is on either end. Run bent edge of one pipe cleaner through the bottom of the flower to anchor it to the stem, then twist both bent ends around the other pipe cleaner to hold together. Wrap yarn tails around pipe cleaners, and secure with a bit of tape. Wrap entire stem with floral tape, holding tape at a slight angle so it overlaps just slightly as you wrap. Rip the tape a bit longer than the end of the stem, and double tape back up on itself. Each flower gets two leaves. Wrap the wires around the stem in opposite directions for stability. Wrap the entire stem once more, being sure to cover up the wires from the leaves thoroughly. Your flower is done and ready to go into a bouquet or a vase!
