TO CROCHET THE INCH PLANT

Finished size

The leaves are approximately 10in (25cm) long and 1¾in (4cm) wide.

Tension:

Tension is not essential for this project.

Pattern note:

The plant leaves are worked in rows. Work one side of the leaf, then the other side, and then finish with a row of dc in yarn B or A. Create strength in the stem by working around a wire on row 2 (see over page).

Abbreviations

ch – chain st(s) – stitch(es) dc – double crochet

RS – right side sl st – slip stitch ch sp – chain space dc2inc – double crochet increase by 1 stitch rep – repeat pm – place marker dc2tog – double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease by 1 stitch)

Striped leaf (make 43)

Using 3mm hook and A, ch 6sts

Row 1: 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each st to end, turn (5sts)

Row 2 RS: Change to yarn B, 1ch, 1dc in base of ch, 4dc, 2ch, (now turn and work down the other side of the foundation ch), 5dc (12sts)

Fasten off yarn B.

Row 3 RS: Change to yarn A, attach yarn with sl st, 1ch, 2dc at base of ch, 4dc, 1dc in ch sp, 2ch, sl st in same ch sp, (now turn and work down the other side of the leaf), 4dc, dc2inc Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Plain leaf (make 7)

Using 3mm hook and A, ch 6sts

Row 1: 1dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each st to end, turn (5sts)

Row 2 RS: 1ch, 1dc in base of ch, 4dc, 2ch, (now turn and work down the other side of the foundation ch), 5dc (12sts) Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Large stem (make 4)

Row 1: Using 3mm hook and A, ch 41sts

Hold the floristry wire above the ch sts: you will work around the wire to encase it in the crochet.

Row 2: Insert the hook into the 2nd st from the hook, yarn over the hook, pull through the stitch, put the hook over the wire and the stitches and wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through both loops on the hook, encasing the wire.

Rep to the end of the ch stitches, pm, turn (40 sts)

Pull the wire so that it is at the beginning of the row. Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn. ❯

Small stem (make 3)

Row 1: Using 3mm hook and A, ch 31sts

Hold the floristry wire above the ch sts: you will work around the wire to encase it in the crochet.

Row 2: Insert the hook into the 2nd st from the hook, yarn over the hook, pull through the stitch, put the hook over the wire and the stitches and wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through both loops on the hook, encasing the wire. Rep to the end of the ch stitches, pm, turn (30sts)

Pull the wire so that it is at the beginning of the row. Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Soil

Using 3.5mm hook and C, make a magic ring

Round 1: 1ch, 6dc into the centre of the ring

Round 2: 2dc into each st (12sts)

Round 3: (1dc, dc2inc) 6 times (18sts)

Round 4: (2dc, dc2inc) 6 times (24sts)

Round 5: (3dc, dc2inc) 6 times (30sts)

Round 6: (4dc, dc2inc) 6 times (36sts)

Round 7: (5dc, dc2inc) 6 times (42sts)

Round 8: (6dc, dc2inc) 6 times (48 sts)

Rounds 9-16: Work 8 rounds straight

Round 17: (6dc, dc2tog) 6 times (42sts)

Round 18: (5dc, dc2tog) 6 times (36sts)

Round 19: (4dc, dc2tog) 6 times (30sts)

Round 20: (3dc, dc2tog) 6 times (24sts)

Round 21: (2dc, dc2tog) 6 times (18sts)

Stuff firmly with polyester stuffing.

Round 22: (1dc, dc2tog) 6 times (12sts)

Round 23: (dc2tog) 6 times (6sts)

Using a tapestry needle, weave this yarn through the last dc sts of the round and gather hole together. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Making up

Weave in the stray ends of yarn B on each leaf. Poke the wire of each leaf into the soil and then use the long tails of yarn A to sew the stems securely to the top of the soil. Sew a plain leaf at the end of each stem and then sew striped leaves evenly up the stem, approximately 6 stitches apart; 5 on each small stem and 7 on each large stem. Curl the stems slightly to create a natural plant shape.