How to Crochet a Carnation Flower: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crocheting flowers is a delightful way to bring color and life to your projects, and the carnation flower is no exception.
Known for its ruffled petals and vibrant colors, the carnation is a favorite among crafters.
Whether you want to embellish a gift, create a beautiful bouquet, or simply add a splash of color to your home decor, crocheting a carnation flower is a rewarding project. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the materials needed, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your crochet carnation.
How to Crochet a Carnation Flower
Your crocheted carnation can be displayed in several creative ways:
- Bouquets: Create a bouquet by making multiple carnations and arranging them in a vase.
- Hair Accessories: Attach a clip to the back of the flower to wear it in your hair.
- Home Decor: Use them as decorative elements on wreaths, gift wraps, or as part of your table settings.
Source: Facebook Divino Crochet
From Pinterest
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the instructions, let's gather the materials you'll need to crochet a carnation flower:
- Yarn: Choose a worsted weight yarn in your preferred color (or colors) for the flower. Consider using shades of pink, red, or white for a classic look.
- Crochet Hook: Use a size H/8 (5mm) or one that matches your yarn weight.
- Scissors: For cutting the yarn.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
- Floral Wire (optional): If you want to create a stem for your flower.
- Green Yarn (optional): For making leaves or a stem.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Crochet a Carnation Flower
1. Start with a Magic Ring
To begin, create a magic ring (or adjustable loop). This technique allows you to start crocheting in the round without leaving a hole in the center.
1. Make a loop with your yarn.
2. Insert your hook into the loop and pull up a loop.
3. Chain 1 to secure the loop.
2. Round 1: Create the Petals
In this round, you'll create the base of the petals.
1. Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet).
2. In the magic ring, work 11 double crochets (dc) in total.
3. Pull the yarn tail to tighten the ring and join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the first chain (the beginning of the round).
3. Round 2: Increase the Petals
Now, we'll create more petals by increasing in this round.
1. Chain 3 (counts as your first dc).
2. In the same stitch, work 2 dc (to increase).
3. *In the next stitch, work 2 dc; in the following stitch, work 1 dc.* Repeat from * to * around.
4. You should end with 18 dc. Join with a sl st to the top of the chain 3.
4. Round 3: Add More Texture
For this round, we will add more texture to the petals.
1. Chain 3 (counts as your first dc).
2. In the same stitch, work 2 dc.
3. *In the next stitch, work 1 dc; in the next stitch, work 2 dc.* Repeat from * to * around.
4. You should have 27 dc at the end of this round. Join with a sl st.
5. Ruffle the Petals
This is where we start giving the flower its ruffled appearance.
1. Chain 1.
2. In the same stitch, work 3 dc.
3. *Skip the next stitch, and in the following stitch, work 1 sc; then work 3 dc in the same stitch.* Repeat from * to * around.
4. This will create the ruffles of the petals. Join with a sl st.
6. Finishing Touches
To give your carnation a more polished look, consider adding a few finishing touches.
Adding Leaves
If you want to add leaves to your carnation:
- Using green yarn, chain 6.
- In the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc, then 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, and 1 sc in the same chain to create a leaf shape.
- Slip stitch into the next chain and fasten off. You can create as many leaves as you like and sew them onto the base of the flower.
Creating a Stem
If you’d like your carnation to have a stem:
- Use floral wire and wrap it with green yarn.
- Insert the wire into the center of the flower base and secure it in place with additional yarn if needed.
7. Weave in Ends
Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends to give your flower a clean finish.

Learn how to crochet a beautiful carnation flower with our detailed step-by-step guide. Perfect for embellishments, bouquets, and gifts!
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