African Flower Crochet FAQs Unravelled

FAQs

What types of crochet patterns do you sell?
I design African Flower crochet patterns, amigurumi animals, birds, chickens, seasonal projects, plants, decorations and other character crochet designs.

Are your crochet patterns suitable for beginners?
Many of my patterns are beginner-friendly. I also provide a free Beginner’s Guide to Crochet, and some beginner patterns include both fully written instructions and standard crochet terminology so you can learn as you go.

Where can I find easy crochet patterns for beginners?
Visit my Beginner Crochet Patterns section for easier projects, free patterns and my free Beginner’s Guide to Crochet.

What do I receive when I buy a crochet pattern?
You will receive a digital PDF crochet pattern containing the instructions needed to make the item yourself. This is a digital pattern only, not a finished crochet item.

How do I receive my crochet pattern?
Your pattern is supplied as a digital PDF download, so you can access it after purchase and start crocheting straight away.

Can I print my crochet pattern?
Yes. You can either view your PDF on a phone, tablet or computer, or print a copy to work from. Most of my patterns also include a printer-friendly section without photographs to help save ink.

Do your patterns include photographs?
Yes. My patterns include written instructions together with photographs and assembly guidance where needed.

What crochet terms do your patterns use?
My patterns are written in English using standard US crochet terminology.

What is the difference between US and UK crochet terms?
US and UK crochet use different names for some of the same stitches. For example, a US single crochet is a UK double crochet, while a US double crochet is a UK treble crochet. My patterns use US terminology throughout.

Can I use a different yarn from the yarn shown?
Usually, yes. Different yarn weights can be used, but changing the yarn and hook size will alter the finished size of your project.

Can I make the finished crochet item larger or smaller?
Yes. Using thicker yarn and a larger hook will generally make a larger item, while finer yarn and a smaller hook will make a smaller one. Your individual crochet tension will also affect the finished size.

What if I get stuck with one of your patterns?
Please contact me if you have a question about one of my patterns. I am always happy to help and will reply as soon as I can, although replies may not be immediate.

Do you sell finished crochet animals?
My shop mainly sells digital PDF crochet patterns so you can enjoy making the designs yourself. However, I am sometimes able to make finished crochet animals to order. If there is a particular design you would like, please feel free to ask for a price. As each item is handmade and can take many hours to create, finished pieces are priced to fairly reflect the time and work involved.

What is African Flower crochet?
An African Flower motif is crocheted so that the centre resembles a flower. The motif can be made in many different geometric shapes, from triangles upwards. In my African Flower animals and birds, I most commonly use motifs ranging from triangles to nonagons.

Are African Flower crochet patterns difficult?
African Flower crochet can look complicated at first, but once you have learned the basic motif it becomes much easier. My patterns include instructions, photographs and assembly guidance to help you through the project.

What are yarn weight equivalents?
Yarn names and weights vary between countries. Common equivalents include 4-ply or fingering weight, DK or light worsted, Aran or worsted, and Chunky or bulky yarn. Always check the yarn label, as thickness can vary between brands.

Can I use any yarn for African Flower crochet?
Yes. You can use different yarn types, although cotton and smooth acrylic yarns are particularly good for showing the definition of the African Flower motifs clearly.

How do I choose the correct hook size?
Choose your hook according to your yarn and the firmness of fabric you want to create. For 3D African Flower animals, I recommend a firm tension so that the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Try making one motif first and adjust your hook size if necessary before committing to the whole project.

Do I need to block African Flower motifs before joining?
Not always. For 3D animals, I usually only recommend gentle blocking if the motifs are uneven or distorted.

Can I crochet the African Flower shapes together?
Yes. Some crocheters prefer to crochet the motifs together rather than sew them. Both methods can work well, so choose the method that gives you the finish you prefer and feels most comfortable to work.

Can I sew the African Flower shapes together?
Yes. Sewing with mattress stitch is a perfectly good way to join African Flower motifs and can create a very neat finish. The important thing is to use a consistent joining method throughout the whole project.

Why are my joins puckering?
Puckering usually happens when the joining yarn is pulled too tightly. Try relaxing your tension slightly and make sure you are not accidentally skipping stitches as you join the motifs.

Why can I see gaps between the motifs?
Gaps can appear if the join is too loose, the motifs have been crocheted with loose tension, or the edge stitches are not lined up correctly. A firmer, more even join will usually help.

Contact

Got questions about my crochet? I'm here to help. I will endeavour to reply to your emails as soon as I can, however due to time differences and availability, you will probably not get an immediate response.