Free Pattern - Sunflower

Originally, this pattern was supposed to be a whole scarf - tons of tiny sunflowers sewn together to make a stole.  But, I gave up on that - other projects got in the way.  I still want to make that stole, some day, maybe... eventually...

Anyway, these flowers would make a cute summer garland, or maybe a headband, or just knit up individually as coasters, brooches... whatever! The uses for knit flowers are seriously limitless.  I know.  I've made around a dozen of these puppies.  For amazing results, pair one with two knit leaves!

Anyway! Hope you enjoy this little pattern - it's more a set of notes than an actual 'pattern' - and if you make something totally inspired, let me know and I'll feature you! :)

Knit Sunflowers

You'll need:

• Around 30 yards of MC (brown) and around 15 yards of CC (yellow) - Sample was knit with Cascade 220, but since this is not wearable (or even stuffed) gauge is less important.
• Size 5 dpns
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Techniques : This pattern assumes a basic knowledge of knitting in the round with dpns, knitting, purling, working with more than one color.  If you don't know any of these techniques - try them! :)

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• K2tog: Knit two stitched together - 1 st decrease
• Kfb: Knit in the front and back of a stitch - 1 st increase.
• P: Purl
• Rnd: Round. 
• St: Stitch
• YO: Yarn over

Directions:

CO 4 stitches with MC (Brown). For the first row, Kfb all sts.  You now have 8 sts. Join these sts to knit in the round.

Rnd 1 and all odd rnds in MC: P all sts

Rnd 2: Kfb all sts (16 sts)

Rnd 4: *Kfb, K1* Repeat * to * (24 sts)

Rnd 6: *Kfb, K2* Repeat * to * (32 sts)

Rnd 8: *Kfb, K3* Repeat * to * (40 sts)

(Note: If desired, this circle can be made larger by increasing regularly in this pattern - just increase evenly by 8 stitches until the circle is one inch less than the desired diameter of your flower.)

K 1 round with MC before changing to CC.

Change to CC (Yellow).  K 3 rounds. 

Petal round: *K2tog YO* Repeat * to *

K 3 more rounds. 

Change to MC.  K 1 round with MC, then begin decreasing.

Rnd 1 and all other rnds in MC: Purl all sts (n/40 sts)

Rnd 2: *K2tog, K 3* Repeat * to * (32 sts)

Rnd 4: *K2tog, K 2* Repeat * to * (24 sts)

Rnd 6: *K2tog, K1* Repeat * to * (16 sts)

Rnd 8: K2tog all sts (8 sts)

Finishing: Cut yarn, leaving about 6 inches of tail.  Using a yarn needle, thread tail through live sts and pull tight to cinch shut; weave in ends.