Let’s crochet a 3-D floating shamrock without having to sew it on like an applique. The floating shamrock will be crocheted around the posts of the previous round. This is an “applique as you go” type of stitch . Watching the shamrocks come to life is so much fun. The first venture I had creating floating stitches was when I tried to make a dragon fly, but it looked like a butterfly. I decided a butterfly was good enough. After that it was easy to think of other motifs. Next was a floating heart applique, and then the floating shamrock was created. Come on and let me show you how easy it is to add a floating shamrock to any item that you crochet. The tutorial is below, and I hope you enjoy!
You can find the “Floating Shamrock Cup Cozy” and the “Floating Shamrock Beanie/Messy Bun Hat” on Ravelry
You can also find the cup cozy on Etsy and the Messy Bun Hat that includes the beanie pattern as well.
Floating Shamrock Tutorial
I used an H/8/5mm hook, and Red Heart Super Saver yarns, as they are stiff.
The floating Shamrock stitch is easy and fun and can be added to almost any garment you are crocheting. Your floating shamrock will be made by crocheting around the two posts from the previous round or row.
The arrows point to the DC posts where you will execute the first and third leaf of your floating shamrock. I am using Contrasting thread, but if you want the shamrock to be a different color, pull the shamrock color thru the last pull through of the stitch, before the start of the shamrock.
Insert your hook under the first post to make the first leaf.
Leaf 1: Execute the first leaf around the post by turning your work just enough to complete the following stitches around the post of the dc below, going down the post, (SLP ST, CH 4, TRBL, HDC, TRBL, CH 4, SLP ST) 1st leaf of the shamrock has been made. .
This picture is showing a completed first leaf of a floating shamrock. This is the view that you see when you are crocheting the leaves of the shamrock.
Turn your work and lay the leaf flat, as pictured below. Notice there is an arrow that is pointing to the top two loops of the stitch that is below the first leaf. This will be where you execute the Second Leaf of the floating shamrock.
NOTE the red arrow pointing to the hole where you will insert your hook to execute the second leaf of the shamrock. The hole is under the top two loops of a stitch that is directly below the DC stitches you are working with.
Leaf 2: Turn your work just enough to execute the second leaf, under the top two loops of the previous stitch in the round below. 2nd leaf (SLP ST, CH 4, TRBL, HDC, TRBL, CH 4, SLP ST)
Now, shape your second leaf into place. It will lie against the garment you are making when you are finished crocheting it. Now…on to make the third leaf!
To start the third leaf, insert your hook around the 2nd DC post, then execute the Leaf 3.
Leaf 3: Turn your work just enough so that you can complete the following stitches around the post of this dc, going “UP” the post (SLP ST, CH 4, TRBL, HDC, TRBL, CH 4, SLP ST) 3rd leaf of shamrock is made.
When you started you went “DOWN” the first post, then you went “ACROSS” the top of the stitch two rounds below, and then you went “UP” the post of the second DC.
You almost made a complete circle, but the bottom of the shamrock is open and needs to be closed with a slp st. It’s really important to slip stitch your shamrock closed.
This can seem tricky at first, but it’s easy once you do it the first time. The picture below is showing where to cross over to the SLP ST of the first leaf. Execute a SLP ST here so that you can close the bottom of the shamrock.
Now the shamrock is closed and it is time to make the stem!
The first step of the stem is to CH 6
Next execute a SLP ST in the 2nd CH from the hook and in the rest of the CH’s that make the stem.
There is one more important step. There is a somewhat hidden and not so easy to find stitch behind the shamrock. The hook is pointing to where you will execute a SC (I am working with SC stitches, plug in whichever stitch you are working with)
Change yarn color here if needed when you have two loops left on the hook. Drop the Shamrock color and follow the next set of steps.
After dropping the Shamrock color, pull the MC thru that you are working with, and continue to SC until you are ready to stop and make another shamrock..
It is finished! Look how nice your Floating Shamrock looks! Continue on in the pattern to finish you are using. Block the shamrock using your favorite method.
Pin Picture Below is ready for your crochet boards!
Hey, this picture below is perfect for pinning. Pin it to your favorite boards and you will be able to easily find the Floating Shamrock tutorial next year.
Please don’t forget to come to the group Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet and Crafts to share what you have made, to get support and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you there.
I hope you enjoy!
Yours in Christ,
Kris
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Hey, let me know what you think of this tutorial, just leave me a comment below. Do you think I should make a demonstration video on how to do the floating shamrock applique?
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