10 ways with knitted flowers!

1. Cheer up a teacosy
Teacosies will always be a firm favourite project amongst knitters, and you can never have too many of them! If you’re starting to feel like your classic Fair Isle cosy is looking a bit wintry in your summer kitchen, it’s time to make a more seasonal get-up for that teapot of yours. Add some knitted flowers to a plain teacosy or download this daffodil teacosy pattern for free on the Let’s Knit website.

2. Brighten up a table
Isn’t it sad when you buy a beautiful bunch of flowers, only to have to throw them away a week later? Pop your knitted flowers in a vase, and your problems are instantly solved! Use pipe cleaners or millinery wire for the stems to keep your flora looking fresh. We had so much fun setting up this romantic dinner table earlier this year on one of our photography shoots, and the effect was stunning. Check out those appetising yarn meals, too!

3. Decorate a cake
Making knitted flowers into a garland is simple but effective, but instead of hanging the garland up, why not use it to adorn a cake? This daisy chain pattern from Sweet Knits by Catherine Graham-Evans (RRP £14.99, published by Blomsbury) looks beautiful on top of a layered sponge. We love the idea of a daisy chain that lasts forever!

Photo: Catherine Graham-Evans

4. Wear as a brooch
A flower brooch is a nice way to add some colour and detail to an outfit, whether you pin it on a jumper or pop it on a jacket lapel. These little accessories also make ideal little gifts (without using up too much yarn!) and can easily be adapted to suit the wearer’s style. Make one in a sparkly yarn for an elegant touch or add a bead or two to the centre. Download the pattern for free here.

5. Jazz up a handbag
There’s nothing like customising your accessories to let your own unique personality shine! Knitted flowers are perfect for that, as they’re quick to make and they can instantly transform a tired headband or handbag. Or if you’re feeling even more ambitious, why not knit one from scratch? We absolutely love this funky felted bag, Flowers Go Boom, designed by the brilliant Terry L. Ross. Download the pattern for $7 from Ravelry here.

6. Embellish a cushion
Cushions are the perfect year-round project and embellishing them with flowers instantly brings the sunshine into your home. Here is a free pattern to download and make – you could stray from the pattern and add any of your own knitted flowers.

7. Find your place
If there’s one thing we love (almost!) as much as knitting, it’s sitting down to a good book. So why not combine the two, and create your own floral bookmark? It will use up your stash, and the handmade touch will make your favourite novel feel that bit more special. Alternatively, buy this beautiful wraparound bookmark made from natural white linen and blue hemp, made by Chloé Bureau, for £5.44 from Etsy.

8. Make into a scarf
Rather than attaching your knitted flowers to another project, why not transform them into a complete project of their own like this floral scarf? We love how this simple idea creates such a unique effect and can really show off your personality! Download the pattern here.

9. Send a personalised card
Making cards by hand is a great way to add a personal touch to birthday wishes or good luck notes. LK designer Nicola Valiji designs card knitting kits at knitola.co.uk and we adore her pretty flower designs. The small and stylish kits will also make fantastic gifts for beginner knitters who want to start small! Buy the kits here.

10. Get yarnbombing!
Summer is the perfect time for yarnbombing – much less risk of your creations getting spoilt in the rain! (In theory, at least… perhaps not in practice.) The outdoors is a great yarnbombing theme, and the small parts mean that you can get lots of people involved! We’re always in awe whenever we see pictures of this 7ft knitted pergola, made by volunteers to raise money for care home John Grooms Court, and displayed at the Forum in Norwich this April. Why not attempt to recreate it in your own back garden, or rope your knitting group into helping you with a fundraising challenge of your own?