Long Stem Rose

Crochet Long Stem Rose by Natagor Finlayson

Project Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for creating a decorative long stem rose using crochet techniques. Designed by Natagor Finlayson and originally published in 2019, this intermediate-level project combines crochet work with wire armature and floral assembly to produce a realistic botanical decoration suitable for displays, arrangements, or gifts.

What Is Being Made

The Long Stem Rose is a three-dimensional decorative flower featuring a crocheted bloom, individual crocheted leaves, and a wired stem. The finished piece mimics the appearance of a natural rose with a full flower head, green sepals, realistic leaves, and an extended stem for positioning and display purposes.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate crochet project utilizes fundamental crochet stitches and shaping techniques to construct the flower components. The pattern employs written instructions presented in US crochet terminology, allowing crafters to follow step-by-step construction of the rose petals, sepals, and leaves. The pattern includes both written instructions and charts to guide stitch placement and increases or decreases needed to create the dimensional flower shape. Tight, firm stitches are emphasized throughout to ensure the structural integrity of the finished piece.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 4 ply yarn weight (also referred to as Sport weight in USA terminology or 5 ply in Australian sizing). Yarn colors specified include cream or similar for the flower petals, light green for sepals, and dark green for the leaves. A 1.5 mm crochet hook (US size 8, or Canadian and UK size 4.5) is required to achieve the tight stitches necessary for this project.

Additional Materials and Construction Elements

• 2.0 mm gauge wire (12 gauge US) approximately 10–12 inches long for the main stem structure
• 0.5 mm gauge wire (24 gauge US) approximately 10 inches for each of the three leaves, providing internal support and realistic shaping
• 30 mm Styrofoam ball serving as the base form for the flower head
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks for securing crocheted components to the foam base and assembling the rose
• Wire cutters for trimming wire to length
• Scissors for yarn finishing
• Stitch markers (optional) to track pattern progression
• Heat tools including a candle or flame source if using acrylic yarn, and an optional straightener or flat iron for finishing and shaping petals

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crafters with foundational crochet knowledge who are ready to tackle shaping and assembly techniques. Notably, gauge is not critical for this decorative project, as the finished size is controlled by the Styrofoam base and wire armature rather than precise stitch counts. However, maintaining consistently firm and tight stitches throughout is essential for creating a polished, professional-looking finished rose.

Pattern Format

The Long Stem Rose pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF file containing comprehensive materials lists, written instructions in US crochet terminology, stitch charts for visual reference, and instructional photographs to guide the construction process from start to finish.