How to crochet Calicantus

Even in the cold winter climate it is not uncommon to find intense fragrances that expand into the air. And 'the case of calicanto that from its still bare branches gives us the beautiful and fragrant blooms. It is not rare to find this beautiful plant in the nineteenth century gardens where the beautiful calicanthus flowers are also linked to the legend of the robin which is said to have found refuge in its branches.
Needed: cotton number 20 - crochet hook - 1.0 mm - scissors - needle - 0.45mm galvanized iron wire - plasticized iron wire - pliers.

To make this crochet flower, which is the first of the composition of winter flowers, it is necessary to prepare the branch, the flower which is composed of 2 sections of petals, a central section, the pistil, the bud and the chalice.

The flowers and the buds will be sewn to the branch and then we start to prepare it.

Take a piece of plasticized wire and cut the length of the branch you want to make (about 35-40 cm). In this main branch will be connected the smaller branches that we will build with galvanized wire. We cut a piece of about 15-20 cm, fold it in half and twist it on itself except for about 2 cm on each side that we need to tie it to the branch. This branch will be covered with cotton working around the chains, once above and a fly under the sprig. When all the branches are covered and tied to the main branch, this will also be covered with cotton. The tips will be curved (help with a forceps) so that the cotton does not come out of the branch. To cover the curvature on the top we will make a small cuplet to be sewn on.

Explanation of the dome.

Start 5 little chains and in the first step: 11 triple crochet (total 12). Close the work, hold the long cotton and sew to the branch.

Now that we have the branch ready we can dedicate ourselves to realize all the flowers and buds that are needed to complete our flowered calycanthus.

Explanation of the first section of petals.

Start 5 little chains and close them in a circle.

1 revolution: 12 single crochet.

2 lap: 2 double crochet in one point, one double crochet, 2 double crochet in one point. Turn the job.

3 lap: 2 triple crochet, 2 double triple crochet in one point, 2 triple crochet, turn the job.

4 lap: 2 triple crochet, 2 double triple crochet in a point for 2 times, 2 triple crochet.

Go down with slip stitch until the single crochet turn and redo another equal petal a total of 4 times.

Explanation of the second section of petals.

Start 5 little chains and close them in a circle.

1 revolution: 12 single crochet.

2 lap: 2 double crochet in one point, one double crochet, 2 double crochet in one point, turn the job.

3 lap: 2 double crochet, 2 triple crochet in one point, 2 double crochet. Turn the job.

4 lap: 2 double crochet, 2 triple crochet in one point for 2 times, 2 double crochet.

Go down with slip stitch until the single crochet turn and redo another equal petal a total of 4 times.

 Explanation of the central section.

Start 5 little chains and close them in a circle.

1 revolution: 12 single crochet.

2 rounds: 2 little chains, one double crochet and one triple crochet in one point, one triple crochet one double crochet and 2 little chains in one point. Repeat the same for a total of 6 small petals.

Explanation of the pistil.

Start 4 little chains and in these make: 2 single crochet and a slip stitch in the first chain.

 3 little chains and in these: 2 single crochet and a slip stitch in the first chain. Repeat a total of 6 times. Close the work by holding the cotton a little long, insert the needle into the cotton of the pistil and then into the central section, into the second section of petals and then into the first section placed in a staggered position with respect to the second. Tighten the cotton well and stop the work with 3-4 stitches under the first section of petals. The flower is so ready.

Explanation of the bud.

Start 4 little chains and in the first make 11 double crochet (total 12).

1 round: 24 double crochet.

2-3 laps: 2 double crochet closed together for the whole lap.

4 lap: with 2-3 slip stitch close the work.

Explanation of the glass.

The glass is the same for both the flower and the bud.

Start 4 little chains and in the first make 11 double crochet (total 12).

1 lap: 4 little chains in these: 2 single crochet, a half double crochet, jump 2 base points, a slip stitch. Repeat equal a total of 4 times. Close the work by holding the cotton a little long. Sew first to the flower and then to the branch.

Place all the flowers and buds around the branches and admire your creation ... it almost seems to smell their scent.

If you need to starched the petals of the flowers.

As always I hope to have been clear in the explanations and I wish good creation to all. Goodbye see you soon.