The Buttonwood Blossom Brooch: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Felted Floral Pin

Introduction: A Vintage-Inspired Felted Floral Pin

Imagine a delicate, whimsical flower brooch that looks like a vintage button bouquet, crafted entirely by your own hands. The Buttonwood Blossom Brooch is a unique knitting pattern that combines the art of knitting with the magic of felting to create a soft, dimensional accessory. This charming pin adds a touch of nostalgia and handmade warmth to any coat, bag, or hat. Perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike, this pattern is a delightful way to use up small amounts of wool yarn and create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. The felted finish gives the flower a soft, matte texture that obscures individual stitches, resulting in a cozy, professional-looking accessory.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The felting process requires 100% wool yarn for best results, as synthetic fibers will not felt properly.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight 100% wool yarn in soft cream. Approximately 20 yards.
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight 100% wool yarn in dusty rose. Approximately 20 yards.

Tools & Notions

• Knitting Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm) straight or circular needles (for small circumference).
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
• Mesh laundry bag for felting.
• Small amount of detergent (for felting).
• Brooch pin back (approximately 1 inch long).
• Strong thread or fabric glue for attaching the pin back.
• Optional: A small decorative button for the center (if desired).

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for felting, but aim for a firm fabric: approximately 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in stockinette stitch before felting. This ensures the pieces will felt evenly and hold their shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in stockinette stitch, then felted in a washing machine. The flower is assembled after felting. Follow each step carefully for best results.

Pattern Notes

• All pieces are worked flat (back and forth) in stockinette stitch: Knit on right side (RS) rows, Purl on wrong side (WS) rows.
• Use a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
• Leave a 6-inch tail on each piece for assembly.

Flower Petals (Make 5)

Each petal is worked separately. You will make 5 identical petals.

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3 (Increase Row): K1, (kfb) 4 times, k1. Kfb means knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase). You now have 10 stitches.
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: Knit all stitches.
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7 (Decrease Row): K1, (k2tog) 4 times, k1. K2tog means knit two stitches together (decrease). You now have 6 stitches.
9. Row 8: Purl all stitches.
10. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Repeat these 8 rows for each of the 5 petals.

Center Button

This small piece forms the button-like center of the flower.

1. Cast On: With CC, cast on 4 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3 (Increase Row): K1, kfb, k1, kfb. You now have 6 stitches.
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: Knit all stitches.
7. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
8. Row 7 (Decrease Row): K1, k2tog, k1, k2tog. You now have 4 stitches.
9. Row 8: Purl all stitches.
10. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Felting Instructions

Felting transforms the knitted pieces into dense, soft fabric. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Prepare for Felting: Place all 5 petals and the center button piece into a mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from tangling or felting together.
2. Add Detergent: Add a small amount of detergent (about 1 teaspoon) to the washing machine.
3. Wash Cycle: Run a hot wash cycle with agitation. Use the hottest water setting your machine allows.
4. Rinse: After the hot wash, run a cold rinse cycle to set the fibers.
5. Check Progress: Check the pieces every 5 minutes during the cycle. The pieces should shrink and become dense, with stitches slightly blurred. Remove them when they reach the desired firmness. If they are not felted enough, run another hot cycle.
6. Final Rinse: Once felted to your liking, rinse the pieces in cold water. Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring or twist, as this can distort the shape.
7. Shape and Dry: Lay the pieces flat on a towel, shaping them into their final form (petals should be rounded, center button should be a small disc). Allow them to air dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours.

Assembly

Once the pieces are completely dry, assemble the brooch.

1. Arrange Petals: Arrange the 5 petals in a circle, overlapping slightly at the center. The petals should be evenly spaced to form a symmetrical flower.
2. Sew Petals Together: Using the MC tails and a tapestry needle, sew the petals together at the center. Make several passes through all layers to secure them firmly. Weave in the ends.
3. Attach Center Button: Place the center button piece in the middle of the petals. Using the CC tail, sew it securely to the center of the flower. Weave in the ends.
4. Attach Brooch Pin Back: Turn the flower over to the back side. Attach a brooch pin back using strong thread (sew through the felted fabric and the pin back's holes) or fabric glue. If using glue, apply a small amount and press the pin back firmly. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
5. Optional Detail: For extra charm, sew a small decorative button in the very center of the flower, on top of the felted center button.

Your Buttonwood Blossom Brooch is now complete! Wear it proudly on a coat lapel, a scarf, or a bag for a touch of handmade elegance.