Bobble Flower Knitting Pattern

Instructions

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1. 1Stitch multiple and cast onThe pattern uses a multiple of 10 sts plus one edge stitch each side, i.e. a multiple of 10 + 2. For the swatch, cast on 32 sts (10 x 3 + 2) with 4.5 mm needles. Knit the edge stitches on every row; the garter edge reduces curling.
2. 2Learn the bobbleA bobble turns one stitch into 5, works them in short rows and reduces them back to 1. Knit into the stitch on the left needle but don't drop it; yo, knit into the same stitch again, yo, knit; now drop it (5 new sts on the right needle). Turn and purl these 5, turn and knit them. Turn once more and work p2tog, p1, p2tog, then turn a last time and work s2kp. One stitch remains on the right needle and the stitch count doesn't change.
3. 3Pattern rows (12-row repeat)Row 1 (RS): knit. (32 sts) Row 2 and all WS rows: k1, purl to last st, k1. Row 3: knit. Row 5: k1, *k4, MB, k5; rep from * 3 times, k1. Row 7: k1, *k2, MB, k3, MB, k3; rep from * 3 times, k1. Row 9: as Row 5. Row 11: knit. Row 12: WS row. The bobbles sit in the centre on rows 5 and 9 and to either side on row 7; together the four make a small flower like petals.
4. 4Knit the swatchRepeat rows 1-12 three times (36 rows), then work rows 1-4 once more, for 40 rows in total. Each repeat gives 3 flowers across, 9 flowers in all. On WS rows, purl each bobble stitch like a normal stitch; the bobble is pushed to the RS.
5. 5What to make with itBobble flowers are adorable on baby cardigans, girls' vests and cushion fronts. For a 40 x 40 cm cushion front, cast on 82 sts (10 x 8 + 2) and work 112 rows (about 9 repeats plus 4 rows); you'll need about 150 g. On a cardigan, a single band of flowers above the hem also looks lovely.
6. 6FinishingAfter the last row, bind off knitwise. Weave in the ends through the edge stitches; if there are small gaps around the bobbles, tidy them with a stitch or two from the WS using the ends. Dampen the swatch and let it dry; don't press or iron it, or the bobbles will flatten.