Easter is near and for many people around the globe this is a special time for their faith and religion. Many look for ways to celebrate the new life that was made available to them at the resurrection of Jesus. That is why I created this applique to remind us of hope and perfect love.
One of my testers, Alma H., taught me something new after I designed this pattern. I had no idea that tulips mean "perfect love." I think those definitely fit this applique perfectly as His love is perfect and unconditional!
Edit to Add: Alma made a card for her brother with her applique! I forgot to add it when I first wrote the post but glad I could come back and add it for you to see!
The applique looks lovely on wreaths, signs, pillows, blankets, totes, and even on bible covers. It works up quickly and is surprisingly easy! All you will need is worsted #4 yarn, a G 4mm hook, and an E 3.5mm hook.
Note: This post contains affiliate links in which I may earn a small commission on for clicks and or purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps me provide the blog, website, and pattern free to you. Without your support, I could not provide these services and products! My family and I thank you!
Before we get to the instructions I wanted to mention that this pattern will be used for the March 19th Crochet Along that will be hosted by VIP and Testing Team Member, Tanya Person.
This Crochet Along will be a live event in Facebook Rooms at 9:00 a.m. EST. In Facebook rooms, you will be able to see and talk to one another just like on ZOOM! It is first-come first-serve, and there are only 50 spots available so be sure to join asap!
Edit to Add: Here is a link to the event!
It is going to be a wonderful time for VIP members to hang out, chat and crochet together! I believe Tanya will also have a time of prayer at the end before everyone goes, especially for the people of Ukraine so if you come and have a prayer request, this will be available for those who need it.
Tanya is a missionary who has served in Hungary and Budapest through Ellel Ministries. Elle Ministries serves in 20 countries around the world and this past year Tanya and her husband, Jim Person, had the opportunity to relocate and he is currently serving on staff with Ellel in Florida.
Tanya and Jim have traveled and seen a lot of the world and I bet she would love hearing any questions you have about their globe-trotting experiences in ministry. I hope you enjoy getting to know her during the Crochet Along!
The Crochet Along is a free event and you can either use the pattern instructions from this post or you can purchase an ad-free PDF that you can download and print from any of my shops. The best prices available will always be in my shop on this website because other platforms have more fees associated, but you are welcome to buy from whichever is best for you.
Here are the links: Orchid and Bee's Shop, Ravelry Shop, Etsy Shop
So here is how you crochet the "Redeeming Love Cross" applique!
“Redeeming Love Cross”
Crochet Pattern
Materials:
Worsted Weight 4 yarn
Brown
White
Green
Pink
Hook - G 4mm & E 3.5mm
Scissors
Hot Glue - optional for assembly
Yarn Needle
Ribbon if you do not want to crochet a bow
Stitches:
MR - Magic Ring *tutorial at end of pattern
Ch - chain
Sc - single crochet
Sl st - slip stitch
Hdc - half double crochet
Sp - space
St(s) - stitch(es)
#st - complete # number of sts in same space
St # - complete stitch in next # number of spaces
Pattern Info - This Cross is the perfect applique for blankets, totes, pillows, shadow boxes, and more! The possibilities are endless! It is approximately 4 inches wide by 6 inches tall. You can make it smaller or larger by going down or up a hook size.
Skill Level / Language
Skill level - beginner. If you are unsure of any stitches, YouTube is a great resource!
This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
Pattern Instructions
Note: leave long tails if sewing together or weave in ends if gluing together
Note: beginning/turning chains do not count as stitches
Vertical Section of Cross: Brown - G 4mm
Begin: Ch 6
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc 4, ch 1. (5st)
Row 2 - 20: Turn, hdc 5, ch 1. Fasten off after the last st of row 20. (5st)
Horizontal Section of Cross: Brown - G 4mm
Begin: Ch 6
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc 4, ch 1. (5st)
Row 2 - 14: Turn, hdc 5, ch 1. Fasten off after the last st of row 14. (5st)
Bow: White - G 4mm
Note: as an alternative, you can use a ribbon if you do not want a crocheted bow
Begin: Ch 81, or make as many chs for your desired size.
Row 1: Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st to the end, fasten off. Tie the tails in a knot to round off the end. Tie piece into bow, like you would a shoelace, make adjustments as necessary to get the look that you want from your bow. (80st)
Tulip Flower: Pink - make 3 or as many as desired - G 4mm or smaller hook for different sizes of flower
Begin: MR, ch 1.
Round 1: Sc 5 in MR, pull tight to close, work in continuous rounds from here.
Round 2 - 3: Sc 5, fasten off after last st of round 3, weave in end. (5st)
Note: I turned my piece inside out after the last st to get the best shape. Try both ways to see which looks the best to you.
Tulip Stems: Green - E 3.5mm hook - make 3 or make as many as needed for the tulip flowers
Begin: Ch 17 or as many chs as you would like to get the length you prefer
Round 1: Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st 15, fasten off, leave tails. With your hook, insert it through the bottom of the tulip flower and pull one tail of the stem through. Put your hook through a second space in the bottom of the flower one more time and pull through the second tail. Tie the two tails in a knot, this will attach your stem to the bottom of your flower. Trim your tails, put a dot of glue on the inside of the flower if desired to help keep the knot secure. (16st)
Final Assembly:
Note: I assemble my appliques with hot glue, which is a fast and safe method. The glue adheres to the fibers quite well and the applique is very secure. The hot glue packaging that I use says it is non-toxic so it is safe, in my opinion, as well. In addition, you can machine wash on cold, and lay flat to dry or tumble dry/lowest heat setting. You may also use other fabric-safe glue or use the traditional method of sewing your pieces together.
Note: see photo for assembly assistance.
How I assembled the Cross:
I lay out all my pieces to get the look I want first. You can use pins to hold it together if you desire and/or take a picture of your layout with your phone to reference as you are putting it together.
First, I attached the horizontal section about 10 rows from the bottom of the vertical section.
Next, I took a separate piece of green yarn and tied a knot around my flowers, to make it like a bouquet and attached the unit to the center of the cross. Massage flowers to get your desired shape.
Last, I attached the bow on top of the bouquet.
And that is all there is to it! Easy and fast, right? I look forward to seeing how you use your applique so feel free to share your photos in the comment section or in the VIP Facebook Group! #redeeminglovecross
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If you enjoyed this simple but elegant applique pattern and need a copy that you can save and print, they are available in each of my shops as mentioned earlier.
Here are the links: Orchid and Bee's Shop, Ravelry Shop, Etsy Shop
I hope you have a wonderful Easter, and I pray blessings over you and your family in 2022!
Blessings,
Karen E. (aka Sonshine)
Orchid and Bee's