In this project, I wanted to create an interesting vase for dried flowers or a single fresh flower by using an unusual texture. Inside, there is a small glass vial that can hold a fresh flower. The idea was inspired by blooming meadows and the songs of birds.
By choosing a textured yarn with a unique character, you can create your own distinctive version of the finished piece, making each vase truly one of a kind.
I’ve created two versions: one for knitting enthusiasts and one for crochet lovers. This way, you can choose the technique that suits you best and the result that appeals to you more.
You will need the following materials to crochet:
– any yarn remnants approximately 100 gr /350 m
– Crochet hook 2.5 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).
– needle, scissors, glass or plastic flask
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
inc – increase
dec – decrease, two single crochets together
Meadow
To begin crocheting this vase, I chose a brown yarn to create the appearance of soil. Later, we will switch to green yarn to imitate foliage.
30 ch
1. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook 28 sc, 3 sc in 1, 28 sc, 3 sc in 1 = 62 sc
2. 28 sc, 3 inc, 28 sc, 3 inc = 68 sc
In the photo, I have shown my yarn up close. Combining two strands can create an interesting textured effect.
3. 28 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 28 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) = 74 sc
4. 28 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 28 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) = 80 sc
5. 28 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 28 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) = 86 sc
6 – 15. 86 sc
Change to green yarn.
16 – 18. 86 sc
19. 28 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 28 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) = 80 sc
20. 28 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 28 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) = 74 sc
21. 25 sc, ch 5, skip 14 sts, 34 sc = 64 sc Your stitch count may differ at this point. Simply continue crocheting to complete the round.
In this round, we create an opening for the glass vial. Make sure that your chosen vial fits comfortably into the space created by the skipped stitches. The number of stitches may vary depending on the size of your vial. My vial measures 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter and 10 cm (4 in) in height.
22. Work 64 sc around the large opening (in my case, 64 sc).
23. 24 sc, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, 24 sc, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, 2 sc = 64 sc
For easier reference, I have marked the photo with pins to show that the decreases should be placed at the corners.
24. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 54 sc
25. (7 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 48 sc
26. (6 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 42 sc
As you continue crocheting, add stuffing gradually. Fill only the main section of the vase, making sure to leave the compartment for the glass vial empty.
To ensure that your vase stands securely and remains stable, you may place a small weight in the bottom of the piece. Metal granules, small decorative aquarium stones, or any other material that adds weight and fits well inside a small bag are suitable for this purpose.
To prevent anything from shifting or working its way through the crocheted fabric, it is advisable to place the weight in a separate bag first. A small fabric pouch, a tightly sealed piece of foil, or a small sachet will work well. This keeps everything neatly contained and securely in place.
Place the weighted bag in the center of the base of the crocheted piece. Then add stuffing to the remaining space until the piece is nicely shaped and holds its form. Make sure that the weight is securely embedded and does not move around. This will provide a stable and secure foundation for the rest of the assembly.
27. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 36 sc
28. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 30 sc
29. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 24 sc
30. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 18 sc
31. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 sc
32. 6 dec = 6 sc
Close, cut the thread.
Join the yarn to Round 21 of the main piece.
As a reminder, your glass vial may differ from mine, so you may need to adjust both the stitch count to match its diameter and the number of rounds to accommodate its full length.
1 – 7. 20 sc
Close, cut the thread.
The basic shape of the vase is now complete. Next, we will add some decorative details.
I chose to add a band that imitates grass. These few rounds could have been crocheted directly into the main piece while creating the vase. However, I wanted the option to change them later—for example, to create a different seasonal look in autumn. In the photo, I have shown finished samples made with different types of yarn. One reminds me of fresh spring greenery, while the other resembles grass at the end of summer.
For this piece, I used one strand as the working yarn and crocheted all the single crochet stitches with it. The other two strands were carried inside the stitches, enclosed by the main working yarn as I crocheted. For the grass band that fits around my vase, I crocheted 95 chains and joined them into a ring. Then I worked 2 rounds of 95 sc each.
Let’s add a few little birds to our spring meadow.
With this project, I would like to invite you not only to explore different textures, but also to try using the smallest crochet hook you feel comfortable working with. I used a 0.6 mm crochet hook and very fine cotton yarn.We will also need a small amount of thin black beading wire. With its help, we will create the birds’ beaks and legs.
BIRDS
Body (main color)
1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring
2. 6 inc = 12 sc
3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc
4 – 8. 18 sc
9. 6 sc, 6 inc, 6 sc = 24 sc
10. 6 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) х 4, 6 sc = 28 sc
11 – 13. 28 sc
14. 6 sc, (2 sc, 1 dec) х 4, 6 sc = 24 sc
As you crochet the piece, add stuffing.
15. 6 sc, 6 dec, 6 sc = 18 sc
16. (1 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 12 sc
17. 6 dec = 6 sc
Close, cut the thread.
Wings (2 pieces, main color)
1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring
2. 6 inc = 12 sc
3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc
4. Fold the piece in half and crochet both edges together using 9 single crochets.
Leave the piece unstuffed, then close it and cut the yarn. Make sure to leave a long tail so you can easily continue working with it later.
Tail (main color)
7 ch
1. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook 6 sc, 1 ch, turn work
2. 6 sc, 1 ch, turn work
3. 1 dec, 2 sc, 1 dec, 1 ch, turn work
4. 4 sc, 1 ch, turn work
5. 1 sc, 1 dec, 1 sc, 1 ch, turn work
6. 3 sc, 1 ch, turn work
For a nice even edge, crochet on three sides sc.
Close, cut the thread. Leave a long end thread when cutting.
bird breast (main color)
5 ch
1. starting from the 2nd ch from the hook 3 sc, 3 sc in 1, 3 sc, 1 inc = 11 sc
2. 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc = 16 sc
Close, cut the thread. Leave a long end thread when cutting.
ASSEMBLY
Sew the tail to the underside of the wider end of the body, as shown in the photo. Attach the wings to the sides of the body. Before sewing the pieces on permanently, you can pin them in place and check the arrangement from different angles. Then sew the breast piece to the front of the body.
Embroider the eyes with black thread by wrapping the thread around the needle 3–4 times. The precise placement of the eyes gives each bird its own unique character—even small changes can affect its expression.
Shape a beak from the black wire and attach it with a small drop of glue between the eyes. Cut a longer piece of wire (about 5 cm / 2 in) and bend it as shown in the photo. Insert it into the underside of the body. I used a large needle to carefully open the loops and make inserting the wire easier.
As you can see in the photo, the legs are intentionally left a little longer so they can be inserted deeply and securely into the vase. This gives the birds a stable base and allows them to be placed on the "grass" as desired.
Take your time to try out different positions. Even small changes in the arrangement can give the entire composition a completely different character and create your own personal spring scene.
Now I have my own unique little meadow. I enjoy rearranging the birds and changing its appearance by switching the grass band and the flower displayed in the glass vial.