Interior vase «meadow» knitted

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 knitting:

– any yarn remnants approximately 100 gr /350 m

– spokes 2, 5

– needle, scissors, glass or plastic flask

Abbreviations:

CO – cast on   

K – knit

P – purl  

inc – increase 

dec – decrease 

When knitting, I only used two knitting needles and sewed the pieces together at the end. Therefore, my odd rows consist of knit stitches and my even rows consist of purl stitches. However, if you want to knit with three or four needles, then knit all pieces continuously with knit stitches.

Meadow

To begin knitting this vase, I chose a brown yarn to create the appearance of soil. Later, we will switch to green yarn to imitate foliage.

Cast on 60 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 60 K

2. 60 P

3. 2 inc, 26 K, 4 inc, 26 K, 2 inc = 68 K

4. 68 P

5. 1 inc, 32 K, 2 inc, 32 K, 1 inc = 72 K

6. 72 P

7. 1 inc, 34 K, 2 inc, 34 K, 1 inc = 76 K

8. 76 P

8. 1 inc, 36 K, 2 inc, 36 K, 1 inc = 80 K

10. 80 P

11. 1 inc, 38 K, 2 inc, 38 K, 1 inc = 84 K

12. 84 P

13. 84 K

14. 84 P

15. 84 K

16. 84 P

17. 84 K

18. 84 P

19. 84 K

20. 84 P

21. 84 K

22. 84 P

23. 84 K

24. 84 P

25. 84 K

26. 84 P

27. 84 K

28. 84 P

In the photo I showed my yarn closer; combining two threads can create an interesting option.

Change color to green.

29. 84 K

30. 84 P

31. 84 K

32. 84 P

33. 84 K

34. 84 P

35. 84 K

35. 84 P

37. 84 K

38. 84 P

39. 84 K

40. 84 P

41. 84 K

42. 84 P

43. 84 K

44. 84 P

45. 33 K, 18 K on an additional knitting needle, 33 K = 84 K

46. 66 P, without 18 loops

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.

47. 66 K

48. 66 P

49. 2 dec, 25 K, 4 dec, 25 K, 2 dec = 58 K

50. 58 K

51. 2 dec, 21 K, 4 dec, 21 K, 2 dec = 50 K

52. 50 P

Now we will assemble the piece by joining the edges together.

You may use your preferred method for joining live stitches. One option is the Kitchener stitch (grafting). I chose to join the stitches with a tapestry needle while gradually removing them from the needles. To do this, cut the working yarn, leaving a tail approximately three times the length of the section to be joined. Then use the needle to pass the yarn through each stitch, joining the edges together while gradually slipping the stitches off the needles. Each stitch is worked twice as you move from one edge to the other. I have included a simple diagram to illustrate the process. I must admit that my own result is not yet perfect. The key is to maintain an even yarn tension throughout the seam.

Sew the bottom seam and the side seam to complete the piece. Add stuffing gradually as you work. Fill only the larger section, leaving 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.

Now return to the stitches held on the spare needle. As a reminder, your glass vial may differ from mine, so you may need to adjust the number of rows to accommodate its full length.

1. 18 K

2. 18 P

3. 18 K

4. 18 P

5. 18 K

6. 18 P

7. 18 K

8. 18 P

9. 18 K

10. 18 P

Carefully bind off the remaining stitches, secure the yarn, and then cut it. Sew the piece together along both edges.

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 rows could have been worked directly into the main piece while creating the vase. However, I wanted the option to change it whenever I wished—adding it, removing it, or replacing it with a different color. Whatever textured yarn you choose will give your vase its own unique character and create a truly one-of-a-kind result.

In my case, 86 loops were needed to cover the entire diameter of the form.

1. 86 K

2. 86 P

Carefully bind off the remaining stitches, secure the yarn, and then cut it.

In the photo I showed that I combined two “grass” type yarns and I really liked the result.

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 working with the smallest knitting needles you feel comfortable using. I used 1.5 mm needles 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)

Cast on 6 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 6 inc = 12 K

2. 12 P

3. (1 K, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 K

4. 18 P

5. 18 K

6. 18 P

7. 18 K

8. 18 P

9. 18 K

10. 18 P

11. 18 K

12. 18 P

13. 18 K

14. 18 P

15. 6 K, 6 inc, 6 K = 24 K

16. 24 P

17. 6 K, (2 K, 1 inc) х 4, 6 K = 28 K

18. 28 P

19. 28 K

20. 28 P

21. 28 K

22. 28 P

23. 28 K

24. 28 P

25. 6 K, (2 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 24 K

26. 24 P

27. 6 K, 6 dec, 6 K = 18 K

28. 18 P

29. (1 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 K

30. 12 P

31. 6 dec = 6 K

32. 6 P

Transfer the stitches onto a needle and pull them tight. Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail for further work. Sew the piece together. Stuff the piece occasionally while sewing.

Wings (2 pieces, main color)

Cast on 6 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 6 inc = 12 K

2. 12 P

3. (1 K, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 K

4. 18 P

5. (2 K, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 K

6. 24 P

7. (2 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 18 K

8. 18 P

9. (1 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 K

10. 12 P

11. 6 dec – 6 K

12. 6 P

Transfer the stitches onto a needle and pull them tight. Cut the yarn, leaving a small tail for further work. Sew the piece together. Leave the piece unstuffed.

Tail (main color)

Cast on 16 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 16 K

2. 16 P

3. (1 dec, 6 K) х 2 = 14 K

4. 14 P

5. 14 K

6. 14 P

7. (1 dec, 5 K) х 2 = 12 K

8. 12 P

9. (1 dec, 4 K) х 2 = 10 K

10. 10 P

11. (1 dec, 3 K) х 2 = 8 K

12. 8 P

13. (1 dec, 2 K) х 2 = 6 K

14. 6 P

Carefully bind off the remaining stitches, secure the yarn, and then cut it. Sew the piece together along both edges. Leave the piece unstuffed.

bird breast (main color)

Cast on 8 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 8 K

2. 8 P

3. 1 inc, 6 K, 1 inc = 10 K

4. 10 P

5. 1 inc, 8 K, 1 inc = 12 K

6. 12 P

7. 1 dec, 8 K, 1 dec = 10 K

8. 10 P

9. 1 dec, 6 K, 1 dec = 8 K

10. 8 P

Carefully bind off the remaining stitches, secure the yarn, and then cut it.

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.

A different yarn gave this vase its own distinctive character. To me, it looks as though a little bird is sitting on its nest among tall grasses.

I am delighted with both versions of the finished vase. There is plenty of room for creativity and many possibilities for decorating it with more than just flowers. I would be delighted to see your own interpretations of this unusual project.