I was inspired by a couple versions of this American Flag wreath, but didn't quite like every aspect of each one, so I made my own pattern combining the best of all worlds.
Kara's crochet wreath at Petals to Picot is beautiful! But I prefer knitting to crochet myself. Also, to be authentic, there should be exactly 13 stripes for the 13 original states, 7 red and 6 white (nevermind that a wreath is not flag-shaped at all!).
Kristen has a knit version of the American Flag wreath at Studio Knit. However, the straight stockinette stitch isn't too exciting and the felt stars aren't knit. And 14 stripes - nope!
Both of these wreaths are 12" and I also wanted a 16" wreath to put on a door. To keep the cost down, I went with the old reliable Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Soft Navy, Cherry Red and White. For variety, I chose the rice stitch, super simple with an interesting texture. I loved the crochet stars, so I dusted off my crochet skills to utilize Kara's pattern.
Floralcraft Extruded Styrofoam Wreath 16"
Row 1: Purl 1, *knit 1 through the back loop (tbl), purl 1. Repeat from * across.
For the striping, alternate 12 rows of red with 12 rows white for 13 stripes, ending with red. The striped portion should cover about 2/3 of the wreath circle. Finish with 70 rows of blue. Fit over the foam core to check the length and then join the blue to the red using a three needle bind off on the back side.
Create a magic ring with one chain stitch.
Work *1 sc into ring, 1 dc into ring, ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc into ring.
End with 1 sc into ring and join.
Attached the stars to the blue portion using the yarn ends from the stars before putting it on the foam core. Space the stars tightly as they will "spread" after installing of the foam core. I couldn't get 13 stars to fit, so here it is with 10. Attach the flag to the wreath using a mattress stitch on the back side (it should reach all the way around).
It looks great on our door!
However, this is one of those projects where the journey was far more interesting that the destination. While I was in the midst of making the stars, we often put the round flag portion around our necks as it made a perfect cowl or infinity scarf. So up next is an American Flag scarf, especially with all that leftover yarn! This scarf is being knit in a 1x1 rib as the rice stitch curls a bit.
It's a lot easier to explain to people when they ask that I'm knitting an American Flag scarf as opposed to an American Flag wreath. Or if I get tired, a Where's Waldo scarf!