Crochet flower appliqués are one of the fastest, most satisfying little projects you can make — perfect for jazzing up a hat, bag, cardigan, baby blanket, or gift wrap. They’re great for beginners because each flower is small, quick to finish, and teaches useful stitches (clusters, shells, picots). Below you’ll find five beginner-friendly flower applique patterns (Dahlia, Lotus, Daffodil, Heart-Petal, and Pansy). Each pattern includes materials, clear abbreviations, step-by-step instructions, finishing/assembly options, blocking/washing tips, and several simple variations so you can customize every bloom.
A quick note: these are written in US crochet terms. Use worsted or DK yarn depending on how big you want your applique; cotton thread/yarn gives crisp petals, acrylic or blends are softer and forgiving. If you want UK terms, tell me and I’ll convert.
General materials, gauge & abbreviations (applies to all patterns)
Suggested materials (per flower unless noted)
- Yarn: Sport/DK (#3) or Worsted (#4) — cotton or cotton blend recommended for crisp edges.
- Hook: 3.0–4.0 mm (use smaller for tighter petals, larger for a looser flower).
- Tapestry needle, scissors, small amount fiberfill (only for puffed centers if used), blocking pins & board (optional).
- Small buttons, beads, or French knots (embroidery thread) for centers (optional).
Finished sizes (approx.)
- With DK yarn + 3.5 mm hook: approx. 2.5–3.5″ across per flower.
- With worsted yarn + 4.0 mm hook: approx. 3–4.5″. Adjust hook or yarn to scale to your project.
Abbreviations (US)
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- tr = treble (US = triple)
- MR = magic ring (magic circle)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sk = skip
- sc2tog = single crochet two together (decrease)
- BLO/FLO = back/front loop only
1. Crochet Dahlia Flower Applique Pattern
A layered, full-petaled bloom with depth — great as a bold embellishment.
Skill: Beginner → Easy (repeats + working petals into a round)
Materials: DK cotton, 3.5 mm hook, tapestry needle, 1 small button (optional)
Finished size: ~3″ with DK / 3.5 mm
Overview & idea
The dahlia is built from a small center, then two-three petal rounds. Petals are created as little folded shells worked into a base round so the flower looks full and dimensional.
Step-by-step
- Center (MR): MR, ch 1, 8 sc into ring. Pull tight. Join with sl st to first sc. (8 sc)
- Round 2 – base for petals: ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, sc in next st — repeat around to create 8 ch-2 loops. Join with sl st. (8 ch loops)
- These loops are anchor points for petals.
- Round 3 – first petal layer (inner petals):Into first ch-2 loop: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc); sl st into next ch-2 loop — repeat around for 8 petals. After last petal join to first petal with sl st.
- Note: the 3 dc cluster makes a full look; adjust to 5 dc for fluffier inner petals.
- Round 4 – second petal layer (outer petals): Work petals between the petals below for staggered effect. Insert hook under the base stitches between inner petals (or into the sl st space between petals), then: (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) — sl st to next gap; repeat around for 8 outer petals. Fasten off and weave ends.
- Optional third layer: make even larger petals (sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc) worked behind the previous layers for an extra plush dahlia.
Finishing & variations
- Sew a small button, bead, or a French knot in the center. For a cottage look use variegated yarn or two tones (darker center, lighter outer petals).
- Block lightly: pin petals into shape on a board, mist with water, let dry. Cotton blooms hold shape best.
- To attach: whipstitch through back of center to fabric or hot-glue for non-washables.
Tips for beginners
- Keep tension consistent on petal clusters so all petals are same height.
- If petals curl badly, block them open or reduce the number of dc in petals.
2. Crochet Lotus Flower Applique Pattern
A serene, layered lotus with pointed petals — great for meditative, minimalist projects.
Skill: Beginner → Easy (pointed petals using chains & slip-stitch shaping)
Materials: DK or worsted cotton, 3.5 mm hook, small bead for center optional
Finished size: ~2.5–3.5″ depending on yarn
Overview & idea
Lotus petals are pointed and slightly elongated. The lotus looks best with two concentric rounds of pointed petals: smaller inner petals and larger outer petals.
Step-by-step
- Center disc: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in MR. Join. (6 sc)
- Round 2 – increase disc for petal base: Ch 1, inc in each st around — 12 sc. (12 sc)
- Round 3 – mark petal points: ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, ch 3, sl st into next st — repeat around. You’ll create small chain loops spaced so points will be evenly spaced. (4–6 chain loops depending on spacing; aim for 6 petals)
- If you have 12 sc, do sc 1, ch 3, sl st next to create 6 loops.
- Round 4 – inner pointed petals: Into each ch-3 loop work: sl st, ch 2, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in loop, ch 2, sl st into base — pull center of petal slightly and fasten. Repeat for all loops. This makes crisp small petals.
- Round 5 – outer larger petals: Work a round of sc around the entire base to locate the gaps for larger petals: sc across a few sts, ch 4, sk 2 sts to create 6 larger loops. Into each large loop: (sc, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sc) then sl st to base. Fasten off and weave ends.
Finishing & variations
- For a delicate lotus, use lighter yarn (sport) and a smaller hook. For statement appliqués use worsted yarn and bigger hooks.
- Add a small bead or embroidered seed-dot to the center for a finished look.
- To attach to garments, use small whipstitches through the inner disc only so petals sit free.
Tips
- Keep inner petals slightly taller than outer petals so the lotus opens naturally.
- If your petals flop, block them over gentle shaping or stiffen lightly with a diluted fabric stiffener.
3. Crochet Daffodil Flower Applique Pattern
A sunny daffodil with a trumpet center — a cheerful applique that looks great on baby items.
Skill: Beginner → Easy (one trumpet + separate petal round)
Materials: DK cotton in yellow (petals) + contrasting yellow or gold for trumpet, 3.5 mm hook, tapestry needle
Finished size: ~2.5–3″
Overview & idea
The daffodil has a distinct trumpet (corona) at center and 6 outer petals. We’ll crochet the trumpet first, then the petals and sew them around it.
Step-by-step
A — Trumpet / Center
- Base ring: MR, ch 1, 8 sc into ring. Join. (8 sc)
- Trumpet body: ch 1, 2 sc in each st around — 16 sc. (16)
- Flange (corrugated edge): ch 2, dc in next st across one round to create a slightly flared edge, or work [hdc, dc, tr] in each st for a ruffly flare. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
B — Petal ring (6 petals)
- Petal foundation: MR (separate from trumpet), ch 1, 6 sc in MR. Join. (6 sc)
- Petal shaping: Into next st: ch 2, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc), ch 2, sl st into next st — repeat for all 6 petals. Fasten off leaving tails.
C — Assembly
- Place trumpet upright and sew the small petal ring around base of trumpet so petals radiate outward. Use the long tail from trumpet to anchor petals evenly. The petal tips should sit flat outward.
- Adjust spacing then secure underside with whipstitch. Weave in ends.
Finishing & variations
- Make petals in pale yellow and trumpet in bright gold for contrast.
- For hanging daffodils, attach a little loop at the back.
- To attach to fabric, sew through the trumpet base and around petal edges.
Tips
- Ensure trumpet is slightly raised by padding the base with a tiny scrap of felt if you want a 3D effect.
- For sturdier center, line trumpet with a tiny circle of felt sewn in.
4. Crochet Heart Petals Flower Applique Pattern
Playful petals shaped like hearts — perfect for Valentine’s embellishments, kids’ clothing, or a romantic accent.
Skill: Beginner (heart-shaped petal made with small shells)
Materials: Sport/DK yarn, 3.5 mm hook, tapestry needle, small button (optional)
Finished size: ~2.5–3″
Overview & idea
Each petal is a mini heart — create 5 or 6 heart-petals around a small center. Hearts are made from shells and short chains to create the top lobes.
Step-by-step
- Center disc: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in MR. Join. (6 sc)
- Petal anchors: ch 1, sc in next st, ch 2 — repeat to create 6 anchor points (ch-2 spaces). Join.
- Heart petal (into ch-2 loop):(sc, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all into same loop to make two lobes, ch 1, sc) — this works as a little heart with two lobes of 3 dc each and a base sc. Sl st to next ch-2 loop. Repeat for all loops. You’ll have 6 heart petals.
- Alternative simpler heart: in loop work sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc and then shape a tiny v with a sl st—this is a tighter heart.
- Optional edging: Work a round of sc around whole flower, inserting each sc between hearts to tidy edges: join yarn under flower and sc between each petal through the backs of shells.
Finishing & variations
- Add a tiny button or bead in the center for a jewel effect.
- Make 3-petal bunches for a minimalist motif (great for hats).
- Use two contrasting colors — one for hearts and one for center — for high pop.
Tips
- To get well-formed hearts, work the first lobe and the second lobe into the same loop so that two lobes touch in the center.
- Block lightly to flatten the hearts and make their shape crisp.
5. Crochet Pansy Flower Applique Pattern
A small, sweet pansy with asymmetric petals and a two-color look — pansies read beautifully in variegated yarn or with a dark center.
Skill: Beginner → Easy (small layered petals + surface embroidery center)
Materials: DK cotton (two colors: petal + center), 3.5 mm hook, tapestry needle, small amount of embroidery thread for center dots
Finished size: ~2.5–3.5″
Overview & idea
Pansies typically have 5 petals with one slightly larger lower petal. We’ll make a flat 5-petal design and add embroidered center “whiskers” (short stitches that pansies often have).
Step-by-step
- Center ring: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in MR. Join. (6 sc)
- Foundation for petals: ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 1 around to make 5 chain loops spaced for 5 petals (adjust spacing to get 5 loops). If you have 6 sc, use sc, ch 2, sc, ch 2, sc pattern to create 5 loops — the exact pattern is easy to improvise: create 5 evenly spaced loops.
- Petals (make 5): Into each ch loop work: sl st, ch 2, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) — this makes a rounded petal. For the lower petal (one of the five) make it slightly larger with 5 dc instead of 3 dc so it reads as the large bottom petal.
- Optional second layer: For pansies with depth, make a tiny round of sc behind first petals (work sc into the backs of loops) then add smaller petals in front for a layered look. Fasten off and weave ends.
- Embroidered center whiskers: With contrasting embroidery thread or thin yarn, sew 3–5 short radial lines from the center out towards the base of the top three petals to mimic pansy markings. Add a tiny French knot in the very center if desired.
Finishing & variations
- Use a dark purple for lower petal and lighter tones for upper petals for classic pansy look.
- Make clusters of 3–4 pansies for wreaths or headbands.
- Attach to crewel embroidery or felt back for stability.
Tips
- Because pansies often have variegated color patterning, you can experiment with painting the petals with diluted fabric dye for shading effects after blocking (test on scrap yarn first).
Attaching your appliqué (fast secure methods)
- Sewing: Use a fine, matching yarn or thread and a needle. Use whipstitch or small invisible stitch through the back loops/edge of center to anchor. For washable garments, sew all around the base of the applique with small, regular stitches.
- Fusible web + fabric backing: For non-stretch garments, stick the applique to a small felt circle with fusible web, then iron to fabric (check manufacturer instructions). Sew around for durability.
- Hot glue: Good for non-washable decor (wreaths, hair bows), not recommended for washable clothing.
- Snap or button base: Sew a small snap or button under the center so the applique can be removable (great for garments you want to wash).
Blocking, washing & care
- Blocking: Pin petals into desired shape on a foam board, mist with water, let dry. Cotton holds shape best.
- Washing: If using cotton or acrylic, hand wash gently or machine wash on delicate inside garment bag — but sewn on appliqués survive better with hand wash. Avoid hot water.
- Stiffening: For ornaments, lightly brush with diluted PVA glue (1 part glue : 3 parts water) on the wrong side and shape over a form until dry.
Quick sizing & scale tips
- Want a tiny 1.5″ blossom? Use sport/sock yarn with a 2.5–3.0 mm hook.
- Want a large 5″ motif? Use bulky yarn and 5.0–6.0 mm hooks OR work an extra petal round for volume.
- For bunches, vary sizes: 1–2 small + 1 medium + 1 large creates a visually appealing cluster.
conclusion
You now have five distinct flower applique patterns that are beginner-friendly but versatile: a plush Dahlia for bold accents, a peaceful Lotus, a cheery Daffodil with a trumpet center, whimsical Heart-Petal flowers for playful projects, and delicate Pansies for a vintage charm. A couple of styling ideas to try:
- Make a garland by joining several flowers with chains or sewing them onto a ribbon.
- Create a floral brooch: sew a small button snap to the back and attach to jackets or bags.
- Use appliqués as booty decorations for baby booties, hat toppers, or to cover small stains on thrifted garments.
- Group different flowers on a pillow for a seasonal accent.
