A crochet flower applique is a small flat flower you make separately and sew onto a hat, bag, or sweater. These free crochet patterns for flower appliques cover a five-petal flower and a daisy. Each takes about 20 minutes, uses US terms, and needs only scrap worsted yarn.
I started making these to use up leftover yarn. One flower sewn onto a plain gray beanie changed the whole hat, and I kept going. I have also made every mistake listed below, so you can skip them.
Table of Contents
Materials
- Yarn: worsted weight (Craft Yarn Council category 4). Mercerized cotton gives sharp petals. Acrylic is softer but can look limp.
- Hook: 4 mm. Drop to 3.5 mm if petals flop.
- Yarn needle for sewing, plus scissors.
- Pins to test placement.
- Sewing thread (optional) for thin fabric.
You need about 4 yards per flower, so scraps work.
Abbreviations: ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet
Pattern 1: Five-Petal Flower (about 2 inches)
- Make a magic ring. Ch 1.
- Work 10 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight and join with a sl st to the first sc.
- In the next stitch work [sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st]. Sl st in the next stitch.
- Repeat from * to * until you have 5 petals.
- Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail.
For a two-color flower, work step 2 in yellow, fasten off, then join the petal color in any stitch.
Pattern 2: Daisy (about 2.5 inches)
- In yellow, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 8 sc, join, and fasten off.
- Join white in any stitch.
- Ch 4. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work sc, hdc, then dc. Sl st in the next stitch of the center.
- Repeat from * to * until you have 8 petals.
- Fasten off with a long tail.
Tips That Make a Real Difference
- Go down a hook size. Dense stitches hold petal shape.
- Block every flower. Pin flat, mist with water, and let it dry. Petals sit neater.
- Match fiber to the item. Wash-friendly acrylic suits baby clothes. Cotton suits bags.
- Whip stitch the edge for hats and sweaters. Sew through the center only for a lifted look on bags.
- Use thread on thin fabric, since yarn can pucker it.
- Pin first, then step back. I have sewn on enough crooked flowers to trust this.
- Group in odd numbers. Three or five look natural.
Common Mistakes
- Loose magic ring. A sloppy center shows, so pull the tail firmly.
- Tight chains. Curling petals usually mean tension. Use a larger hook for the chains only.
- Short tails. Leave at least 6 inches, because you need them to sew.
- Heavy flower, light fabric. A thick cotton flower drags a thin knit.
- Using glue on clothes. It fails in the wash. Sew instead.
- Not counting stitches. One missed stitch changes the petal count.
FAQs
What is the easiest crochet flower applique for beginners?
The five-petal flower. It needs only a magic ring, single crochet, and one repeated petal.
What yarn is best?
Worsted cotton for crisp petals, acrylic for softness. Keep the yarn weight close to the item you are decorating.
How do I stop petals from curling?
Relax your tension, use a larger hook for chains, and block the flower flat.
Can I wash items with crochet flowers?
Yes, if sewn on. Use a gentle cycle in a mesh bag and air dry. Check the care label on the yarn first.
Final Thoughts
For free crochet patterns for flower appliques that are simple and look good, start with the five-petal flower. Make three this week and sew them onto something you already own.
About the Author: Sara McLean is the creator of AppliquéFits.com and a textile designer who shares practical appliqué, sewing, and fabric-design ideas.