Hello, sunny crafters!
Who’s ready to bring a little bit of summer cheer into their crochet projects? Today, we’re going to make the most adorable Mini Sunflower Motif! These vibrant little blooms, with their rich brown centers and bright yellow petals, are perfect for adding a touch of warmth to anything.
Imagine them as appliques on hats, bags, or blankets, strung into a joyful garland, or even as parts of a larger, more elaborate piece. What makes this design particularly charming is the way the petals are worked to give them that distinct, slightly cupped, and layered look, reminiscent of real sunflower seeds and petals.
Let’s grab our yarn and hook, and let the sunshine begin!
What you’ll need:
- Yarn:
- Color A: (Brown in the example image) A small amount for the center. Worsted weight or DK (light worsted) acrylic or cotton yarn works well.
- Color B: (Yellow in the example image) For the petals. Use the same weight as Color A.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn. For worsted weight, a 4.0mm (G/6) or 4.5mm (7) hook would be suitable. For DK, a 3.5mm (E/4) or 4.0mm (G/6) hook. (The hook in the image appears to be around a 4.0mm or 4.5mm).
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet (also known as triple crochet) – (yo twice, insert hook into st, yo and pull up a loop, [yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times)
- MR: Magic Ring (or Magic Circle)
The Mini Sunflower Motif Pattern
We’ll start with the brown center and then add the cheerful yellow petals!
Part 1: The Seeded Center (Color A – Brown)
- Start with MR: Make a Magic Ring.
- Alternatively, ch 4 and sl st into the first ch to form a ring.
- Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 10 sc into the MR. Sl st to the first sc to join. (10 sc)
- Gently pull the tail of your MR tight to close the center hole, creating a neat “seed pod.”
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in the same st as join. Work 2 sc in each of the next 9 sts. Sl st to the first sc to join. (19 sc)
- Note: We’re making 19 sc here instead of 20 to create a slight curve/tension point for the petals to sit against later, and also because the final stitch will effectively be the join. This helps in forming the base for the petal placement without gaps.
- Fasten off Color A. Leave a tail for weaving in.
Part 2: The Sunny Petals (Color B – Yellow)
Now for the vibrant part! We’ll be working into the stitches of Round 2 of the brown center. The image shows petals that are worked with a combination of stitches to create that lovely, rounded shape.
- Attach Color B: Join Color B with a sl st into any sc from Round 2 of the brown center.
- Round 3 (Petals):
- Petal 1: *Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). In the same stitch where you joined: (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc).
- To create the next petal base: Sk next st, sl st into the following st.
- Rep from * around. You will create 9 petals in total.
- Example of repetition: After finishing your first petal, skip the next sc on the brown round, then sl st into the one after that. Then, Ch 1 and repeat the (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) sequence into that same sl st (which is essentially the next stitch along the brown center). Continue this pattern.
- After your 9th petal, sl st into the very first sc of the first petal to securely close the round. (9 petals)
- Fasten off Color B.
Finishing:
- Weave in all your loose ends securely using your tapestry needle. Pay special attention to the Magic Ring tail to ensure the center remains tightly closed.
- Gently block your sunflower motif if desired, to help the petals lay flat and define their shape.
Video tutorial
Tips for a Brighter Sunflower:
- Tension Consistency: Maintaining even tension, especially with the petal stitches, will make your sunflower petals uniform and beautiful.
- Yarn Choices: While acrylic is great for durability and washability, cotton yarn often gives a slightly crisper stitch definition, which can enhance the petal shape.
- Experiment! Once you’ve mastered this, try experimenting with slightly larger hooks for a looser, softer sunflower, or different color combinations for fun. You could even add a little green stem and leaves!
- Beyond Appliques: These sunflowers are perfect as coasters, garland elements, embellishments for gifts, or even strung together to form a cheerful scarf!
I hope you love making these mini bursts of sunshine as much as I do! They’re quick, satisfying, and bring instant joy.
Happy Crocheting!
