Bring a burst of sunshine into your home or projects with this cheerful crocheted sunflower! Inspired by a clear and detailed tutorial, this pattern guides you through creating the iconic brown center, the vibrant yellow inner ring, and the beautiful petals that make a sunflower so captivating. It’s a surprisingly easy project perfect for beginners and a delightful way to add a touch of nature to your creations.
Skill Level: Easy
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Diameter: Approximately 4 – 5 inches (10 – 12.5 cm)
- Size can vary based on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Small amounts of DK weight (Light Worsted / 8 ply) yarn in three colors:
- Color A (Center): Brown
- Color B (Inner Ring): Yellow (a slightly darker or more golden yellow)
- Color C (Petals): Bright Yellow
- Any smooth acrylic or cotton yarn will work beautifully.
- Crochet Hook: E/4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain a firm fabric.
- A slightly smaller hook than recommended for your yarn weight will help the flower hold its shape better.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors
Gauge (Not Critical, but Aim for a Firm Fabric!):
Since this is a decorative item, exact gauge isn’t crucial. However, aim for a fabric that is firm and without large gaps to ensure your sunflower holds its shape nicely. If your stitches are too loose, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet (yarn over twice, insert hook, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through last 2 loops)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring
- FO: Fasten off
- BLO: Back Loop Only
Let’s Crochet Your Sunny Sunflower!
This sunflower is worked in rounds, starting with the brown center, then adding the yellow inner ring, and finally crocheting the petals.
Part 1: The Brown Center (Color A)
Start with Color A (Brown).
Rnd 1: Create a Magic Ring (MR). Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 12 hdc into the MR. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (12 hdc)
- Pull the MR tight to close. This forms the very center of your sunflower.
Rnd 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). 2 hdc in each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (24 hdc)
Rnd 3: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). 1 hdc in first hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first hdc. (36 hdc)
FO Color A. Weave in ends.
Part 2: The Yellow Inner Ring (Color B)
Now, switch to Color B (Yellow – slightly darker/golden).
Rnd 4: Attach Color B with a sl st to any hdc in Rnd 3, working into the Back Loop Only (BLO). Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in BLO of each hdc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (36 sc)
- Working in BLO creates a ridge on the front of the sunflower, which helps define the center.
FO Color B. Weave in ends.
Part 3: The Petals (Color C)
Now, switch to Color C (Bright Yellow) to create the sunflower’s iconic petals. We will work into the Front Loops Only (FLO) of Rnd 3 (the loops you left unworked when doing Rnd 4).
Rnd 5 (Petals): Attach Color C with a sl st to any unworked FLO of Rnd 3.
- To create each petal:
- Ch 1.
- [1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 tr, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc] all into the same FLO.
- Sl st into the next FLO.
- This completes one petal.
Repeat the petal sequence (ch 1, work petal stitches into next FLO, sl st into next FLO) around the entire flower. You will create 18 petals.
- The sl st between petals helps define each one and keeps them separate.
After completing the last petal, sl st into the base of the first petal to secure.
FO Color C, leaving a tail for weaving in.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to neatly weave in any remaining loose yarn tails. This is crucial for a tidy finish.
- Shape: Gently shape your sunflower, pushing the petals outwards to make them full and symmetrical.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Crocheted Sunflower:
- Appliqué: Sew onto blankets, hats, scarves, headbands, bags, or clothing.
- Home Decor: Attach to baskets, cushions, curtains, or use as part of a garland.
- Gift Embellishment: Tie onto gifts instead of a traditional bow.
- Hair Accessories: Glue or sew onto hair clips or elastic hair ties.
- Magnets: Glue a small magnet to the back for a cheerful refrigerator decoration.
- Coasters: Make a sturdier version with thicker yarn and use it as a coaster.
Customization & Tips:
- Size Adjustment:
- Larger Sunflower: Use a thicker yarn (e.g., worsted weight) and a larger hook (e.g., H/5.0 mm). You can also add more rounds to the brown center (e.g., Rnd 4: 1 hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc). Adjust the number of stitches in the petals accordingly (e.g., adding more dc/tr stitches to each petal, or adding more petals if you increased the center stitches).
- Smaller Sunflower: Use a finer yarn (e.g., fingering or lace weight) and a smaller hook (e.g., 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm). Reduce the initial hdc count in Rnd 1 (e.g., 10 hdc) and adjust petal stitches (e.g., ch 1, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, sl st).
- Petal Fullness: Experiment with different stitch combinations within the petals for varied textures and shapes. For example, use more tr stitches for taller petals.
- Color Variations: While classic sunflowers are yellow, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of yellow or even orange for the petals!
Enjoy creating these bright and beautiful crocheted sunflowers! They’re a fantastic way to add a touch of handmade cheer to anything.
