Ready to capture the beauty of a sunflower in crochet form? This detailed pattern will guide you in creating a gorgeous, three-toned sunflower that perfectly mimics its natural inspiration. With a rich brown center, a textured orange ring, and bright yellow petals, this project is as fun to make as it is beautiful.
This pattern is a fantastic way to practice your skills, from working in the round to changing colors and creating shaped stitches. The finished flowers are versatile—they make excellent coasters, charming appliqués for bags or hats, or can be joined to create a stunning floral garland.
Your Essential Materials Checklist
Choosing the right materials is the first step toward a perfect finished piece. For this pattern, a few key choices will ensure your sunflower looks its best.
- Yarn: I highly recommend using worsted-weight (size 4) 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is durable, absorbent, and holds its shape beautifully, which is perfect for coasters and appliqués. You will need three distinct colors:
- Color A: For the center (a dark brown or chocolate color).
- Color B: For the textured inner ring (a bright orange).
- Color C: For the petals (a vibrant yellow).
- Crochet Hook: A 4.0mm (G-6) or 4.5mm (G-7) hook is an excellent choice. Use a hook size that gives you a firm, tight fabric. This is important for keeping the flower sturdy and preventing it from stretching out of shape.
- Essential Tools: You will need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends. Weaving in ends is a crucial step for a clean, professional finish.
Stitches and Techniques
This pattern uses a variety of basic crochet stitches to create the unique shape of the flower. A quick review can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with any of these.
- Magic Ring (mr): The best way to start a project in the round. It creates a tightly closed center with no hole.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and move your yarn without adding height.
- Single Crochet (sc): The most basic stitch, used for a dense, tight fabric.
- Half-Double Crochet (hdc): Taller than a single crochet, shorter than a double crochet.
- Double Crochet (dc): A classic stitch that adds height.
- Treble (Triple) Crochet (tr): The tallest stitch used in this pattern, which creates the point of the petal.
The Pattern
All instructions are written in US crochet terms. The flower is worked in continuous rounds, joining with a slip stitch at the end of each round unless otherwise noted. The beginning chains do not count as a stitch.
Part 1: The Center (Color A)
- Round 1: Start with a magic ring (mr). Or, you can chain 4 and sl st to the first ch to form a ring. Work 12 sc into the ring. Pull the magic ring tight to close the center. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (24 sts)
Fasten off Color A, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
Part 2: The Inner Ring (Color B)
This round is worked by creating stitches around the single crochets from the previous round, giving it a textured look.
- Round 3: Attach Color B to any stitch from Round 2 by pulling up a loop. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
- Work 2 dc into each stitch around.
- Join with a sl st to the first dc. (48 sts)
Fasten off Color B, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
Part 3: The Petals (Color C)
- Round 4: Attach Color C to any stitch from the previous round by pulling up a loop. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch.
- Work 1 sc in the next stitch. Then, create your first petal by working the following stitches all into the next stitch: [hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc].
- Work 1 sc in the next stitch. Then sl st into the next stitch to secure the base of the petal.
- Repeat from * to * around, creating a total of 12 petals. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the round. (12 petals)
Fasten off Color C, leaving a tail long enough to weave in securely.
Video tutorial
Finishing Touches
- Weave in All Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully and securely weave in all your yarn ends. This is the key to a professional-looking finished piece and will prevent your project from unraveling.
- Blocking (Optional but Recommended): To make your sunflower lay perfectly flat and to define the stitches, you can block it. Simply get the flower wet, gently squeeze out the excess water, and lay it flat on a towel. Use your fingers to shape the petals, and then let it air dry completely.
Your cheerful crochet sunflower is now complete! You can make a whole set in different color combinations or sew it onto a finished project for a lovely, handmade touch.
