Crochet Sunflower Applique Free Pattern
Introduction
This crochet sunflower applique is the perfect little project for anyone who is new to crochet or simply wants a quick, satisfying make. Worked in a flat spiral of single crochet, the dark brown center grows into a neat circle before a ring of golden-yellow petals is added all the way around. At about 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, it is small enough to finish in one sitting yet detailed enough to look lovely. Sew it onto a tote bag, a sun hat, a denim jacket, or a gift tag to add a cheerful handmade touch. The finished motif is flat and lightweight, with a smooth center and fifteen pointed petals that sit side by side with no gaps.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 10 yards of dark brown and 15 yards of golden yellow
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional, for marking the start of the spiral)
- Finished size: Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter
Abbreviations
- MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start a circle with no hole in the middle
- sc — single crochet
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch
- dc — double crochet
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- st / sts — stitch / stitches
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this applique; the finished motif measures about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. To check, work the brown center and measure across — it should be roughly 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) wide before you add the petals.
Tips Before You Start
- Work the brown center in a continuous spiral without joining rounds, so there is no visible seam. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round if you tend to lose your place.
- Keep your tension even but not tight — the petals need to sit flat, and a very tight edge will make them curl.
- Count your 30 edge stitches before starting the petals so you can place one petal in every other stitch and end with exactly 15.
- Leave a 6-inch tail of brown and yellow yarn when you fasten off; these tails are handy for sewing the motif onto your project later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Center (Brown)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts). Pull the ring closed.
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Do not fasten off. Change to yellow by pulling the yellow yarn through the loop on your hook.
Petals (Yellow)
Work the petals into the 30 edge stitches of the brown center, placing one petal in every other stitch. Each petal uses one stitch, and the slip stitch into the next stitch moves you along the edge.
Petal (worked 15 times): ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, ch 3, sl st in the same st, sl st in the next st (15 petals).
After the fifteenth petal, sl st into the first stitch of the round to close the ring. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Assembly and Finishing
This motif is a single flat piece, so there is no seaming or stuffing. Weave in the brown and yellow ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, running each tail through a few stitches before trimming. To block, mist the sunflower lightly with water, pin the petals flat on a towel or blocking mat, and let it dry completely — this helps the petals lie smooth and even. To attach the applique to a bag or hat, use the leftover tails or matching sewing thread and small, neat stitches around the base of the petals, catching only the brown center so the stitching stays hidden.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a small bouquet: work the same motif in different yellows, or swap the brown center for a lighter tan for a softer look.
- Use a 4.0 mm (G-6) hook and sport weight yarn for a daintier 2-inch version, or a 6.0 mm (J-10) hook for a larger statement flower.
- Add a second round of petals in a deeper gold, worked into the same edge stitches between the first petals, for a fuller, layered sunflower.
