How to Crochet Pansies and Violas: A Complete Pattern and Step-by-Step Guide
Few flowers capture the heart quite like pansies and violas. Their velvety petals, cheerful faces, and incredible range of colors have made them garden favorites for centuries. Now imagine bringing that same charm into your crochet work — creating little blooms that never wilt, never need watering, and can decorate everything from hair clips and brooches to blankets, wreaths, and home décor projects. Whether you are a beginner just learning the basics or an experienced crocheter looking for a new floral motif to add to your repertoire, this complete pansy and viola crochet pattern is designed to guide you every step of the way.
In this post, you will find a full written pattern with clear instructions, tips for getting the best results, ideas for how to use your finished flowers, and a helpful breakdown of the differences between crocheting a pansy versus a viola. Grab your hook, pick your favorite colors, and let’s get started.
Understanding the Difference Between a Pansy and a Viola
Before we dive into the pattern itself, it helps to know a little bit about what distinguishes these two flowers visually, because that distinction will guide some of the choices you make in your crochet work.
Pansies are the larger of the two flowers. They typically have five petals arranged with three larger petals on the bottom and two slightly smaller petals on top. The most recognizable feature of a pansy is the dark “face” or “blotch” near the center, which gives the flower its whimsical, almost expressive appearance.
Violas are essentially the smaller cousins of pansies. They share the same five-petal structure and the characteristic face markings, but they are more delicate in scale and often appear in more natural, wilder settings. In crochet terms, you can easily create both by adjusting your hook size, yarn weight, and petal dimensions.
For this pattern, we will walk through instructions for both sizes so you can choose the one that suits your project best.
Materials You Will Need
To make your crochet pansies and violas, gather the following supplies before you begin. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.
For yarn, you will want to choose colors that reflect the flower you are making. Pansies and violas come in purple, lavender, yellow, white, deep burgundy, orange, blue, and bi-color combinations. You will need a main color for the petals, a contrasting color or darker shade for the face markings if you want to add them, and a small amount of yellow or gold for the center.
A size C (2.75mm) or D (3.25mm) crochet hook works beautifully for sport or DK weight yarn when making standard-sized pansies. For violas, dropping down to a B (2.25mm) hook with fingering or sock weight yarn gives you a more delicate result. If you prefer working with worsted weight yarn for a chunkier, more tactile bloom, a size F (3.75mm) or G (4mm) hook will serve you well.
You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a pair of scissors, and some stitch markers to help keep your place as you work. Optional but helpful additions include small pins for blocking your finished flowers, fabric stiffener or liquid starch if you want to hold the petal shapes firm, and a brooch pin, hair clip, or felt backing depending on your intended use.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for the abbreviations you will encounter:
ch means chain. sl st means slip stitch. sc means single crochet. hdc means half double crochet. dc means double crochet. tr means treble crochet. sp means space. yo means yarn over. rep means repeat. st means stitch. MR means magic ring.
Gauge and Sizing
Using DK weight yarn and a D hook, the finished pansy measures approximately 2.5 inches across. Using fingering weight yarn and a B hook, the finished viola measures approximately 1.5 inches across. Gauge is not critical for this project since it is decorative, but keeping your tension consistent will give you neater, more uniform petals.
The Crochet Pansy Pattern
Starting the Center
Begin with your yellow or gold yarn.
Make a magic ring. Chain 1, work 5 single crochets into the magic ring, then join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Pull the tail end to close the ring tightly. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing if needed. You can also leave a longer tail to use later when attaching the center to the petals.
This small yellow circle forms the heart of your pansy. Set it aside while you work the petals.
Working the Bottom Three Petals
Join your main petal color to a new magic ring, or start with a foundation chain of 4 and join to form a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1, work 10 single crochets into the ring, join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. You will now have 10 stitches in your ring.
Round 2 (First bottom petal): Chain 3, work 2 double crochets in the same stitch, work 3 double crochets in each of the next 2 stitches, then slip stitch into the next stitch to close the petal. You should have a rounded, full petal shape.
Second bottom petal: Slip stitch into the next stitch, then repeat the petal instructions from Round 2 exactly as written. Join with a slip stitch.
Third bottom petal: Slip stitch into the next stitch and repeat once more. Join with a slip stitch.
You now have three rounded bottom petals sitting side by side. These are the larger, more prominent petals that form the base of the pansy’s face.
Working the Top Two Petals
The top petals of a pansy are slightly smaller and sit above and behind the bottom three. To achieve this shape, you will work into the remaining stitches of your foundation ring.
With your hook still in the ring or rejoining to the remaining stitches:
First top petal: Slip stitch into the next available stitch. Chain 2, work 1 hdc, 2 dc, 1 hdc into the same stitch, then slip stitch to close. This creates a slightly smaller, more upright petal.
Second top petal: Slip stitch to the next stitch and repeat the first top petal instructions.
You should now have all five petals completed. Gently flatten the flower with your fingers and position the two top petals so they sit slightly above and overlap the edges of the bottom three. The natural structure of the ring and the stitch height difference should help them fall into place.
Finishing the Pansy
Attach the yellow center by sewing it onto the middle of the flower using your yarn needle and the tail you left earlier. Secure it well by sewing through both the center circle and the base of the petals, then weave in all ends.
If you want to add face markings, thread a length of dark purple, dark brown, or black yarn onto your needle and use small straight stitches or backstitches to create the lines that radiate from the center toward the bottom three petals. These markings are what give pansies their iconic expressive look and are completely optional, but they add an incredible amount of realism and charm to the finished flower.
The Crochet Viola Pattern
The viola follows the same basic structure as the pansy but uses smaller stitches and simpler shaping for a more delicate result.
Viola Center
Work a magic ring with yellow yarn. Chain 1, work 4 single crochets into the ring, join with a slip stitch. Pull closed. Fasten off and set aside.
Viola Petals
Join your main petal color to a magic ring.
Round 1: Chain 1, work 8 single crochets into the ring. Join with a slip stitch.
Round 2 (Three bottom petals): Chain 2, work 1 hdc and 2 dc in the same stitch, then 1 hdc in the next stitch, slip stitch to close the petal. Repeat this for a second and third petal, using one stitch each.
Round 2 continued (Two top petals): Slip stitch to the next stitch. Chain 1, work 1 sc and 1 hdc in the same stitch, slip stitch to close. Repeat for the second top petal.
Attach the center and add face markings as described in the pansy pattern, scaling everything down proportionally.
Your finished viola will be noticeably smaller and more compact than the pansy, with petals that have a slightly more pointed tip rather than the fully rounded shape of the larger flower.
Tips for Better Results
One of the most common challenges when crocheting flowers is keeping the petals even and preventing them from curling. Here are a few tips that will make a noticeable difference in the quality of your finished blooms.
Work your stitches consistently and do not pull your yarn too tightly. Tension that is too tight will cause the petals to bunch up and lose their shape. If you find your petals are curling inward, try going up one hook size.
Blocking your flowers makes an enormous difference. After finishing, lightly mist each flower with water or dip it quickly in a solution of fabric stiffener and water. Pin each petal open on a foam blocking board and allow the flower to dry completely before removing the pins. This sets the shape beautifully and gives your pansy or viola a professional, polished look.
Use high quality, smooth yarn for your petals rather than fuzzy or textured yarn. The stitch definition that comes from smooth yarn allows the petal shapes to read clearly and makes your face markings stand out. Fuzzy yarns work wonderfully for leaves and greenery but can obscure the delicate detail work of the flower itself.
If you are making a large batch of flowers for a wreath, garland, or bouquet, try to keep your starting chains and foundation rounds the same size each time. Slight inconsistencies are totally normal and even charming in handmade work, but having a consistent foundation will help your flowers look cohesive when displayed together.
Making Leaves to Accompany Your Flowers
No pansy or viola is complete without a little greenery to set it off. Here is a simple leaf pattern to work alongside your flowers.
With green yarn, chain 10.
Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from hook, then hdc in the next chain, dc in each of the next 5 chains, hdc in the next chain, then work 3 sc in the last chain. Do not turn. Instead, continue working back along the other side of the foundation chain: hdc in the next stitch, dc in each of the next 5 stitches, hdc in the next stitch, single crochet in the last stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the beginning stitch.
Fasten off and weave in ends. The leaf will have a naturally oval shape with a slight point at the tip. Make two or three per flower for a lush, full arrangement.
Creative Ways to Use Your Crochet Pansies and Violas
The beauty of these small floral motifs is their incredible versatility. Once you have made a handful of them, you will find yourself reaching for new ways to incorporate them into your projects.
Attach a brooch pin to the back of a single pansy for a sweet accessory that works on jackets, scarves, hats, and bags. Stitch a small cluster of violas onto a simple headband or glue them to a hair clip for a beautiful hair accessory that kids and adults alike will love. They also make stunning additions to crochet gift wrap, replacing a traditional bow with a handmade floral accent that the recipient can keep long after the gift is opened.
For home décor, arrange a collection of pansies and violas on a wire wreath form along with crochet leaves to create a stunning spring or summer wreath that will last for years. Sew individual flowers onto a plain throw pillow to give it a cottage garden look, or attach them as embellishments to the corners of a granny square blanket for a whimsical finishing touch.
If you enjoy making amigurumi or stuffed animals, these flowers make wonderful additions to garden-themed sets. A small crocheted rabbit or butterfly paired with a handful of violas creates an irresistible, giftable arrangement.
For those who sell their handmade work, pansy and viola brooches, hair accessories, and small framed floral arrangements are consistently popular at craft markets and online shops. Their small size means you can make a significant inventory in a relatively short amount of time, and the range of color combinations ensures there is something to suit every taste.
Customizing Your Color Palette
One of the most enjoyable parts of this project is choosing your color combinations. Traditional pansy colors include deep purple with a yellow center, yellow with dark brown markings, white with purple edges, and bi-color combinations like yellow and purple or white and blue. Violas often appear in soft lavender, white, deep violet, and pale yellow.
Do not be afraid to venture into non-traditional territory. Peach and coral pansies are absolutely stunning. Deep burgundy with a gold center feels rich and autumnal. Ombre effects achieved by gradually changing yarn colors within the petals of a single flower can produce a breathtaking result.
If you are making flowers for a specific occasion or to coordinate with a room’s color scheme, simply translate those colors into yarn. The simple construction of this pattern makes it easy to experiment without wasting much yarn, so try a few different combinations before settling on the palette for a larger project.
Storing and Caring for Your Finished Flowers
Crochet flowers made from yarn are durable and long-lasting when handled with a little care. Store your finished flowers flat or lightly stuffed in a small box to prevent the petals from being crushed. If you have stiffened them, they are even more resilient and can be stored upright.
To clean your flowers, a gentle hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild soap works well for most yarn types. Avoid wringing or twisting the petals; instead, press the water out gently and lay the flower flat to dry. Re-pin and block again after washing if the shape has shifted slightly.
A Final Note on Enjoying the Process
Crocheting flowers like pansies and violas is one of those projects that offers immediate, visible rewards. Each little bloom takes only a short time to complete, and that sense of finishing something beautiful in a single sitting is wonderfully satisfying. Whether you are making one to adorn a handmade card or fifty to fill a decorative bowl, the process stays enjoyable from start to finish.
Take your time with the face markings if you choose to add them. Those few small stitches are what transform a pretty petal circle into something that genuinely looks like a pansy, and they are worth the extra few minutes of careful work. Experiment with your hook sizes and yarn weights. Push the pattern in new directions and make it your own.
The world of crochet florals is a big and beautiful one, and pansies and violas are among the most rewarding flowers you can choose to recreate with yarn and hook. Happy crocheting, and may your basket always bloom.
