Spring Crochet Daffodil Flower: Free Crochet Pattern
There is something deeply satisfying about making flowers with yarn. They never wilt, they never need water, and they carry with them all the warmth and effort of your hands. Daffodils in particular feel like the very essence of spring — bright, cheerful, and unmistakably hopeful after a long winter. This free crochet daffodil flower pattern is designed to bring that same sunshine into your projects, whether you are decorating a hat, embellishing a bag, crafting a wreath, or simply making a little bouquet to brighten up a windowsill.
This pattern is beginner-friendly, uses basic stitches you likely already know, and works up quickly enough that you can make a whole bunch in a single afternoon. Each daffodil has two layers of petals and a distinctive ruffled trumpet center — the signature feature that makes a daffodil instantly recognizable. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to get started.
Why Crochet Daffodils?
Before we get into the pattern itself, let’s take a moment to appreciate why crochet daffodils deserve a place in your project rotation.
First, they are incredibly versatile. A single crocheted daffodil can be sewn onto a spring cardigan, used as a hair clip embellishment, added to a wreath form with other crocheted flowers, displayed in a vase with wire stems, or given as a handmade gift. They are small enough to work up without a huge investment of time or materials, but detailed enough to look genuinely impressive.
Second, they are a fantastic stitch practice project. This pattern uses slip stitches, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet — which means you get a satisfying workout across the fundamental stitches of crochet in one small, manageable project.
Third, crochet daffodils are just plain joyful. Making them feels good. There is something wonderful about working in yellow and white yarn and watching a recognizable flower take shape in your hands. If you have ever wanted to brighten your mood on a gray day, casting on a crochet daffodil is a great place to start.
Materials You Will Need
One of the best things about this pattern is that it uses very little yarn, which makes it a wonderful stash-buster. Here is what you will need to gather before you begin.
Yarn: You will need a small amount of worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in the following colors: yellow for the petals and trumpet, and white or cream if you want to make a classic white daffodil variety. You could also experiment with orange for the trumpet center, which mimics the beautiful bi-color daffodils you often see in garden centers. Cotton yarn works beautifully for this pattern because it holds its shape well and gives the petals a crisp, defined look, but any smooth worsted weight yarn will do.
Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook works well with standard worsted weight yarn. If you are using a lighter yarn, size down accordingly. The tension does not need to be tight — a slightly looser gauge actually helps the petals fan out naturally.
Other supplies: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and attaching layers, scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), and a small amount of polyfill or stuffing if you want to give the trumpet a bit of dimension. If you plan to make a bouquet or floral arrangement, you will also want green floral wire and green floral tape to create stems.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge is not critical for this decorative project, but as a general guide, the finished daffodil should measure approximately 3.5 to 4 inches across the outer petals and about 1 inch tall at the trumpet center when made with worsted weight yarn on a 4.0mm hook.
If you want larger daffodils — say, for a wall hanging or a large wreath — simply use a bulkier yarn and a correspondingly larger hook. For smaller, more delicate daffodils such as those you might use on hair accessories or children’s clothing, drop down to a DK or sport weight yarn with a 3.25mm or 3.5mm hook.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference guide to the abbreviations you will encounter.
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, sp = space, st = stitch, rep = repeat, rnd = round, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.
The Free Crochet Daffodil Pattern
This daffodil is made in three separate parts: the back petal layer, the front petal layer, and the trumpet. Each piece is worked individually and then assembled at the end using a yarn needle. This construction method gives the flower its realistic layered appearance.
Part One: Back Petal Layer (Make in Yellow or White)
The back petal layer forms the foundation of the flower. It has six petals that radiate outward and sit flat or at a gentle upward angle behind the front petals.
Foundation ring: Make a magic ring, or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Round 3 — Petal Round: You will now create six petals, each made separately across four stitches. Work as follows for each petal:
Single petal: (Ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next st, 3 dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next st) — this completes one petal. Repeat this sequence five more times to complete all six petals.
At the end of this round, you should have six rounded petals arranged in a circle. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in the starting end but leave the long finishing tail.
Part Two: Front Petal Layer (Make in Yellow or White)
The front petal layer sits on top of the back layer and is slightly smaller, with petals that are a little more pointed and upright. This creates the beautiful layered look of a real daffodil bloom.
Foundation ring: Make a magic ring, or ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sc)
Round 2 — Petal Round: You will now create six narrower petals. Work as follows for each petal:
Single pointed petal: (Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 1, tr in next st, ch 1, dc in next st, sl st in next st) — this completes one pointed petal. Repeat five more times for all six petals.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in the starting end.
Part Three: The Trumpet (Make in Yellow or Orange)
The trumpet is the most iconic part of the daffodil — that ruffled, cup-shaped center that makes the flower so distinctive. It is worked in the round and shaped with increases to create the flared, ruffled edge.
Foundation ring: Make a magic ring, or ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), work 11 hdc into ring, join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch-2. (24 hdc)
Round 3 — Ruffle Round: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st, 3 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (72 dc)
The ruffle round creates a dramatic, wavy edge that mimics the ruffled trumpet of a real daffodil. If you want a tighter ruffle, work 2 dc in each stitch instead of 3 — this gives a gentler wave that looks elegant on smaller versions of the flower.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembling Your Crochet Daffodil
Assembly is where the magic happens. Take your time with this step — the way you align and attach the layers will significantly affect the finished look of your flower.
Begin by placing the back petal layer on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Take the front petal layer and rotate it so that the front petals are offset from the back petals — meaning each front petal falls in the space between two back petals. This staggered arrangement is what gives crocheted flowers their natural, full appearance. Pin or hold the two layers together while you sew them in place using your yarn needle and the long tail you left on the front petal layer. Work a few stitches through the center of both layers to secure them, pulling gently so the layers sit snugly together without puckering.
Next, take your trumpet piece and fold it gently into a cup shape. The ruffle edge should flare outward naturally. Place the flat base of the trumpet right at the center of your layered petals. Using the long tail from the trumpet, sew the base of the trumpet to the center of the flower, working all the way around the base until it is firmly attached. Pull the yarn through to the back and weave in the end securely.
Finally, weave in any remaining yarn ends on the back of the flower. If you plan to attach the daffodil to a project, leave one of the back petal tails long enough to sew it in place. If you want it as a standalone flower or to add to a stem, you can weave in all ends completely.
How to Add a Stem
For a truly lovely spring arrangement, adding green wire stems transforms these little crochet daffodils into a full bouquet. Cut a length of 18-gauge green floral wire to your desired stem length. Bend one end into a small loop or hook. Thread this hooked end through the center back of the flower and squeeze the hook flat with needle-nose pliers so it sits snugly against the back of the flower.
Wrap the entire stem with green floral tape, starting just below the flower head and working in a spiral motion down to the bottom of the wire. Floral tape is self-adhesive when stretched, so pull it firmly as you wrap. You can also crochet simple leaves to add to the stem — a basic leaf shape worked in green yarn and slip-stitched onto the stem at any point gives the arrangement a wonderfully realistic look.
Color Ideas and Variations
The classic daffodil colorway is all yellow, but there are so many beautiful variations to explore once you have the basic pattern down.
White petals with a yellow trumpet is perhaps the most elegant variation, mimicking the Paper White or Ice Follies varieties found in gardens. White petals with an orange trumpet creates a striking, vibrant look. Pale cream petals with a peach or apricot trumpet are incredibly soft and romantic — perfect for spring wedding decorations or baby shower gifts. For a more whimsical, non-realistic approach, try making your daffodils in unexpected colors like lavender, coral, or even variegated yarn that shifts through multiple spring tones.
You can also vary the size of the trumpet relative to the petals. A taller trumpet with more rounds worked before the ruffle creates a daffodil that looks more three-dimensional and sculptural. A shorter trumpet with just one round before the ruffle creates something flatter and more stylized — perfect for appliqué work on fabric or crochet garments.
Project Ideas Using Crochet Daffodils
Once you start making these, it is genuinely hard to stop. Here are some ideas for how to use your finished flowers.
A spring wreath is one of the most popular uses. Use a wire wreath form or a foam wreath base and attach a mix of crochet daffodils, crochet leaves, and other small crocheted or fabric flowers for a beautiful front door decoration that will last for years. Secure each flower with hot glue or by threading the yarn tails through the wreath base.
A crochet flower bouquet makes a heartfelt and lasting gift. Arrange several daffodils of different sizes on wire stems, add some crocheted greenery, and tie the stems together with a ribbon. Unlike real flowers, this bouquet will look beautiful forever.
Embellishing wearables is another wonderful option. Sew a single daffodil onto a knit or crochet hat for a touch of spring. Add one to a crocheted bag or tote. Attach a pin back to make a floral brooch. Glue one onto a hair clip or headband for a charming accessory.
Jar toppers and gift wrapping are simple but delightful ideas — place a crochet daffodil on top of a mason jar lid as a decorative topper, or use one in place of a bow when wrapping a spring gift.
Tips for Best Results
Work your magic ring tightly so the center of the flower does not have a hole in it. If you are not comfortable with magic rings, the chain-4 method works just as well — just pull the starting tail tight after your first round to close up the center.
Block your finished pieces before assembling if you want the petals to lie particularly flat and neat. Wet blocking works well for cotton yarn. Simply dampen the pieces, pin them into shape on a blocking mat, and allow them to dry completely before assembly.
Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds, especially in the center circle sections where it can be easy to lose count.
When sewing the layers together, do not pull too tightly. A few secure but gentle stitches through the center is all you need. Over-tightening can cause the flower to bunch up or warp.
If your trumpet ruffle is flopping outward too much and not holding a cup shape, try working a round of sc around the base of the trumpet before the ruffle round. This tightens the base and helps the cup hold its shape more firmly.
Sharing Your Makes
Once you have finished your crochet daffodils, share them! The crafting community on Instagram, Pinterest, and Ravelry is wonderfully enthusiastic about spring flowers, and your version of this pattern might inspire someone else to pick up their hook for the first time. If you share your makes online, tag your posts so other crafters can find and save your version for inspiration.
Handmade flowers are one of those craft projects that genuinely delight people — both the makers and the recipients. There is something universal about the symbolism of a flower made with care and given freely, and a crocheted daffodil carries all of that warmth in a form that will never fade.
Happy crocheting, and may your spring be as bright and cheerful as a field full of daffodils.
