Lilyrosy Crochet Tung Flower Pattern: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide in US Terms
If you have ever scrolled through a feed of handmade botanical creations and paused at the sight of a delicate, multi-petaled flower that looks almost too beautiful to be yarn, chances are you were looking at a tung flower. The tung blossom is one of nature’s quietest showstoppers — pale, five-petaled, and veined with the faintest blush of pink or red at its center. When the Lilyrosy design style brings that flower into crochet, something magical happens. The result is a dimensional, heirloom-quality motif that works beautifully on its own as a brooch or hair clip, clusters into stunning garland bunting, or sits proudly at the center of a granny-square-inspired wall hanging.
This guide gives you a complete Lilyrosy crochet tung flower pattern written in US terms, along with yarn suggestions, finishing advice, and ideas for using your finished blooms. Whether you are a beginner building confidence or an experienced crocheter looking for a meditative project, this pattern is designed to be clear, enjoyable, and endlessly repeatable.
What Is a Tung Flower?
The tung tree (Vernicia fordii) blooms in spring across subtropical regions of China, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Its flowers are clusters of white blossoms with five rounded petals, each marked by distinctive red or pink veins radiating outward from a yellow center. The blooms carpet roads and hillsides in a way that has made them a beloved symbol of spring beauty in East Asian culture.
Translating those veins, that gentle five-petal shape, and the layered texture of a real tung blossom into crochet is exactly what the Lilyrosy aesthetic does so well. The pattern below uses simple stitches but layers them with intention, creating a flower that has depth, dimension, and that unmistakable botanical quality.
Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather everything you need so you can work without interruption.
Yarn: Worsted weight (size 4) cotton yarn works beautifully for this pattern and gives the petals a crisp, defined shape. You will need a main color (white or cream), an accent color for the veining detail (soft pink, dusty rose, or red), and a small amount of yellow for the center. Lace-weight or fingering-weight yarn also works if you want a more delicate, finer bloom — just adjust your hook size accordingly.
Hook: For worsted weight cotton, a US size E/4 (3.5mm) or F/5 (3.75mm) hook gives firm, well-defined stitches. Go down a hook size if your petals feel loose or floppy.
Other supplies: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and floral wire or a pin back if you plan to wear or display your finished flower.
Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this decorative pattern, but as a general reference, the finished tung flower worked in worsted weight cotton with an E hook will measure approximately 3.5 to 4 inches across from petal tip to petal tip.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
Throughout this pattern, the following standard US crochet abbreviations are used.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
dtr — double treble crochet
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
MR — magic ring (also called magic circle)
sp — space
rep — repeat
st(s) — stitch(es)
yo — yarn over
pm — place marker
Pattern Notes
Read through the entire pattern before you begin. This flower is worked in joined rounds for the base and center, then individual petals are worked outward from the base. The vein detail is added as a final surface embroidery step with a yarn needle, which gives you more control over the look of each flower. You can skip the veining if you prefer a cleaner, simpler style, and the flower will still be lovely.
When joining rounds with a slip stitch, always join to the top of the first stitch of that round unless stated otherwise. Count your stitches at the end of each round before moving on.
The flower is worked in three stages: the center button, the petal layer, and the finishing details.
Part One: The Center Button
The center button is a small, raised disc worked in yellow yarn that gives your tung flower its characteristic golden core. It is worked separately and sewn on at the end, which makes it easier to keep its shape and position exactly where you want it.
With yellow yarn and your hook, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into the magic ring, pull ring closed, join with sl st to first sc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, work 1 sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, rep from to around, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Set this piece aside. If you want a more raised, button-like center, you can stuff it very lightly with a small amount of fiberfill before sewing it down in the final step.
Part Two: The Flower Base and Petals
This section creates the full five-petal structure of the tung flower. The base round anchors the petals, and then each petal is worked individually for maximum shape and dimension.
With white or cream yarn and your hook, make a magic ring.
Round 1 (Base): Ch 1, work 10 sc into the magic ring, pull ring closed, join with sl st to first sc. (10 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (20 sts)
Do not fasten off. You will now work the five petals directly from these 20 stitches. Each petal uses 4 stitches from Round 2, and you will work back and forth (not in the round) for each petal before returning to start the next one.
Petal One
Row 1: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in first st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st. Turn. (4 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1. Work 1 hdc in first st, 1 dc in next st, 1 tr in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in last st. (You are adding 1 stitch on each side to shape the petal width.) Turn. (5 sts)
Row 3: Ch 2. Work 1 dc in first st, 1 tr in next st, 1 dtr in center st, 1 tr in next st, 1 dc in last st, ch 2, sl st into same last dc. (This creates the rounded petal tip.) Fasten off yarn, leaving a short tail to weave in.
Rejoin white yarn to the 5th stitch of Round 2 (the stitch immediately after where Petal One ended).
Petals Two Through Five
Work Petals Two, Three, Four, and Five exactly as Petal One, each time rejoining yarn to the next group of 4 stitches along Round 2. After Petal Five is complete, you will have used all 20 stitches of Round 2.
Once all five petals are worked, weave in all the short tails from rejoining. Your flower base is now complete.
Part Three: The Petal Edging
This step refines the shape of each petal and gives it that beautiful, slightly ruffled tung-blossom edge. You can skip this step if you prefer a simpler look, but it really does elevate the finished flower.
Rejoin white yarn to the base of any petal at the bottom left corner.
Working up the left side of the petal, along the top, and down the right side, work a single row of surface single crochet (insert hook through the edge of the fabric from front to back, pull up a loop, draw through both loops) evenly along the petal edge. When you reach the pointed petal tip, work 3 sc into the tip stitch to turn the corner. Continue down the right side of the petal and end with a sl st at the base.
Repeat this edging on all five petals. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part Four: The Vein Detail
This is the step that transforms a pretty crochet flower into something that genuinely resembles a tung blossom. The veins are worked with your accent color (pink, rose, or red) using a yarn needle and a simple surface embroidery technique called running stitch or stem stitch.
Cut a length of accent yarn about 18 inches long. Thread it onto your yarn needle. Starting at the base center of one petal where it meets the flower center, bring the needle up through the front of the fabric and work a straight stitch running from the base toward the tip of the petal, following the center line of the petal. This creates your main vein.
Next, work two to three shorter diagonal stitches branching off the main vein on each side, angling outward toward the petal edge. These branch veins are what give the tung flower its signature look. Keep them light and even — they should suggest the delicate veining of a real petal, not overpower it.
Repeat on all five petals. The more consistently you work the veins, the more polished the finished flower will look. That said, slight variation from petal to petal actually makes the flower feel more natural and organic.
Part Five: Assembly
Now you will bring all three parts together.
Position your yellow center button in the middle of the flower base, sitting over the point where all five petals originate. Using the long tail you left when fastening off the center button, sew it down firmly using a whip stitch around the outer edge of the button. Make sure to catch both the button and the underlying flower fabric with each stitch so the button sits flat and secure. Pass the tail to the back and weave it in thoroughly.
Give your flower a gentle steam block if needed. Hold a steam iron about an inch above the surface and allow the steam to relax the fibers. Use your fingers to gently coax each petal into a symmetrical shape while the yarn is still warm and pliable. Allow to cool completely before handling.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this Lilyrosy tung flower pattern is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to make it your own.
Color variations: Real tung flowers are white with pink veining, but a fully blush pink flower with deep rose veins is equally stunning. Pale lavender with purple veins has an almost ethereal quality. For autumn décor, try cream with rust or burnt sienna veining against a golden yellow center.
Size variations: Work the same pattern with lace-weight yarn and a steel hook for a miniature version, perfect for earrings or as appliqués on a baby garment. Use bulky yarn and a larger hook for an oversized statement piece.
Layered flowers: For a fuller, more dimensional bloom, work a second, smaller petal layer using only the first two rows of the petal instructions, then layer it on top of the main flower with the smaller petals offset between the larger ones. The result is a double-layered tung blossom with real depth and volume.
Combining with leaves: A simple three-pointed leaf worked in green yarn makes a lovely companion for the tung flower. Arrange two or three leaves behind the flower before attaching any backing, and you have a complete botanical spray.
Ways to Use Your Finished Tung Flowers
A single tung flower is a finished object in itself, but a collection of them opens up a world of project possibilities.
Brooches and hair accessories: Glue or sew a pin back to the underside of the flower for an elegant brooch, or attach a hair clip or elastic for a soft, romantic hair accessory. These make wonderful gifts for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates handmade details.
Garlands and bunting: String finished flowers along a length of twine or ribbon, spacing them with small crocheted leaves, for a botanical garland that looks beautiful draped across a mantle, bookshelf, or window frame. A garland of twelve to fifteen tung flowers in graduating shades of white to blush creates a dreamy spring display.
Appliqués: Tung flowers attach beautifully to tote bags, cardigans, hats, and baby blankets. Sew them on securely with a strong whip stitch through the base of the flower, and reinforce with a small circle of felt on the inside of the fabric if the base fabric is delicate.
Wreaths: Combine ten to twenty tung flowers with leaves and other floral motifs to cover a foam or wire wreath form. The dimensional petals give a crochet wreath a lush, garden-fresh look that looks beautiful year-round.
Framed botanical art: Arrange finished flowers on a piece of linen fabric stretched over an embroidery hoop or canvas, stitch them down, and frame the result. A collection of crochet botanicals displayed as wall art is a striking and personal way to decorate a home.
Tips for Success
A few practical notes that will make your crocheting easier and your finished flowers more beautiful.
Always start with a firm magic ring. A loose center will cause the whole flower to look floppy and uneven. Practice tightening the ring before you work the first round of stitches.
When rejoining yarn for each petal, insert your hook from the front of the work and draw the yarn up through to create your starting loop. This gives a cleaner join than simply tying a knot.
Block every flower, even briefly. Cotton yarn in particular responds beautifully to steam blocking and the difference in finished quality is significant.
Keep your vein embroidery stitches loose rather than pulling them tight. Tight embroidery puckers the petal fabric, while loose, relaxed stitches sit on the surface naturally.
Store finished flowers in a flat layer rather than piling them on top of each other. The petals hold their shape best when they are not compressed.
Final Thoughts
The Lilyrosy crochet tung flower is one of those patterns that rewards patience. Each individual step is accessible, but the finished result has a sophistication and botanical accuracy that makes people stop and look twice. Once you have made your first tung flower and felt how satisfying those layered petals are to work, it is hard to stop at just one.
Whether you are making them as gifts, for your own home, or to sell at a market, these flowers carry a quiet elegance that reflects the real blossom that inspired them. Spring lasts only a few weeks in the tung tree’s world. Your crocheted version can bloom on a bookshelf or a lapel for as long as you like.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every petal.
