Easy Small Daisy Crochet Flower Tutorial 🌼 | Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Pattern
There is something undeniably charming about a small crocheted daisy. Whether you tuck one onto a hair clip, sew it onto a tote bag, glue it to a greeting card, or string a dozen together into a garland, this classic little flower punches well above its weight in terms of impact. The good news is that it is also one of the most approachable projects you can pick up as a beginner. With just a hook, a small amount of yarn, and a few basic stitches, you can have a finished daisy in your hands within fifteen minutes.
This tutorial walks you through every single step from start to finish. We will cover the materials you need, the abbreviations and stitches used, a detailed row-by-row pattern, tips for getting clean results, ideas for customizing your daisy, and a whole host of ways to put your finished flowers to use. Even if you have only ever made a chain stitch, you will be able to follow along and end up with something you are genuinely proud of.
Why the Small Crochet Daisy Is the Perfect Beginner Project
Before we get into the pattern itself, it is worth understanding why so many crochet teachers recommend the small daisy flower as a first project beyond simple swatches and scarves.
First, it is small. The entire project uses only a few yards of yarn, which means mistakes are low-stakes and starting over costs you nothing but a minute of your time. Second, it relies almost entirely on two or three foundational stitches — the chain stitch, the slip stitch, and the single crochet — along with one slightly more exciting stitch, the double crochet, which you will pick up very quickly once you try it a couple of times. Third, because the flower is worked in the round from a central magic ring (or a foundation chain ring, if you prefer), you get a feel for circular crochet very early in your learning journey, and that skill opens the door to an enormous range of future projects including granny squares, baskets, hats, and amigurumi.
Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the results look impressive. Giving someone a handmade crocheted daisy feels special. When you hold up your finished flower and realize you made something recognizable and beautiful in under twenty minutes, it builds the kind of confidence that keeps you picking up your hook day after day.
Materials You Will Need
You do not need much to get started. Here is a complete list of what to gather before you sit down to crochet.
Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn (size 4) works beautifully for a small daisy that measures roughly two to three inches across. You will need a main color for the petals — traditionally white or cream — and a contrasting color for the center — typically yellow or golden. You only need a small amount of each, so this is a wonderful way to use up leftover yarn from other projects.
If you want a smaller, more delicate daisy, you can use sport weight or fingering weight yarn with a correspondingly smaller hook. If you want a chunkier, more textured flower, try bulky yarn with a larger hook. The principles remain the same regardless of yarn weight.
Hook: A size 5mm (H/8) crochet hook pairs well with worsted weight yarn and gives you a firm, well-defined fabric. Go up to 5.5mm or 6mm if your tension tends to run tight.
Scissors: A small pair of sharp scissors for cutting your yarn ends cleanly.
Yarn needle: Also called a tapestry needle or darning needle. You will use this to weave in your yarn ends neatly at the end of the project.
Stitch marker (optional): A locking stitch marker or even a small piece of scrap yarn in a contrasting color is helpful for keeping track of the beginning of your rounds. It is not strictly necessary for this small project, but it is a good habit to develop.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
If you are new to reading crochet patterns, the following abbreviations are standard in US crochet terminology.
ch — chain stitch
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
MR — magic ring (also called magic circle)
st — stitch
rep — repeat
sp — space
yo — yarn over
All stitches in this pattern use US crochet terminology. If you are accustomed to UK terminology, please note that a US single crochet equals a UK double crochet, and a US double crochet equals a UK treble crochet.
Understanding the Magic Ring
The magic ring is the cleanest way to start any circular crochet project because it lets you close the center hole completely, giving your daisy a tight, tidy center.
To make a magic ring, wrap the yarn around two fingers (index and middle) so the tail end is behind your fingers and the working yarn is in front. Slide the loop off your fingers carefully, holding the crossing point between your thumb and forefinger. Insert your hook through the center of the loop, yarn over with the working yarn, and pull up a loop. Chain one (this does not count as a stitch). You now have a magic ring ready to work into. After you complete your first round, pull the yarn tail to close the ring, then weave in the tail end securely.
If the magic ring feels tricky at first, you can substitute it with a simple foundation ring: chain four, then join to the first chain with a slip stitch to form a small ring. Work your stitches into the center of this ring. The only difference is that you will have a tiny hole in the center of your finished flower, which is barely noticeable and perfectly acceptable.
The Easy Small Daisy Crochet Flower Pattern
Finished size: Approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter with worsted weight yarn and a 5mm hook.
Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project since you are making a decorative element rather than a garment.
Colors: Color A is the petal color (white or cream), Color B is the center color (yellow or golden).
Round 1 — The Center
Using Color B, make a magic ring.
Work 6 single crochet stitches into the magic ring. Pull the yarn tail to close the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet to close the round. You now have a small circle of 6 single crochet stitches.
If you want a slightly fuller center, you can work 8 single crochet stitches into the ring instead. Both versions look lovely.
Fasten off Color B, leaving a short tail of about 6 inches for weaving in. Do not cut it too close — you want enough length to thread onto your needle and weave in securely.
Round 2 — The Petals
Join Color A with a slip stitch to any stitch in Round 1.
Now you will create each petal individually. Each petal is worked using a ch-dc sequence that forms a beautiful elongated teardrop shape. Follow these steps:
Chain 5. Work 4 double crochet stitches into the SAME stitch at the base of your chain. This creates a fan shape that forms one petal. Slip stitch back into the same base stitch to anchor the petal and give it a clean edge.
Slip stitch into the next stitch of Round 1 to move to the starting position for your next petal.
Repeat this sequence — ch 5, 4 dc into same stitch, sl st into same stitch, sl st into next Round 1 stitch — five more times until you have worked one petal into each of the 6 stitches of Round 1.
After your sixth petal, join with a slip stitch to the base of your first petal. Fasten off Color A, leaving a tail for weaving in.
You should now have 6 neat, evenly spaced petals radiating outward from your yellow center, just like a real daisy.
Finishing
Thread your yarn needle with the Color B tail and weave it through the stitches on the wrong side of the flower, going in different directions to secure it well. Trim the excess. Repeat with the Color A tail.
Turn your flower over and look at the back. Use your fingers to gently shape each petal, fanning them out evenly if needed. A light press with a warm iron through a damp cloth (called blocking) will help the petals lie completely flat if they have any curl to them, though many crocheters skip this step for small decorative flowers.
Your daisy is finished.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Even simple patterns come with little nuances that can make the difference between a flower that looks a bit uneven and one that looks polished and professional. Here are the most useful things to keep in mind as you work through this pattern.
Tension is everything. Try to keep your tension consistent throughout. If your stitches are very tight, your petals may curl forward or refuse to lie flat. If your tension is very loose, the stitches may look sloppy and the center ring might not close properly. If you are unsatisfied with your first flower, simply unravel it, adjust your grip and tension, and start again. It truly does get more natural within a few repetitions.
Count your stitches. In Round 1, count your single crochets before you close the round. You should have exactly 6 (or 8 if you chose the larger center). In Round 2, count your petals before fastening off. You should have exactly 6 petals, one per stitch of Round 1. Miscounting is the most common reason a flower ends up looking off.
Treat the magic ring gently. After pulling it closed, give it a little extra security by threading the tail through the center hole once more before weaving it in. This prevents the center from loosening over time, especially if your flower will be attached to something that gets regular handling.
Work in a good light. This sounds basic, but crocheting with white or cream yarn in dim light makes it much harder to see your stitches clearly, especially when you are new to the craft. Natural daylight or a dedicated craft lamp makes a noticeable difference.
Practice the double crochet separately if needed. If the dc stitch is unfamiliar, take five minutes to practice it on a simple chain before starting the flower. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over again, pull through two loops, yarn over once more, pull through the remaining two loops. Once that sequence clicks in your muscle memory, the petals will come together smoothly and quickly.
Variations and Customizations
One of the most joyful things about crochet is how easily patterns become a jumping-off point rather than a fixed destination. Here are some ways to put your own spin on this basic daisy.
Add more petals. If you want a fuller flower that resembles a Shasta daisy or a chrysanthemum, work into a Round 1 of 8 or 10 stitches. Each additional stitch gives you one more petal, and the overall flower grows just slightly in size.
Make longer petals. Instead of chaining 5 at the start of each petal, try chaining 7 or 8 and working 5 or 6 double crochet stitches into the base. This creates willowy, romantic petals that have an almost wild-flower quality.
Try a second petal layer. After completing Round 2, do not fasten off. Instead, slip stitch down to the back of the flower and work a second set of petals in the spaces between the first petals, positioning the new petals so they peek out from behind. Use the same color for a lush, layered look, or switch to a different shade for a two-tone effect.
Experiment with color. Daisies do not have to be white and yellow. Think lavender petals with a deep plum center for a garden-inspired look, pale pink with coral for something romantic and vintage, or bold graphic colors like cobalt and orange for a retro feel. Crochet in any color combination that makes you happy.
Add a button center. Rather than working Round 1 in a contrast color, skip it entirely and simply work Round 2 into a button with large holes. The result is a quicker flower with a charming mix of materials.
Use embroidery thread. Working this same pattern in six-strand embroidery floss with a steel hook (size 1.6mm to 2mm) produces a tiny, intricate daisy perfect for earrings, pendants, or fine embellishments on clothing.
What to Do With Your Finished Daisies
Now that you have your daisy, you might find yourself wanting to make ten more — and once you have a small collection, the possibilities for using them are genuinely delightful.
Hair accessories: Hot-glue or sew a finished daisy onto a plain hair clip, barrette, or headband. Add a small felt circle to the back to hide any attachment hardware for a clean, professional finish.
Brooches: Attach a pin back (available at any craft store) to the reverse of a daisy for an instant, charming brooch. Make several and wear them together as a cluster.
Bag embellishments: Sew a single daisy or a cluster of three onto a tote bag, a backpack pocket, or a clutch purse. A few stitches through the center and the petal bases are all it takes.
Bookmarks: Attach a daisy to the end of a ribbon or a length of crocheted chain for a sweet handmade bookmark. This makes a lovely small gift for book lovers.
Greeting cards and gift tags: Glue a daisy onto a blank card or a kraft paper gift tag for a three-dimensional handmade touch that recipients almost always keep long after the card’s message has been read.
Garlands and bunting: Make a large number of daisies and sew or tie them onto a length of twine or ribbon for a cheerful wall garland. These look beautiful above a crib, along a mantel, or decorating a table at a garden party.
Scrapbooking and journal decoration: A flat-blocked daisy adds beautiful texture to a scrapbook page or the cover of a bullet journal.
Appliqués on clothing: Sew daisies onto the collar of a denim jacket, the hem of a skirt, the brim of a sun hat, or the front pocket of a pair of jeans for a personalized, handcrafted detail.
Keychains: Thread a daisy onto a keyring directly or attach it with a short length of crocheted chain. Pair it with a small pom-pom for extra charm.
Making Multiple Daisies Efficiently
If you are planning to make a large number of daisies — for a garland, a blanket embellishment, or gifts — there are a few strategies that make the process feel effortless rather than repetitive.
Work in assembly-line style: crochet all your Round 1 centers in Color B first, then switch to Color A and work all the petals in one session. This reduces the number of times you are joining new yarn and managing color changes, which speeds things up considerably.
Keep a small project bag dedicated to your daisy supplies so they are always ready to grab for five or ten minutes of crafting during a break, while waiting for an appointment, or during the evening. These small flowers are genuinely perfect for using those short windows of time throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use acrylic yarn? Absolutely. Acrylic is affordable, machine-washable, and available in an enormous range of colors, making it an excellent choice for decorative flowers. Cotton yarn is another great option — it produces a slightly stiffer, crisper fabric that holds its shape very well. Wool gives a lovely soft texture and blocks beautifully.
My petals are curling. What should I do? Curling usually indicates tension that is a little too tight, or that the double crochet stitches within each petal are being pulled too snugly. Try relaxing your grip slightly and using a hook that is half a size larger. Blocking with a damp cloth and a warm iron will also resolve most curling.
My center ring has a small hole. Is that a problem? A small hole in the center is completely normal, especially if you used a foundation chain ring instead of a magic ring. It does not affect the durability or appearance of the flower in any meaningful way. If it bothers you, you can work a few stitches into the hole with your yarn needle to close it during finishing.
Can I make this flower without a magic ring? Yes, as described earlier. Chain 4, slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring, and work your Round 1 stitches into the center of the ring. This is an entirely valid method and many experienced crocheters still use it by preference.
**How do I attach the flower to
