Classic Red Poppy Remembrance Brooch: Free Crochet Pattern

Few symbols carry as much quiet power as the red poppy. Worn every year in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, this small flower has become one of the most recognizable tokens of respect and memory in the world. There is something deeply meaningful about choosing to make your own poppy brooch by hand rather than simply pinning on a paper one — it takes a little time, a little care, and results in something you can wear year after year.

This free pattern will walk you through how to crochet a classic red poppy brooch from scratch. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for your first small project or an experienced crafter wanting a quick and meaningful make, this pattern is designed to be accessible, satisfying, and beautiful. You will end up with a sturdy, dimensional poppy that holds its shape well, looks elegant on a coat lapel, and feels personal in a way that no shop-bought version quite can.

Let us start from the very beginning.

The Story Behind the Poppy

Before we pick up our hooks, it is worth taking a moment to think about why this small red flower matters so much. The poppy as a symbol of remembrance grew out of the battlefields of World War One, where poppies were among the first wildflowers to bloom across the disturbed soil of Flanders. The image was captured most famously by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in his poem “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915, and the red poppy quickly became associated with both the sacrifice of soldiers and the hope of those left behind.

Today, the red poppy is worn across the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries during the lead-up to Remembrance Day on November 11th. It is a gesture of acknowledgment — a small, visible way of saying that we remember and that we are grateful.

Making your own poppy takes that gesture one step further. It transforms remembrance into a craft, a quiet act of creation that sits alongside quiet acts of reflection.

What You Will Need

This pattern is designed to use materials you may already have in your stash, or that are very inexpensive and easy to find. Here is what you will need to make one classic red poppy brooch.

Yarn: A small amount of red DK or worsted weight yarn for the petals. You will need almost nothing — a few meters at most — so this is a perfect project for using up leftover scraps. You will also need a tiny amount of black yarn or dark brown yarn for the centre, and optionally a small amount of green yarn if you want to add a leaf.

Hook: A 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook works well for DK weight yarn. If you are using worsted weight, a 4mm or 4.5mm hook is ideal. The exact size matters less here than the tension, since this is a decorative piece rather than something that needs to fit precisely.

Embellishments: Black seed beads or small black buttons for the centre of the flower give a lovely finish. You can also use black French knots embroidered in yarn if you prefer to keep things needle-free.

Notions: A brooch pin or safety pin to attach to the back of the finished poppy. These are available from most craft stores and online haberdashery suppliers very cheaply. You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optionally a small piece of stiff felt in black or green to back the brooch and give it more structure.

Optional stiffening: If you want your poppy to hold a very firm, three-dimensional shape, you can lightly starch it or use a small amount of fabric stiffener once it is finished.

Abbreviations and Terms

This pattern is written in UK crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference guide for the stitches used.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
dc — double crochet (this is the same as a single crochet in US terminology)
htr — half treble crochet (US: half double crochet)
tr — treble crochet (US: double crochet)
dtr — double treble crochet (US: treble crochet)
MR — magic ring (also called a magic loop or adjustable ring)

If you are more familiar with US terminology, the conversion is straightforward: every time you see “dc” in this pattern, think “sc.” Every “tr” is a “dc” in US terms.

Tension and Sizing

Tension is not critical for this project, but as a rough guide, your finished poppy should measure approximately 7 to 8 centimetres across at its widest point when made with DK yarn and a 3.5mm to 4mm hook. If you want a smaller, more delicate poppy, go down a hook size and use a finer yarn. If you want something more dramatic and bold, use a chunky yarn and a larger hook — the pattern scales up beautifully.

The Pattern: Classic Red Poppy Petals

The poppy is worked in two layers of petals that sit on top of each other at a slight angle, giving the finished flower a lovely depth and dimension. The lower layer has four slightly larger petals, and the upper layer has four slightly smaller petals that sit between them.

With red yarn, make a magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, work 8 dc into the magic ring, sl st to the first dc to join. Pull the magic ring closed. (8 stitches)

Round 2 — Lower Petals (make 4 petals):

For each petal, work the following into the stitches of round 1. You will work two stitches together for each petal, so you will use all 8 stitches across the 4 petals.

Petal 1: Ch 1, dc in the same stitch, htr in the next stitch, (tr, ch 2, tr) in the same stitch, htr in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch, ch 1, sl st in the next stitch.

Petals 2, 3, and 4: Repeat the same sequence for each remaining pair of stitches.

By the time you have worked all four petals, you should have a small, four-petalled flower shape. Do not fasten off yet.

Round 3 — Upper Petals (make 4 petals):

Rather than working into the stitches of round 2, you are going to work into the spaces between the lower petals. Turn your flower slightly so you can access the slip stitches at the base of each petal from round 2.

Working into each sl st between petals, work the following:

Petal 1: Ch 2, htr in the same sl st, tr in the same st, dtr in the same st, (tr, htr) in the same st, ch 2, sl st in the same st.

Petals 2, 3, and 4: Repeat the same sequence into each remaining sl st between the lower petals.

The upper petals will naturally sit slightly behind and between the lower petals, giving the flower a lovely, layered look. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

The Centre

The dark, almost black centre of the poppy is one of its most distinctive features. Here are a few different ways you can make it, depending on what materials you have.

Crochet Centre: With black yarn, make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 dc into the ring, sl st to join. Pull the ring closed. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. This small, tight circle of black yarn sits beautifully in the middle of your poppy.

Button Centre: A small black button, between 10mm and 15mm in diameter, sewn firmly into the centre of the flower works extremely well and gives a professional finish. A black shank button is ideal, as the shank holds it slightly away from the fabric and gives it more dimension.

Bead Centre: Sewing several black seed beads in a cluster to the centre of the flower creates a delicate, textured look that catches the light beautifully.

Embroidered Centre: Using a yarn needle and black yarn, work several French knots in a small cluster in the centre of the flower. This is the most rustic option but can look wonderfully handmade and charming.

Whichever method you choose, attach your centre securely to the middle of the flower, making sure your stitching does not show on the front.

Adding a Leaf (Optional)

A small green leaf is a lovely addition to your poppy brooch, and it takes only a few minutes to make. Traditional remembrance poppies do not always include a leaf, but if you want to add one, here is a simple pattern.

With green yarn, ch 8.

Row 1: Sl st in the second ch from hook, dc in the next ch, htr in the next 2 ch, dc in the next ch, sl st in the next ch. You should now be at the tip of the leaf. Do not turn. Work back down the other side of the chain: sl st in the same stitch as the last sl st, dc in the next ch, htr in the next 2 ch, dc in the next ch, sl st in the last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

You can fold or pinch the base of the leaf very slightly to give it a natural curve, then sew it to the back of the flower so it peeks out from behind the petals at whatever angle looks most natural to you.

Finishing Your Brooch

Now that your poppy is assembled, it is time to finish it into a proper brooch.

Backing: Cut a small circle of black or dark green felt — about 3 to 4 centimetres in diameter — and use it as a backing for the flower. This serves several purposes: it gives the brooch stability, prevents the brooch pin from distorting the crochet fabric, and gives the back a neat, professional look. Hold the felt against the back of your flower and use small whip stitches in a matching thread colour to sew around the edges, attaching it firmly.

Brooch pin: Thread a length of strong sewing thread and sew your brooch pin to the felt backing, making sure it is positioned in the upper third of the circle (this ensures the brooch hangs correctly when worn and does not tip forward). Sew through both holes of the pin bar several times and secure the thread very firmly.

Optional stiffening: If you would like your poppy to hold a particularly crisp, three-dimensional shape, you can lightly spray it with starch or apply a small amount of fabric stiffener using a brush before attaching the backing. Allow it to dry completely in the shape you want — propping the petals open with small pieces of tissue while it dries is helpful. This step is entirely optional; many people prefer the soft, natural drape of unstiffened crochet.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

A few small things can make a significant difference to your finished brooch.

Work your magic ring tightly. The centre of the poppy is the most visible point, and a loose magic ring will leave an unsightly hole. Pull it closed firmly before working your first round.

Do not skip weaving in your ends thoroughly. Because a brooch gets handled and pinned repeatedly, any loose ends can work their way free over time. Weave in at least 5 to 6 centimetres in each direction for security.

If your petals are curling inward rather than lying flat, try blocking your flower gently. Dampen it slightly, shape the petals with your fingers, and allow it to dry flat on a towel. This usually solves the problem immediately.

If you find the upper and lower petals sitting on top of each other rather than interleaving, use your fingers to gently arrange them while the flower is still slightly damp from blocking. They will dry in position and hold their shape well.

For a more traditional, slightly matte finish, avoid yarn with any sheen or synthetic content. Pure wool or a wool-cotton blend gives a lovely result. For a more contemporary poppy with a subtle sheen, a cotton or bamboo yarn in a deep red is beautiful.

Making Multiple Poppies

Once you have made one poppy, you will likely find the pattern goes very quickly — most crocheters can complete the flower itself in under half an hour. This makes it an excellent project for making several at once, either to wear yourself on different coats and jackets, to give as gifts, or to donate to a local remembrance charity or community group.

Schools, care homes, and community centers often welcome donations of handmade poppies for remembrance displays in November. A wreath made from dozens of handcrafted poppies arranged on a wire frame makes a breathtaking and deeply personal tribute.

If you are making many poppies and want to vary the look, try experimenting with the number of petals (six petals instead of four gives a slightly more naturalistic flower shape), the weight of yarn, or small details like a yellow centre instead of black for a different species of poppy. Each variation takes on its own character while keeping the essential spirit of the symbol intact.

Storing and Caring for Your Poppy Brooch

A crochet poppy brooch is surprisingly sturdy and, with a little care, will last for many years. Store it pinned to a piece of fabric or card rather than loose in a drawer, where it could get squashed and lose its shape. If it does get a little flat over time, a very brief steam — holding it carefully over a kettle or using a garment steamer from a few centimetres away — will puff the petals back up beautifully. Allow it to cool and dry in shape before wearing.

If your yarn is wool-based, be aware that wool can felt slightly if it gets wet and is then agitated. Keep your brooch away from heavy rain, and if it does get wet, let it dry naturally in a good shape rather than pressing or squashing it.

A Final Thought

There is something quietly powerful about spending an hour with red yarn and a small hook, making something that carries this much meaning. Remembrance crafts have a long history — women knitting for soldiers, communities sewing together, hands busy with thread while minds turned toward those who were far away or gone. Making a poppy brooch by hand connects you to that tradition in a small but genuine way.

Wear your handmade poppy with pride. Pin it to your coat, your bag, or your hat. When someone asks about it — and people often do ask about handmade things — you will have the chance to say that you made it yourself. That small conversation, that moment of noticing, is itself a kind of remembrance.

We hope you enjoy making this pattern. If you do, we would love to see your finished poppies — share them in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And if you found this pattern helpful, please feel free to share it with friends and family who might want to make their own.

Lest we forget.