
Crochet Lotus Flower Pattern Tutorial – DIY Amigurumi Flower Chart
Few things in the world of fiber arts combine elegance and accessibility the way a crocheted lotus flower does. Whether you want to create a decorative accent for a bouquet, a standalone amigurumi piece, or a finishing touch for a hat or bag, the lotus flower is one of those timeless crochet projects that always earns second glances. In this complete tutorial, you’ll find everything you need: materials, stitch abbreviations, gauge information, a full written pattern with row-by-row instructions, and tips to help you customize your lotus flower to your heart’s content.
If you’ve crocheted a basic flower before, this pattern will feel like a natural next step. If you’re newer to crochet, don’t worry — the techniques here are well within reach, and the step-by-step instructions will walk you through every detail. Let’s dive in.
What Is an Amigurumi Flower?
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures and objects. While most people associate amigurumi with adorable animals and kawaii characters, the term extends to any small, three-dimensional crocheted object worked in the round. An amigurumi flower, like this lotus, is typically made in separate pieces — petals, a center, and sometimes leaves — and then assembled into a finished piece that stands up, holds its shape, and looks incredibly lifelike.
The lotus flower is a particularly beautiful subject for amigurumi because of its layered, cupped petals and its cultural symbolism of beauty and resilience. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus represents spiritual awakening. In fiber arts, it represents a satisfying afternoon project with stunning results.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything so you won’t have to pause mid-project.
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4) works beautifully for a larger decorative lotus. For a smaller, more delicate flower, try sport or DK weight. You’ll want two or three colors — a main petal color (such as soft pink, blush, white, or lavender), a secondary petal color for the inner petals (slightly deeper or lighter than the main color), and a contrasting yellow or gold for the center.
Hook: A 3.5mm hook for DK weight or a 4.0–4.5mm hook for worsted weight. Always match your hook to your yarn and adjust based on your tension.
Other supplies:
- Polyfill stuffing or a small amount of fiberfill (optional, for a puffier center)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembling pieces
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful when working in the round)
- Optional: floral wire or pipe cleaners if you want to mount the lotus on a stem
Gauge
Gauge matters less here than in wearables, but for reference: with a 4.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn, you should get approximately 16 stitches and 18 rows to 4 inches in single crochet. Your finished lotus flower will measure approximately 4–5 inches across, depending on your yarn weight and tension. If you want a larger flower, simply go up a hook size or use bulkier yarn.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet (also called triple crochet)
- MR – magic ring (also called magic circle or adjustable ring)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- rnd – round
- BLO – back loop only
- FLO – front loop only
- sp – space
- [ ] – repeat instructions inside brackets the number of times indicated
Pattern Overview
The lotus flower is made in the following components:
- The flower center (a small, rounded disc)
- Inner petals (4–5 smaller petals worked in the round)
- Outer petals (5–6 larger petals worked in the round)
- Leaves (optional, 2–3 elongated leaves)
All pieces are worked separately and assembled at the end. The layered construction is what gives the lotus its beautiful, dimensional look.
Part One: The Flower Center
The center disc creates the iconic flat, rounded pad at the heart of the lotus. Use your yellow or gold yarn here.
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: [Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] around. (18 sts)
Round 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] around. (24 sts)
Round 5: Work 1 sc in each st around. Do not increase. (24 sts)
Slip stitch to join the last round, then fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Your center should look like a small, flat circle with a slightly raised edge. If you’d like a puffier center, stuff it lightly with fiberfill before sewing it closed when assembling.
Part Two: Inner Petals
The inner petals are smaller and more upright, mimicking the way a lotus bud opens toward its center. Work these in your secondary petal color — one shade deeper or lighter than your main color creates beautiful dimension, but matching colors look equally lovely.
You’ll make 5 inner petals and join them into a ring.
Each inner petal is worked flat (back and forth in rows) and then the petals are joined together.
Row 1: Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, 5 dc in last ch (this creates the rounded top of the petal). Now rotate and work back along the other side of the foundation chain: dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next 2 ch. (14 sts total)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 2 sts, hdc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 5 sts (around the top curve), dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, sc in last 2 sts. Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for assembly.
Make 5 of these inner petals.
Joining the inner petals: Lay all 5 petals face-up and arrange them in a circle so that the base of each petal overlaps slightly with the next. Using your yarn needle and one of the long tails, whipstitch the bases together to form a ring. The petals should fan outward and curve slightly upward, like the inner layer of a real lotus blossom. Secure all ends and set aside.
Part Three: Outer Petals
The outer petals are larger, wider, and sit at a lower angle, forming the full skirt of the lotus. Use your main petal color for these. You’ll make 6 outer petals.
Each outer petal (worked flat, in rows):
Row 1: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, tr in next ch, 5 tr in last ch (the tip). Rotate your work and come back along the other side: tr in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next 2 ch. (18 sts total)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, tr in next 2 sts, hdc in next 5 sts (around the top), tr in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in last st. (18 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sl st in first st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, tr in next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts (around the top), tr in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in last st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Make 6 outer petals.
Joining the outer petals: Arrange all 6 petals in a circle, base ends meeting at the center. Use your yarn needle to whipstitch the bases together, then reinforce by working a few stitches through all layers. The outer petals should fan out like the spokes of a wheel. Set aside.
Part Four: Leaves (Optional)
Leaves aren’t traditional for a standalone lotus amigurumi, but they add wonderful depth if you’re using the flower as a decorative display piece or attaching it to a bag. Use a medium or dark green yarn.
Each leaf (make 2–3):
Row 1: Ch 12. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch (tip of the leaf). Rotate and work back along the other side: sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next 2 ch. (24 sts total)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in each st around, working 3 sc into the center tip stitch. Sl st to join. Fasten off, leaving a tail for assembly.
For added texture, you can create a leaf vein by threading a length of green yarn through the center of the leaf from base to tip and knotting it at each end.
Assembly
Now comes the most satisfying part of the process — bringing all your pieces together into a finished lotus flower.
Step 1: Lay your outer petal ring face-up on a flat surface.
Step 2: Center your inner petal ring on top of the outer ring, rotating it slightly so the inner petals are staggered between the outer petals. This staggered placement creates the full, layered look of a real lotus blossom.
Step 3: Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, sew the inner petal ring to the outer ring through the center. Work several stitches through both layers to secure them firmly.
Step 4: Position the flower center disc on top of everything, in the middle of the inner petal ring. Sew it down securely, making sure to catch the base of the inner petals as you stitch around the edge of the disc.
Step 5: If you’re attaching leaves, tuck them underneath the outer petal ring before sewing everything together, or stitch them to the back after assembly, fanning them out behind the flower.
Step 6: Weave in all remaining ends. Give your lotus a gentle shaping with your hands, curving the outer petals downward and the inner petals upward to mimic the natural form of the flower.
Tips for a Perfect Lotus
A few small adjustments can take your lotus from lovely to extraordinary.
Blocking: If your petals look a little uneven or flat, try wet blocking. Lightly mist the finished flower with water, pin each petal into its desired shape on a foam blocking mat, and allow it to dry completely. The difference is remarkable.
Stiffening: For a lotus that will be displayed and handled frequently, a light misting of fabric stiffener or a mixture of white craft glue diluted in water will help the petals hold their shape. Brush it on with a foam brush, reshape the petals, and let dry.
Color choices: Lotus flowers come in pink, white, red, purple, and yellow. Don’t feel confined to realistic colors, though — a gradient yarn in a single skein creates a beautiful ombre effect across the petals, and bold colors like coral or deep magenta make striking statement pieces. Variegated yarn can mimic the natural color variation in real lotus petals.
Size adjustments: To make a miniature lotus for a bouquet or hair accessory, use fingering weight yarn and a 2.0–2.5mm hook, and reduce each petal by 2–3 rows. To make an oversized statement piece or pillow accent, use super bulky yarn and adjust your hook accordingly.
Stem: For a standing lotus, insert a length of floral wire or a wooden skewer through the center of the assembled flower, securing it with a few stitches or a dab of hot glue. Wrap the wire with green yarn or floral tape to create a stem.
Ways to Use Your Crochet Lotus Flower
Once you have your basic pattern down, the possibilities are genuinely wide open. A single lotus flower makes a beautiful brooch when you attach a pin back to the rear. A cluster of three in graduating sizes creates a stunning centerpiece when arranged in a shallow bowl with decorative stones. You can sew a lotus onto a crocheted or knitted bag as an appliqué, use it as a headband or clip accent, or attach several to a garland for a boho nursery decoration.
Crochet lotus flowers also make incredibly thoughtful handmade gifts. A bouquet of crocheted lotus flowers, arranged with wire stems in a small vase, lasts forever in a way that real flowers never can. Teachers, mothers, friends, and anyone who appreciates handmade things will love receiving one.
If you crochet with children or teach crochet to beginners, this pattern — simplified to just the outer petals and center — makes a wonderful starter project. The magic ring and working in rows are two foundational skills that this project reinforces in a rewarding, visual way.
Saving and Sharing This Pattern
If you make a lotus flower using this pattern, please share it! Tagging your finished projects on social media with relevant crochet hashtags helps build a wonderful community of makers who can inspire each other. Seeing the range of colors, sizes, and creative variations that different makers produce is one of the most joyful aspects of the crochet community.
You’re welcome to make items using this pattern to sell at craft fairs or in online shops. If you share the pattern itself, please link back to this original tutorial rather than reproducing the full text, so other makers can find the complete instructions along with all the tips and photos.
Final Thoughts
The crochet lotus flower is one of those rare patterns that looks complex but rewards patient, steady work with a genuinely beautiful result. Whether this is your first amigurumi-style project or your fiftieth, the lotus has a way of making you slow down and enjoy the process — round by round, petal by petal.
There’s something deeply fitting about crocheting a lotus flower. The actual lotus plant grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom in pristine beauty. Your crocheted version rises from a tangle of yarn and a few basic stitches into something worth displaying. If you get stuck, go slowly, trust the pattern, and give yourself permission to frog a row and try again. That’s not failure — that’s craftsmanship.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every petal.